Fargo Travel Guide

Explore the best of Fargo with our comprehensive travel guide. Discover the top attractions, outdoor adventures, local culture, food scene, and more.


Introduction to Fargo

Located in the heart of North Dakota, Fargo is a vibrant and lively city that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and urban attractions. It is the largest city in North Dakota and is situated in the Red River Valley. Fargo has something to offer for everyone, be it young travelers, families, or retirees.

List of Places to Visit in Fargo

Fargo has an amazing blend of natural and cultural attractions. Here are some of the top places that you should not miss when you visit Fargo:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. The Fargo Air Museum - This museum is home to a vast collection of historic aircraft, including a Douglas DC-3 and a P-51 Mustang fighter plane.

  2. The Fargo-Moorhead Visitors Center - This center is a great place to start your trip to Fargo as it provides detailed information about the city’s offerings.

  3. The Plains Art Museum - This museum houses contemporary art by regional and national artists.

  4. Bonanzaville USA - It is a historical museum that exhibits the history of early pioneers and homesteaders who settled in the Red River Valley.

  5. The Fargo Theatre - This historic theater was built in the 1920s and is still operational. It hosts classic films, live performances, and concerts.

Natural Attractions of Fargo: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Lindenwood Park - This expansive park features a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking and biking trails, a disc golf course, and a nature reserve.

  2. Red River Zoo - It is home to over 600 animals from different parts of the world, including tigers, gibbons, and red pandas.

  3. The Red River - This river runs through the city and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can hike, fish, and kayak on the river.

  4. The Buffalo River State Park - It is situated on the eastern edge of North Dakota and offers camping, hiking, and skiing opportunities.

  5. The Sheyenne River Valley Scenic Byway - This 63-mile road trip offers scenic views of the Sheyenne River Valley and has many designated stops along the way.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Fargo

Fargo has many scenic trails for hiking and biking. Here are some of the popular ones:

  • Red River Trail - It is a 5-mile paved trail along the Red River, starting from the downtown area.

  • Gooseberry Mound Park Trail - It is a short, easy hiking trail with amazing views of the city.

  • Buffalo River State Park Trails - These trails offer a range of difficulty levels for hikers and bikers.

  • Lindenwood Park Trails - These trails run through the park and are perfect for a leisurely stroll.

Best Things to Do in Fargo: Activities and Tours

  1. Fargo-Moorhead Symphony Orchestra - It is North Dakota’s largest orchestra, offering classical and contemporary music.

  2. Fargo Escape Room - It is an interactive puzzle game that challenges visitors to solve a series of puzzles and clues to “escape” the room.

  3. Fargo Brewing Company - It offers craft beers and tasting tours.

  4. The High Plains Reader - It is Fargo’s alternative news source that covers local and national news, music, art, and culture.

  5. Fargo-Moorhead Visitors Center Guided Tours - These tours provide a detailed exploration of the city’s attractions and points of interest.

Week-Long Itinerary for Fargo

Day Activity
Day 1 Visit Bonanzaville USA, Red River Zoo
Day 2 Visit Fargo Air Museum, The Plains Art Museum
Day 3 Go bike or hike at Lindenwood Park, Fargo Escape Room
Day 4 Take a scenic drive on Sheyenne River Valley Scenic Byway, Buffalo River State Park
Day 5 Fargo Theatre, Fargo-Moorhead Symphony Orchestra
Day 6 The High Plains Reader, Fargo Brewing Company
Day 7 Explore local markets for souvenirs, try some local cuisine

Food and Drink Scene of Fargo

Fargo’s food scene is an eclectic mix of traditional American fare and international cuisine. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Knoephla Soup - It is a traditional German dish made with dumplings and chicken broth.

  2. Lefse - It is a Norwegian potato-based flatbread, served with butter and sugar.

  3. Hotdish - It is a casserole dish that typically consists of ground beef, tater tots, and cream soup.

  4. Frybread - It is a Native American dish made of fried dough, served with honey or powdered sugar.

Local Beverages

  1. Fargo Brewing Company - It serves a variety of craft beers that are made in-house.

  2. Proof Artisan Distillers - It is a local distillery that produces vodka, whiskey, and gin.

  3. Twenty Below Coffee Co. - It is a cozy coffee shop that serves a variety of coffee drinks and baked goods.

Where to Stay in Fargo: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Fargo has a variety of accommodation options to suit every budget and preference. Here are some popular options:

  1. The Hotel Donaldson - It is a boutique hotel located in the heart of downtown Fargo.

  2. Fargo Inn and Suites - It offers budget-friendly accommodation with a range of amenities for travelers.

  3. Hostelling International Fargo - It is a backpacker-friendly hostel located near the university area.

  4. Radisson Hotel Fargo - It is a four-star hotel with modern amenities and a great location.

What to Buy in Fargo: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  1. The Plains Art Museum Gift Shop - It has a variety of unique items, including handmade jewelry, pottery, and textiles.

  2. Stabo Scandinavian Imports - It sells a variety of Scandinavian goods, including books, clothing, and home decor.

  3. Vinyl Giant Records - It is a record store that has a large selection of vinyl records and other music-related items.

Local Culture and Customs of Fargo

Fargo has a mix of cultures and traditions, including indigenous, Scandinavian, and German. Visitors should be respectful of local customs and traditions, especially when visiting religious or cultural sites.

Best Time to Visit Fargo

The best time to visit Fargo is from June to August when the weather is warm, and the city enjoys a range of outdoor activities. However, in winter, Fargo can be quite cold and snowy, which might not be ideal for everyone.

Do’s and Don’ts of Fargo

Do:

  1. Do explore the city’s natural and cultural attractions.

  2. Do try the local cuisine and beers.

  3. Do take the time to learn about local customs and traditions.

Don’t:

  1. Don’t underestimate the cold and snowy winter weather.

  2. Don’t disrespect local customs and traditions.

Safety and Health

Safety in Fargo

Fargo is a relatively safe city, but visitors should be aware of their surroundings and take precautions to protect themselves from pickpocketing and other petty crimes.

Health in Fargo

Visitors should be aware that North Dakota has a low population density, and access to healthcare services may be limited. Visitors should ensure that they have health insurance that covers medical expenses in case of any emergency.

Getting to Fargo: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Fargo

The Hector International Airport is located a few miles from downtown Fargo and is served by several airlines, including Delta, American, and Allegiant.

Bus Stations Near Fargo

Greyhound and Jefferson Lines operate bus services to and from Fargo.

Other Options

There are several car rental companies that offer their services to visitors in Fargo.

How to Get Around in Fargo

Fargo has a well-developed public transportation system that includes buses and taxis. Visitors can also hire rental cars, bikes, and cycling tours.

Where to Go Next from Fargo: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Fargo is well-connected to several other cities in North Dakota, including Grand Forks, Jamestown, and Minot. Visitors can also explore nearby attractions such as the Teddy Roosevelt National Park and the International Peace Garden.

Conclusion

Fargo is a charming city with an amazing mix of natural wonders, cultural attractions, and modern amenities. It is a perfect destination for travelers who love outdoor adventures, history, and culture. This comprehensive travel guide contains everything visitors need to plan a memorable trip to Fargo.

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