5 minute read
Major Attractions
Red River Zoo
Open year-round, the Red River Zoo specializes in the care of some of the rarest cold climate species on earth. All the animals come from similar climate conditions to the Red River Valley… so those camels you see actually love the cold! Stop by the colored pencil fence – made up of over 1,000 large colored pencils – and ride the antique 1928 carousel during your visit.
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Woodchipper in Fargo
Although what you see on TV wasn’t actually filmed in Fargo, North Dakota, you can still visit a piece of cinematic history – the original Fargo Woodchipper movie prop (and its stunt double) – at the Fargo-Moorhead Visitors Center. Just off I-94, the Fargo Woodchipper sits ready and waiting for a photo op. The friendly Travel Ambassadors will take your picture as you pretend to push a fake leg into the Fargo “chipper”.
Fargo Theatre
Built in 1926 and beautifully restored, the art deco interior serves as an art house theatre. Beyond movies, it's also one of Fargo’s top venues for concerts, performing arts, and other live events. Two hidden gems sit inside: Wood Chip Marge, a wooden statue carved in the likeness of Marge Gunderson from the 1996 film, Fargo, and The Mighty Wurlitzer, a 1926 pipe organ which scored silent movies and is still played today.
Downtown Fargo
Fargo’s main cultural district fills the most historic section of the city. If you’re looking for uniquely local, Downtown is the place to go with tons of shops, local restaurants, and bars lining the streets. Start your day with craft coffee (pg. 42), then explore local art, get your picture with the Fargo Theatre marquee, buy souvenirs, and shop at local boutiques (pg. 44). Cap the night off with bustling nightlife, live entertainment, and perfectly crafted drinks.
Bonanzaville, USA
Named after the large Bonanza farms that dominated the prairie of the Old West, this pioneer village has 40+ buildings that have been relocated here from across the region. Wander through Fargo’s first house, a country schoolhouse, a saloon and hotel, a prairie church, and a fully-stocked mercantile store. You might even get to talk to a docent in period dress about what life was like on the prairie.
Plains Art Museum
The largest accredited art museum in North Dakota, Plains Art Museum is located in a renovated International Harvester warehouse. This free art museum’s permanent collection has over 4,000 national, international, and regional works, including Native American art. Reserve a guided tour for just $4 per person and have a Plains Art educator show you around or wander at your own pace.
Comstock House
Built in 1882 by an influential lawyer and businessman, Solomon Comstock, this Victorian home was the most expensive house on the block. Reserve a guided tour and learn about its incredible residents and life in the early days on the prairie. There are also multiple events throughout the year like the flashlight tours, Holiday Traditions tours, and more.
Hjemkomst Center & Replica Norwegian Stave Church
Shaped like a big white tent adjacent to the Red River, the Hjemkomst Center has something special inside: a full-size replica Viking ship. Immerse yourself in the Hjemkomst ship’s story through videos and by wandering around its massive hull. Then, check out the art and local history exhibits in the basement and the Stave Church outside.
Rourke Art Gallery + Museum
Located in Downtown Moorhead, the Rourke is housed in a beautiful neoclassical building that is now on the National Register of Historic Places. Curated by a local art aficionado, James Tiernan O’Rourke, the massive permanent collection and rotating exhibits aim to show the art of our time and place. Visit for free during open hours.
The Original Moorhead Dairy Queen
As one of the oldest original stores, the Dairy Queen doesn’t have to follow all modern franchise rules, meaning you won’t find another DQ like this. Walk up to the counter (open Mar. 1 - Oct.31) for original DQ treats like Monkey Tails, Mr. Malties, or Chipper Sandwiches. The famous Dilly Bar was invented at this very location, so try one of these handdipped creations while you take a photo with the 16-foot-tall Dilly Bar statue!
Fargo Air Museum
Wander through two hangars full of aircraft ranging from a Wright Brothers’ flyer to the Global Hawk unmanned surveillance aircraft. 90% of the planes you’ll see inside are still able to fly so you might even see one take to the skies while you’re in town. Wanting to explore on a tour? Step into the past with a veteran docent and hear about which planes they may have flown when they were in the service, or walk it on your own and have the Talking Trails app show you the way.
Roger Maris Museum
Tucked inside West Acres Mall, this Museum pays homage to the great baseball player of the 60s. Watch historic footage in a theater with actual Yankee seats and see many artifacts from Roger’s youth and care. Per his wishes, the museum is accessible and free to all, so stop by and take a peek at the memorabilia whenever the mall is open.