Day 1

Must-see museums abound in Fargo. Knowledgeable guides discuss the changing displays of restored, working vintage airplanes at the Fargo Air Museum; the Plains Art Museum shows off a diverse collection, including works by impressionist Mary Cassatt and Native American artist George Morrison. Just across the river in Moorhead, Minnesota, the Hijemkomst Center features a full-scale replica of a Viking ship. 

When you’re ready to get outside, River Keepers offers 45-minute pontoon tours of Fargo’s Red River. As evening approaches, Monte’s Downtown awaits with macadamia-crusted halibut and wild mushroom soup. Downtown, boutique Hotel Donaldson offers original artwork and a lively bar in a historic building.

Day 2

Shopaholics head to Broadway for independent stores, including Zandbroz Variety (toys, gifts, books and artwork), ScanDesign (modern decor) and O’Day Cache (imports). Here, the Fargo Theatre, an Art Deco movie house, shows independent flicks, and The Nail Bar offers beer and wine with pedicures.

A few blocks south, Nichole’s Fine Pastry serves delicious cakes, as well as soups and sandwiches. Sprawling Lindenwood Park hugs the Red River and is ripe for wandering, either on foot or by bike (rent wheels near the information center).

See reviews and ratings: Fargo Air Museum [1], Plains Art Museum [2], Monte's Downtown [3], Hotel Donaldson [4], Zandbroz Variety [5], Fargo Theatre [6], The Nail Bar [7], Nichole's Fine Pastry [8], and Lindenwood Park [9]. 

For information: Fargo-Moorhead Convention and Visitors Bureau (800) 235-7654; fargomoorhead.org [10]