1. A True Blue College Town
North Dakota State University has become an integral part of Fargo and the community. The Fargodome on the NDSU campus is an indoor arena that brings the city together for Bison football games. The University has also branched out with Minnesota State University and Concordia College in Moorhead as a Tri-College University system, where students can take classes at any of the three institutions.
2. Be Sure To Bring Your Favorite Waders
Everyone has a pair of favorite waders, right? One of the biggest challenges you’ll face in Fargo is flooding, so you might need them. The Red River flows to the north of the city, and melting snow and river ice can often cause the river to overflow.
However, the city of Fargo continues to upgrade infrastructure and work on a major diversion project to channel the river water away from the city. Just be on the lookout for areas in the “minor” flood zone.
3. There’s Always A Market For That
There’s always a market selling what you need in the city. Head to the Fargo Farmers’ Market at Dike East Park to find the freshest local produce and homemade food in the area. Then head over to the Junk Market run by the Eco Chic Boutique where you be a vendor or a shopper of some of the city’s most amazing treasures.
4. Pucker Up For Some Lemon Bars
Lemon bars are a popular confection in the Fargo area. If you’re looking for the best place to find a true bar, head to Nichole’s Fine Pastry where you can find any kind of sweet your sugar loving heart desires.
The lemon sponge cake is great, but as always in Fargo, in the end, it’s all about the lemon bars.
5. Beer Lovers Rejoice
A good, local brew is never hard to find in Fargo. The Fargo Brewing Company offers delicious craft beers bottled and straight from the tap at the Taproom. Beer and art lovers can enjoy the city’s new Kegs & Canvas event which allows participants to sample beer and art in the booming downtown district.
The Fargo Bacon & Beer Festival brings everyone’s two favorite things together in one big event. And there is, of course, always Oktoberfest. Duh.
6. You’re One In A Million, Sort Of
OK, more specifically, you’ll be one in 113,000. North Dakota comes in at number 48 on the list of most populous states with about 730,000 people spread out over 70,000 miles, and while Fargo is its biggest city it’s still a far cry from NYC or Chicago.
And that’s part of what makes it and its residents so unique. Leave Fargo and you’ll immediately hear, “Wow, I’ve never met someone from Fargo before!”
7. You’ll Be Tight With Minnesota
Fargo falls right on the border of Minnesota and shares its Metropolitan area with Moorhead across state lines. People in Fargo are close with their Minnesota neighbors, and both areas frequently come together for events and clubs alike.
8. If You Blinked While Watching “Fargo,” You Missed It
You have probably seen the cult-classic Coen Brothers film “Fargo.” But if you blinked, you probably missed everything that actually has to do with Fargo. The city’s only featured in the film briefly in the beginning of the film. The Coens claim they named the film “Fargo” because it sounded more interesting than Brainerd.
9. Downtown Builds Up More Every Day
Fargo has seen major revitalization in recent years, especially downtown in the Renaissance Zone and the south and southwest areas. Housing and retail development continues to breathe new life into the city. Stop by and see for yourself.
10. More Livable Than Just About Anywhere
The Fargo metropolitan area has consistently held one of the lowest unemployment rates in the entire country. Coupled with Fargo’s low crime rates and affordable housing, it’s easy to see how the city has landed Money magazine’s annual list of most livable cities multiple times.
11. You Can Get Your Business Running In No Time
While Fargo’s economy was dependent on agriculture for decades, there’s been a major shift in recent years. Now the city has a growing economy based on food processing, manufacturing, technology, retrial trade, higher education and healthcare. In 2012 Forbes ranked Fargo as the 2nd best small city in the country to start a business or a career.
12. It’s Small-Town America In The City
Fargo offers the best of both worlds – the close-knit community of a small town full of people who are the stereotypical “Minnesota nice” (although the people in Fargo might argue it should be “North Dakota nice”) while also providing the benefits, entertainment, and culture of a city.
It’s not too big, which means the downtown is walkable, and it’s not too small, which means there’s a little something for everyone to enjoy life here in beautiful Fargo, don’tcha’ know.
13. The Accent Is Fer Cute!
In Fargo, you’re right on the Minnesota border and dialect of the area one of the most distinct in the country, don’tcha’ know? It’s also incredibly infectious. It doesn’t matter what part of the country you move to Fargo from, you betcha’ you’ll pick some of it up without even realizing it.
14. And The Cold Brings Out The Best In Everyone
Don’t be scared of the Fargo cold. While most cities are complaining about frigid temperatures, the people in Fargo embrace it and have a blast. The city hosts the annual Family Winter-ific Day at Edgewood Golf Course and you can cross over to Moorhead for the popular Polar Party.
And naturally, the sledding and snow sports are epic.
15. Skip The Cracker Jacks, Go For The Mini Donuts At A RedHawks Game
Fargo doesn’t have a major league team, but thanks to the RedHawks they don’t need one. The Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks play at the Newman Outdoor Field, where the food is almost as good as the game. Grab a walking taco, a foot long hot dog or one of Jack’s famous burgers. And definitely don’t miss out on the mini donuts.
16. The Highway Is Literally Enchanted
In an attempt to make the drive through North Dakota to Regent more scenic, a school teacher created the Enchanted Highway off of I-94 west of Fargo. He put huge scrap metal sculptures up every few miles and it’s become one of the most interesting sights in North Dakota. The Geese In Flight sculpture is the world’s largest metal sculpture—you’ll spot it in the intro for the new Fox series “Fargo.”
17. Plenty Of Fun For The Whole Family
The Children’s Museum at Yunker Farm provides exhibits and hands-on fun for kids to enjoy like the Pipi Longstockings Playhouse. And you’ll find more than 80 species at the Red River Zoo, but don’t leave without taking a ride on the restored 1928 carousel. And the Fargo public pools are nothing short of spectacular.
18. The Art Scene Might Surprise You
Fargo’s growing art scene is part of the city’s renaissance, offering something for the casual enthusiast to the experienced art snob. Head downtown for the Fargo Art And Wine Walk and hit up the many art galleries and studios the city has to offer. And don’t miss the Plains Art Museum which features many regional and national exhibits.
19. Who Needs Hollywood In Fargo?
The theater scene in Fargo is thriving and gives locals a way to enjoy the culture of their city as a spectator or a participant. The wonderfully Art Deco Fargo Theater hosts movies and live performances, and has become a landmark of the city.
You can even audition to be a part of the Fargo Moorhead Community Theatre, or catch a live production by the independent Theatre B company.
20. Not A Runner? You Are Now
Don’t despair, outdoorsy types. Despite all the art and movie love, Fargo loves to move too. The Fargo Marathon runs every May, and brings more than 20,000 people. A full marathon, half-marathon, 10k and 5k course await for runners of all levels.
Fargo Rocks is another popular race, with more than 50 live bands playing throughout the course, turning running into a Fargo event you can’t miss.
21. Spread Your Wings At The Air Musem
The Fargo Air Museum was created by military members, agriculture pilots and international Warbird restorers who wanted to bring appreciation and education on aviation to Fargo. The idea to start the museum was inspired by the annual Fargo Airsho, a spectacular and entertaining show that locals never miss. You’ll figure out why pretty quick.
What you love about living in Fargo? Tell us in the comments below!
