Fargo sits on the North Dakota–Minnesota border at the Red River, 75 miles east of the geographic center of North America. It’s the largest city in the Dakotas and a genuine regional center - the downtown Broadway district has developed a compact walkable core with quality independent restaurants, arts venues, and the Plains Art Museum, which stands out significantly for a city of 130,000. Winter is genuinely severe; summer and fall are the workable visiting seasons for most travelers.
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Plains Art Museum
Plains Art Museum (704 1st Ave N) occupies a restored 1904 International Harvester warehouse in downtown Fargo - a three-story brick building with original timber framing. Adults approximately $10, children (6–17) approximately $5 (as of 2026). Open Tuesday–Saturday 11am–6pm, Sunday noon–5pm; closed Monday.
The permanent collection focuses on contemporary and modern art with particular depth in Indigenous artwork from the Northern Plains - Lakota, Dakota, Ojibwe, and Mandan traditions are well-represented. The Permanent Collection galleries hold approximately 3,500 objects. Rotating contemporary exhibitions are regularly high quality. The museum’s architecture and scale (more than 25,000 square feet of exhibition space) are both stronger than expected for the city’s size.
Downtown Fargo - Broadway and NP Avenue
Broadway (running north–south through downtown) and NP Avenue (the east–west commercial street) form the city’s walkable core, about six blocks in each direction.
Key stops:
- Fargo Theatre (314 Broadway N) - a 1926 movie palace with an active calendar of art films, concerts, and events; the neon marquee is the visual landmark of downtown Fargo. Check fargotheatre.org for current programming.
- Drekker Brewing (1666 1st Ave N) - the most ambitious craft brewery in Fargo, with a large taproom and kitchen; the Dreamboat IPA and sour program are consistently strong
- Vinyl Taco (226 Broadway N) - Fargo’s best casual Mexican; fast-casual format with local tortillas and Verde-style preparations
- Würst Bier Hall (630 NP Ave) - German-style beer hall format with 50+ taps; the longest tap list in the state and a reliable late-night option
- JL Beers (723 Main Ave) - Fargo’s most popular burger bar; long-running local institution with North Dakota craft beer focus and a short but reliable menu
The NP Arts District (NP Ave between 7th and 10th Streets) has the highest concentration of galleries, independent shops, and studio spaces.
Roger Maris Museum
Roger Maris Museum (3902 13th Ave S, in the West Acres Shopping Center) is a free museum dedicated to the Fargo native who broke Babe Ruth’s single-season home run record in 1961 with 61 home runs while playing for the New York Yankees. The collection includes the bat Maris used during the record-setting season, trophies, photographs, and memorabilia from his career. Free admission; located inside the West Acres mall, accessible during mall hours.
Bonanzaville USA
Bonanzaville USA (1351 Main Ave W, West Fargo - 5 miles west of downtown) is a reconstructed pioneer village with approximately 40 historical structures from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, representing the settlement era of the Red River Valley. Adults approximately $12, children approximately $8 (as of 2026). Open May through September, Tuesday–Saturday.
The museum complex includes a train depot, general store, school, and farm equipment exhibits documenting the region’s wheat agriculture heritage. The Bonanza Farm era (1870s–1890s), when industrial-scale wheat production transformed the Red River Valley, is the central historical theme.
Red River and Outdoor Activities
The Red River forms the North Dakota–Minnesota border and runs along Fargo’s eastern edge. The Red River State Recreation Area (across the river in Moorhead, Minnesota) has paved trails along the river suitable for walking and cycling. The river floods significantly most springs (April–May) - the city’s extensive flood protection infrastructure (permanent flood walls and diversion channel) is visible from several vantage points.
Lindenwood Park (1635 Riverside Dr, east of downtown) has mature cottonwood trees, picnic areas, and lagoon access along the Red River. A popular summer destination for locals.
Fargo Air Museum (1609 19th Ave N, near Hector Airport) covers North Dakota’s aviation history with approximately 30 restored aircraft, including WWII-era planes and early crop dusters. Adults approximately $10 (as of 2026). Worth 90 minutes for aviation enthusiasts.
Day Trips from Fargo
- Moorhead, MN (across the river, 5 miles east) - the Minnesota State University campus and the Hjemkomst Center (402 1st Ave N), housing a full-scale Viking ship replica built by a local teacher in the 1970s–80s; adults approximately $12
- Medora, ND (170 miles west via I-94) - gateway to Theodore Roosevelt National Park’s South Unit; the Badlands scenery and prairie dog towns are the primary draws; approximately 2.5-hour drive
Guided Tours Worth Booking in Advance
| Tour | Duration | From | Book |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fargo Downtown Historic Walking Tour | 1.5 hrs | $25 | Book |
| Fargo Arts District & Craft Beer Tour | 2.5 hrs | $49 | Book |
| Red River Valley Heritage Tour | 3 hrs | $45 | Book |
| Theodore Roosevelt National Park Day Trip from Fargo | 10 hrs | $129 | Book |
Browse all Fargo tours on GetYourGuide - free cancellation on most bookings up to 24 hours before departure.