Things to Do in Fargo

North Dakota's largest city is home to the University of North Dakota and plenty of family-friendly attractions. Visit Fargo to enjoy the culture, history and outdoor beauty the Red River Valley has to offer.

Pioneer Secrets

Pioneers arrived in the Fargo area hundreds of years before you and your family did, but you can retrace their steps and see the area through their eyes at Bonanzaville, a huge, 12-acre historical attraction just 7 miles from Fargo. You'll find 400,000 interesting artifacts in the Pioneer Museum relating to Native American life, bonanza farms and homesteading, and you can tour 43 pioneer-period buildings. After spending some quality time exploring Bonanzaville and the Pioneer Museum, you will be much more knowledgeable about how life used to be in the Red River Valley.

Park for Prairie Lovers

You can consider Buffalo River State Park, which is located only 14 miles from Fargo, as a treasure hunt—you and your family can set off into the winding prairies in search of bobolinks, prairie chickens, marbled godwits and upland sandpipers. Deep in the hardwood forest on the banks of the Buffalo River, you'll find a picnic area next to a pond that is surrounded by sandy beaches. After hiking and biking and exploring the prairies, the pond offers the opportunity to cool down and refresh yourself with a nice dip. In wintertime, your family can cross-country ski, snowshoe and hike on trails lit up by candlelight, then warm up by a fire and enjoy a hot drink of cocoa or tea—or perhaps even a Hot Toddy!

Midwestern Art Explosion

From the moment that you enter the historic 1913 Federal-style building that houses the Rourke Art Museum, you will be impressed by the art that surrounds you. The permanent collection here focuses on Midwest regional art and the African, Pre-Columbian and Native American art that inspired those artists whose works you are viewing. The Uptown Gallery and Underbrush Gallery also feature local talent; and you will be wowed by the unconventional creations at the Plains Art Museum, which is located in a dramatic, brilliantly renovated warehouse in historic downtown Fargo. Enjoy regional and national exhibits, as well as frequent special events and performances.

Sample the flavors

For those patrons who prefer to relax with a drink and some friends, The Toasted Frog offers excellent twists on classic American cuisine, and an extensive wine, martini & beer selection. You will be happy to know that in addition to classic Midwestern American fare, there are also restaurants that serve up international flavors. Fans of food from south of the border are often excited to visit "Fargo's favorite Mexican Food!" at Acapulco.

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