A Local’s Guide to the Top 10 Places to Visit in Fargo, North Dakota

Stay connected with Airtel’s international roaming plans as you explore Fargo’s top 10 places to visit, ensuring reliable communication while discovering the city’s unique attractions, vibrant arts scene, and local charm.

Fargo, North Dakota’s largest city, sits on the Red River bordering Minnesota. With a population of 125,990, it’s a cultural hub known for its friendly Midwestern charm. The city offers a surprising variety of attractions, from historical sites to museums, parks, and unique local experiences. If you’re wondering about the best places to go in Fargo, look no further than this curated list by a born-and-raised Fargoan.

 

1. Bonanzaville USA

Fargo tourist attractions aren’t complete without a trip back in time. Bonanzaville, USA, is a 12-acre pioneer village featuring 43 historic buildings, including a schoolhouse, church, and general store. Costumed docents bring the exhibits to life, demonstrating traditional crafts and sharing stories of frontier life.

 

Bonanzaville Highlights:

• Explore authentic buildings from the 1800s

• Watch artisans at work, from blacksmiths to weavers

• Ride the restored 1950s carousel

 

The museum is open May-September. Admission is $12 for adults, $10 for seniors, $6 for children 4-12. Allow 2-3 hours to tour the village.

 

2. Plains Art Museum

Art enthusiasts searching for places to go in Fargo, ND, shouldn’t miss the Plains Art Museum. Housed in a historic International Harvester warehouse, the museum boasts a diverse collection of traditional and contemporary art.

 

Plains Art Museum Features:

• Over 4,000 works by regional and national artists

• Rotating exhibits showcasing various media and styles

• Unique gift shop with handcrafted items by local artisans

 

Admission is free, with a suggested $5 donation. The museum is open Tuesday-Saturday from 11am-5pm, with extended hours until 7pm on Thursday. Guided tours are available for a fee.

 

3. Fargo Theatre

The art deco Fargo Theatre is a downtown icon and one of the top Fargo places to visit. Built in 1926, the beautifully restored movie palace screens independent films, classic movies, and live performances.

 

Fargo Theatre Tips:

• Check the schedule for special events like silent films with live organ accompaniment

• Arrive early to admire the ornate interior and marquee

• Visit Zandbroz Variety next door, a unique shop selling books, gifts, and vintage finds

 

Movie tickets are $9 for adults, $6.50 for matinees. The theatre is wheelchair accessible. Street parking is free after 5pm and on weekends.

 

4. Red River Zoo

Animal lovers looking for places to go in Fargo will enjoy the Red River Zoo in Fargo, ND. Spread across 33 acres, the zoo is home to over 89 species, including many that are threatened or endangered.

 

Red River Zoo Highlights:

• Feed the friendly goats in the petting zoo

• Watch the playful river otters swim and slide

• Learn about conservation efforts for red pandas and Pallas’s cats

 

Admission is $11.25 for adults, $10.25 for seniors, $8.25 for children 2-14. The zoo is open daily 10am-7pm in summer, with reduced hours in winter. Wheelchairs and strollers are available to rent.

 

5. Hjemkomst Center

 

Step into Nordic culture at the Hjemkomst Center in nearby Moorhead, MN. The highlight is the full-scale replica of a Viking ship that sailed from Duluth to Norway in 1982.

 

Hjemkomst Center Features:

• Exhibits on Scandinavian heritage and the local history

• Replica Hopperstad Stave Church

• Special events like the Midwest Viking Festival in June

 

Admission is $10 for adults, $9 for seniors, $8 for students, and free for children under 5. Hours vary seasonally. Check the website for Stave Church tour times.

 

6. Downtown Fargo

For a taste of local flavour, head to Downtown Fargo. This walkable district is packed with unique shops, restaurants in Fargo, ND, breweries, and street art.

 

Downtown Fargo Musts:

• Shop for quirky gifts at Unglued Market

• Sip craft beer at Fargo Brewing Company

• Snap a selfie with the famous “Greetings from Fargo” mural

 

Download the Fargo Downtown app for a self-guided walking tour of the area’s top sights and public art. Parking is plentiful and inexpensive.

 

7. Lindenwood Park

When the weather’s nice, Lindenwood Park is one of the best places to visit in Fargo. The 135-acre green space along the Red River offers trails, playgrounds, disc golf, and a swimming pool.

 

Lindenwood Park Tips:

• Rent a bike from a nearby shop to explore the trails

• Pack a picnic and relax in the shade of the giant oak trees

• Try your hand at disc golf on the 18-hole course

 

The park is open daily from 6 am-10 pm. Admission is free. Restrooms and drinking fountains are available seasonally.

 

8. Fargo Air Museum

Aviation buffs won’t want to miss the Fargo Air Museum. The museum features historic aircraft, interactive exhibits, and flight simulators.

 

Fargo Air Museum Highlights:

• See a rare P-51D Mustang fighter plane

• Climb into the cockpit of a UH-1 Huey helicopter

• Test your skills in a flight simulator

 

Admission is $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and military, $6 for students 6-17. The museum is open Monday-Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 12pm-5pm. Guided tours are available with advance notice.

 

9. West Acres Shopping Center

West Acres is the region’s largest shopping destination, with over 120 stores and restaurants. It’s a one-stop shop for everything from fashion to electronics.

 

West Acres Tips:

• Check the website for special events and promotions

• Refuel at the food court or sit-down restaurants like Granite City

• Let kids burn off energy at the play area near the food court

 

Mall hours are Monday-Saturday 10 am-9 pm, Sunday 11 am-6 pm. Wheelchairs are available at the customer service desk.

 

10. Junkyard Brewing Company

Junkyard Brewing Company is a local favourite known for its experimental beers and laid-back atmosphere. The dog-friendly taproom features a rotating selection of unique brews.

 

Junkyard Brewing Highlights:

• Sample creative beers like the Peanut Butter Bandit Stout

• Play vintage arcade games or board games

• Grab a bite from a local food truck parked outside

 

The taproom is open Monday-Thursday 4 pm-10 pm, Friday 3 pm-midnight, Saturday noon-midnight, Sunday noon-8 pm. Kids are welcome with an adult. Well-behaved dogs are allowed inside.

 

Experience Fargo with Airtel’s Connectivity

One tip for staying connected as you navigate Fargo: consider an international roaming plan from Airtel for your mobile device. With reliable coverage and data access, you can easily share photos, look up directions, and make online reservations on the go. Airtel’s plans are affordable and convenient, so you can focus on making the most of your time in Fargo.

 

From history buffs to outdoor enthusiasts, there’s something for everyone in Fargo. This list of top Fargo places to visit is just the beginning. As you explore, you’ll discover the friendly locals, vibrant culture, and hidden gems that make this city special.

 

Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or a week, this guide to the best places to go in Fargo will help you create unforgettable memories in this charming Midwest destination. Happy exploring!