Fargo surprised me in the best way. I expected quiet streets and prairie skies—but what I found was energy, creativity, and a strong sense of pride. There’s something deeply Midwestern in the way people welcome you here—with warmth and a genuine love for their city. From museum visits to moments of calm in unexpected places, Fargo had its own rhythm. I remember pausing in the middle of the Plains Art Museum and thinking, “This city isn’t trying to be anything other than itself—and that’s what makes it shine.”
Best Things to Do in Fargo, ND
Admire folk art at Plains Art Museum
The Plains Art Museum felt like a breath of fresh air. Inside its industrial-brick walls, I wandered past contemporary pieces that surprised me with their boldness. There was a quiet hum to the space—like everyone walking through was carrying their own kind of reverence. I stood for a while in front of a piece that felt raw and human, and I thought, “Art like this doesn’t just hang—it echoes.”
What I Loved Most: The third-floor gallery filled with regional artists’ work, blending culture, landscape, and history in unexpected ways.
At a Glance:
- Location: 704 1st Ave N, Fargo, ND
- Cost: Free admission
- Hours: Tue–Sat 11am–5pm, Thurs open until 8pm
See historic aircraft at the Fargo Air Museum
This place brought out the kid in me. Wandering among aircraft that once soared above continents and conflicts, I felt something both humbling and proud. Standing under the wings of a sleek warbird, I whispered, “These aren’t just machines—they’re stories with engines.” Volunteers were eager to share anecdotes, and you could tell the whole museum was built on passion.
What I Loved Most: Getting up close to a real P-51 Mustang and seeing a working flight simulator in action.
At a Glance:
- Location: 1609 19th Ave N, Fargo, ND
- Cost: ~$10 adults, $7 children (ages 5–11)
- Hours: Mon–Sat 10am–5pm, Sun 12–5pm
Learn about history at Bonanzaville USA
Walking through Bonanzaville felt like slipping into another era. The 40+ historical buildings—everything from a one-room schoolhouse to a prairie church—offered a glimpse into early settler life in North Dakota. I wandered between cabins and railcars, thinking, “These aren’t just relics—they’re reminders of how far we’ve come.” It was quiet, grounding, and beautifully preserved.
What I Loved Most: Touring the telephone museum and riding the vintage fire truck display route.
At a Glance:
- Location: 1351 Main Ave W, West Fargo, ND
- Cost: ~$12 adults, $6 children (6–16)
- Hours: Seasonal: May–September, Tue–Sat 10am–5pm, Sun 12–5pm
Take the kids to the Red River Zoo
Red River Zoo had a cozy, welcoming vibe—like the animals here were part of something small but mighty. We walked shaded trails, caught glimpses of red pandas, and lingered by the wolves longer than we planned. It felt more intimate than larger zoos, which made the moments feel personal. Watching a child press their nose to the glass, I smiled and thought, “Wonder lives in the simplest things.”
What I Loved Most: The carousel ride and the gray wolf exhibit—peaceful, powerful, and close to nature.
At a Glance:
- Location: 4255 23rd Ave S, Fargo, ND
- Cost: ~$12.75 adults, $9.75 children (2–14)
- Hours: 10am–7pm daily during summer
Take a tour of Fargodome
Stepping into the FARGODOME, I could feel the pulse of the city. Whether it’s a Bison football game or a sold-out concert, the energy inside is electric. It’s the kind of venue where strangers high-five and everyone’s part of the same story. I looked around and thought, “Fargo knows how to show up for its own.” The sound, the scale, the sense of occasion—it all came together here.
What I Loved Most: Watching a North Dakota State game surrounded by roaring fans in green and yellow—it was pure adrenaline.
At a Glance:
- Location: 1800 N University Dr, Fargo, ND
- Cost: Varies by event
- Hours: Open during events
Roger Maris Museum
Tucked quietly into West Acres Mall, the Roger Maris Museum felt like a love letter to one of Fargo’s most celebrated sons. The displays were modest, but the pride was palpable. Watching old footage of his record-breaking season, I thought, “Greatness doesn’t always shout—it sometimes speaks through legacy.”
What I Loved Most: The timeline of Maris’s life alongside historic memorabilia, including his 1961 home run highlights.
At a Glance:
- Location: 3902 13th Ave S, Fargo, ND (inside West Acres Mall)
- Cost: Free
- Hours: Mall hours: Mon–Sat 10am–9pm, Sun 11am–6pm
Lunch at Herd & Horns
After a morning exploring downtown Fargo, we stopped for lunch at Herd & Horns, and it hit the spot. It was part sports bar, part campus hangout, but the food went above and beyond. I ordered the Bison Burger with crispy onions and chipotle mayo, paired with golden fries. Sitting in the buzz of conversation and laughter, I thought, “This is where locals gather to refuel, relax, and root for their teams.”
Meal Highlight: The Bison Burger with pepperjack, crispy onions, and a smoky kick—big, flavorful, unforgettable.
At a Glance:
- Location: 1414 12th Ave N, Fargo, ND
- Cost: ~$12–$18 per entrée
- Hours: Daily 11am–11pm
Conclusion
What makes Fargo special isn’t just the attractions—it’s the feeling that you’re part of something local, something real. Whether you’re exploring aviation history or standing in front of a mural that stops you in your tracks, you’ll find yourself slowing down and soaking it all in. And when you leave, you might just carry a little of that grounded, open-hearted spirit with you.