Top Things to Do in Fargo, North Dakota

True, Fargo, North Dakota, is remote (235 miles northwest of Minneapolis). But the notion that everyone here is a little provincial? That's Hollywood fiction.

Downtown Fargo (population 109,779) offers appealing shops and restaurants, a boutique hotel, and a beautifully restored cinema, all within easy walking distance from each other. Across the Red River in Moorhead, Minnesota, the Historical and Cultural Society of Clay County is a fascinating historical counterpoint to ever-hipper Fargo.

Click ahead for some of our favorite places to see, shop, eat and stay in Fargo.

More information: (800) 235-7654; fargomoorhead.org

One of the area's coolest attractions is actually across the river in Moorhead, Minnesota. The society's Hjemkomst Center features a full-scale replica of a Viking ship, as well as a replica of the Hopperstad Stave Church, the original of which is located in Vik, Norway; and a Red River Valley exhibit explaining the history and culture of the area. (218) 299-5511; hcscconline.org

Located in the renovated International Harvester warehouse, this downtown standout is beautiful inside and out. The collection includes works by artists as varied as Impressionist Mary Cassatt and Native American contemporary artist George Morrison. (701) 232-3821; plainsart.org

The 1926 movie palace's glittering marquee announces live performances and film showings, including the occasional silent-movie night, when a Wurlitzer organ accompanies black-and-white flicks. (701) 239-8385; fargotheatre.com

Interpreters and 40 buildings on 12 acres re-create life when "bonanza" farms ruled the prairies in the late 1800s. Bonanzaville USA in West Fargo includes just about every type of building and business that might have made up a small North Dakota town when the area was being settled—a log cabin, blacksmith shop, school, drug store, general store, creamery, saloon, newspaper office, bank, barbershop and more. (701) 282-2822; bonanzaville.org 

This sprawling green space and campground sits along the Red River. In summer, rent bikes near the information center. (701) 499-6060; fargoparks.com

Volunteer tour guides—aged 10 to 95—shed light on a rotating collection of vintage airplanes, many of which are still able to fly. (701) 293-8043; fargoairmuseum.org

Guided Red River pontoon rides are an affordable way to enjoy the outdoors in the city. Rides last 45 minutes and are offered Memorial Day to Labor Day, when weather and river conditions permit. (701) 235-2895; riverkeepers.org

• Nichole's Fine Pastry Cakes, tarts, pastries and gelato line up like edible art in the cases. A recent expansion means more seating, a bigger breakfast menu, and more fabulous soups and sandwiches for lunch (pictured). (701) 232-6430; nicholesfinepastry.com

• Cafe Aladdin You'll enjoy the laid-back feel and Mediterranean flavors, as well as specialty grocery items. Try the savory sampler with spanakopita, falafel, baba ghanoush, hummus and stuffed grape leaves. (701) 298-0880; cafealaddinfargo.com

• Monte's Downtown This favorite offers a sophisticated atmosphere and tempting entrees, such as macadamia-crusted halibut and wild mushroom soup. They also have a light menu for late-night eats. (701) 526-0149; montesdowntown.com

• O'Day Cache Browse among colorful slippers, lanterns and other Asian imports (pictured). (701) 293-2088; odaycache.com

• Zandbroz Variety Jewelry, toys, books, home decor items and more pack this eclectic store, which has a branch in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, as well as Fargo. (701) 239-4729; zandbroz.com

The historic Hotel Donaldson features artwork in its 17 stylish rooms and intimate fine-dining restaurant. The hotel includes the HoDo Lounge and seasonal Sky Prairie Lounge, both great places for a cocktail or postshow tapas. The three-story, corner brick building was built by the Fargo Odd Fellows Lodge in 1894. From $179. (701) 478-1000; hoteldonaldson.com