Fargo Trip Guide
This city on North Dakota’s eastern border beckons with sophisticated food, cool shops and classy accommodations. Check out our trip guide for ideas on what to do, where to eat and where to stay.
Do
Bonanzaville USA USA Explore 40-plus buildings (such as a general store, log cabin, blacksmith shop and saloon) that simulate life when “bonanza” farms—huge acreages, most of which grew wheat—ruled the prairies in the late 1800s. bonanzaville.org
Downtown Fargo Street Fair Downtown buzzes in mid-July, with 250 booths of goods handmade by artists from across the country. Billed as North Dakota's largest free outdoor event, it also has plenty of fair-style food. downtownfargo.com
Fargo Air Museum Volunteer guides explain the history of the airplanes on display, from a replica of the Wright Brothers’ Flyer to an unmanned drone with a 100-foot wingspan. fargoairmuseum.org
Fargo-Moorhead Visitors Center Grab a fur-lined bomber hat and pose with the wood chipper from the Coen brothers' cult-classic film Fargo. fargomoorhead.org
Fargo Theatre The marquee of this restored 1926 Art Deco spot announces its independent films, concerts and other live events. fargotheatre.org
Hjemkomst Center In neighboring Moorhead, Minnesota, a full-scale replica of a Viking ship stands as the centerpiece of this museum. Other exhibits include a re-creation of an ancient stave church. cityofmoorhead.com
Plains Art Museum The sunny former International Harvester building houses a collection of 4,000 pieces, including contemporary Native American art. Admission is free. plainsart.org
Unglued The indie emporium stocks handmade goods—think a brick-and-mortar Etsy—from 250 local and regional artists. ungluedmarket.com
Zandbroz Variety Coffee-table books and titles by local and regional authors fill shelves in this independent bookshop, which branches out to include jewelry, tableware and gifts. zandbroz.com
Red River Market Every Saturday from mid-July to October, enjoy fresh produce, live music and food trucks along 1st Avenue. Be sure to check out the area’s evolving street art scene. redriver.market
Eat
46 North Pints and Provisions Downtown’s newest gastropub dishes a fresh take on fare such as fish and chips, plus a rye flight and cocktails. Try the Hired Man (beer and a shot). 46northpintsandprovisions.com
Blackbird Woodfire Soft, chewy crusts with North Dakota flour support premium toppings on wood-fired pizzas. blackbirdwoodfire.com
Bernbaum’s Nordic flavors—lamb with lingonberries, smoked trout salad—combine with Jewish standbys like matzo ball soup and swoon-inducing bagels at a new Broadway location. bernbaums.com
Brewhalla Drekker Brewing Company's new location features a taproom, event space and patio in a restored 1880s railroad building. Try bold brews like Techno Viking. drekkerbrewing.com
Ishtar Mediterranean Cuisine Meals like chicken shawarma, stuffed grape leaves and lentil rice reflect the international flavors that entrepreneurial immigrants are bringing to the city. Ishtar Mediterranean Cuisine's Facebook Page
Luna Fargo Creative fare might include duck breast with bok choy and wild blueberries. Purple Rain ice cream? Don’t ask—just eat. lunafargo.com
Mezzaluna Fine dining spotlights pan-seared salmon and bison meatloaf. Staffers at the U-shape marble bar shake up high-end cocktails. dinemezzaluna.com
Twenty Below Coffee Company The owners call their shop a "radically inclusive" space. On some days, that might mean a potluck lunch at the community table for anyone who brings food. 20below.coffee
Wild Terra Cider and Brewing Sip on-tap ciders and kombucha teas in a former stable converted to a loft-like cidery with reclaimed wood. wildterraciderandbrewing.com
Stay
Hotel Donaldson Regional art adorns the 17 rooms in this 1893 brick hotel. The HoDo Restaurant serves smoked bison hanger steak as well as daily vegan creations. hoteldonaldson.com
Element Fargo Stylish rooms, bright public spaces, a 24-hour fitness center and pool offer a welcoming stay. marriott.com
For more information visit fargomoorhead.org