The Top 5 Reasons to Visit Fargo, North Dakota Now
BY TRIPVEEL EDITORIAL STAFF | January 2020
Named for an owner of the Wells-Fargo Express Company—Fargo, North Dakota is all about a sense of community with side of adventurous, pioneering spirit. From its Red River Valley location to a vibrant, thriving downtown, Fargo has a world-class art and dining scene that will exceed all expectations.
Image courtesy of Visit Fargo-Moorhead
1. THE HIKING
The only National Grassland in the tallgrass prairie region of the United States, Sheyenne Grasslands is characterized by sandy soils deposited as the delta of an ancient river as it emptied into glacial Lake Agassiz. Since that time, wind and rain have shaped the topography into a unique landscape ranging from flat deltaic plains to choppy sand dunes.
Image courtesy of Visit Fargo-Moorhead
Captivating and beautiful, the grassland is a mix of forest, prairie and farmland. The Hankinson Hills Trail is an eight mile loop that winds through oak trees and prairie and the Oak Leaf Trail is a four mile loop attached to the Northeast end of the North Country National Scenic Trail. On your hike you’ll come across Iron Springs Creek, Horseshoe Hills, Old Bridges, Owego Pioneer Cemetery and an Old Fire Lookout Tower.
2. THE ART
Fargo is covered in art. Literally. Everything from the buildings to the electrical boxes are coated with the amazing works of local artists. Every few blocks a new mural awaits. Art is everywhere.
Image courtesy of Visit Fargo-Moorhead
Located in Downtown Fargo, the Plains Art Museum is the largest art museum in North Dakota. This free art museum’s permanent collection has over 4,000 local, regional and national works, including Native American art.
For a step-by-step map of Fargo’s amazing street murals, click here.
3. THE COCKTAILS
Tucked away behind the historic Fargo Theatre, Mezzaluna Restaurant is housed in a circa 1917 warehouse and presents a chic, relaxed atmosphere with its posh banquettes and impressively restored architectural features. Enjoy the eclectic ambiance with one of many carefully crafted cocktails. We recommend trying the Hibiscus Punch for your artisanal cocktail fix—concocted with hibiscus-infused rum, local honey, ginger and fresh-squeezed lime juice, Caribbean falernum and cage free egg white.
Mezzaluna Restaurant in Fargo, North Dakota
Utilizing locally sourced ingredients fresh from the farmer, Mezzaluna Restaurant offers seasonally inspired menus influenced by European techniques and standards. Indulge in favorites such as Pan Seared Arctic Char with white bean purée, minestrone, clams, basil and pancetta, Bacon Wrapped Bison Meatloaf with roasted parsnips, brie mashed potatoes, broccoli rabe, sauce Robert, fried garlic or Vegan Agnolotti with mushroom and artichoke agnolotti, tofu pasta, porcini broth, beech mushrooms and fennel—as well as Seared Salmon with Parisian gnocchi, green goddess, eggplant caponata and sauce Bercy.
For those craving something sweet, end your experience with their Blueberry & Basil Tart made with buttermilk pastry cream, graham cracker crumbles, peach sorbet and Thai basil. Hungry yet?
4. THE GARDENS
Northern Plains Botanic Garden Society is a collection of eight distinct gardens located on Fargo Park District land. Start your visit on the Hummingbird Patio and soak in all that nature has to offer. Stroll along the winding path and over the bridge spanning the dry creak bed in the Woodland Garden. Although not a garden of floral beauty, but rather a scene of beautiful foliar color and texture that brings feelings of peace and serenity.
Northern Plains Botanic Garden Society in Fargo, North Dakota
Remaining green throughout spring and summer, the Chrysanthemum Garden blazes into bloom when most others have taken a rest for the season—blooming with a last display of color before winter arrives. End your visit in the Edible Forest for a sweet treat, which includes native fruit-bearing shrubs and pollinator-friendly perennial plants. Free admission.
5. THE ARCHITECTURE
Since 1882, the Comstock House has been a shining example of Victorian architecture and symbol of prosperity for the Fargo-Moorhead area. Home to the Comstocks, this family worked tirelessly to bring business and educational opportunities to the Red River Valley community. The 11-room home is characterized by a profusion of spindle work porches, high patterned chimneys and intricately carved door knobs.
Image courtesy of Visit Fargo-Moorhead
