From exploring cinematic history to tasting Midwestern comfort food, discover my top 5 things to do in Fargo-Moorhead.
After my last unforgettable trip to Fargo, filming for my hit PBS series, “Travels with Darley,” I traveled back to celebrate 60 years of Prairie Public Television! I was honored to give the keynote speech at the 60 Years of Stories: A Celebration of Prairie Public Gala, sharing some of my lessons from the road in Fargo and around the world. From many adventures in Fargo and it’s sister city Moorhead, here are my travel tips for the best attractions and restaurants.
Travel Tip 1: See the Original Woodchipper from the Movie Fargo
What better way to begin your Fargo-Moorhead getaway than by seeing a piece of cinematic history? Head inside the Fargo-Moorhead Visitors Center to snap a photo with the original Woodchipper prop from the Coen brothers’ 1996 film, Fargo. Here, you can also view a copy of the Fargo movie script, signed by the Coen brothers. For more celebrity memorabilia, check out the center’s Celebrity Walk of Fame exhibit to see over 100 celebrity signatures, handprints and footprints in cement. An added bonus, you can also get maps and brochures to help you navigate for the rest of your trip.
Travel Tip 2: All Things Food- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Dessert
There are fun, quirky and tasty things to eat at restaurants in Fargo-Moorhead. Here are some spots I’d recommend to eat and drink.
Black Coffee and Waffle Bar– Start your Fargo-Moorhead food tour by making your own wild waffle creation. Located in Fargo, you can order coffee, specialty drinks, and waffles that are made with homemade recipes and local ingredients. With so many delicious and unique options from sweet to savory, I’m giving this one a yums up!
Pounds– For lunch, make sure to check out Pounds. Featured in Diners, Drive- Ins and Dives with Guy Fieri, this spot offers the ultimate Midwestern comfort food. With a casual and cozy atmosphere, as well as funky art, Pounds is a great place to take rest in middle of your busy day sightseeing. I recommend trying their chicken tenders and wavy sauce.
Rustica– Located in downtown Moorhead, this neighborhood favorite is known for their diverse menu and lively atmosphere. Featuring a cocktail bar, artisan wood-fire pizza, pasta, and more, you’ll find many delectable options for dinner at Rustica. If you go, get a wood-fired pizza. If you’re traveling solo, like I was, I’d recommend a seat at the bar, where you can see them making pizzas while you dine.
Nichole’s Fine Pastry– If you can’t decide between sweet or savory, don’t worry because Nichole’s Fine Pastry has it all! Start or end your day at this local bakery that serves classic American and European dishes, baked goods, and even wine. Featured on the Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, you might end up making multiple trips to this Fargo gem, which was also nominated in 2024 for Outstanding Bakery.
@darleynewman 24 hrs of food in Fargo-Moorhead 😋 Breakfast, lunch and dinner including two spots featured by Guy Fieri on “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” 🙌 Start with breakfast at Nichole’s Fine Pastry and go sweet or savory. For lunch, check out Pounds, known for their cool art, comfort food and wavy dipping sauce. Then, head to Rustica for wood-fired pizza, pasta, and more to end a day full of fun eats 🍽️🌟 @nicholesfinepastry @Fargo Moorhead @Prairie Public . . . . . . #ndtwd #24hrs #food #foodie #foodtour #travel #traveltiktok #fargo #moorhead #northdakota #breakfast #sweet #savory #dessert #pastries #lunch #comfortfood #chickentenders #dinnerideas #pizza #pizzalover #woodfiredpizza #pasta #northdakotalegendary ♬ MILLION DOLLAR BABY (VHS) – Tommy Richman
Located just across the river from Fargo in Moorhead, the Hjemkomst Center is a local cultural center that honors the region’s Norwegian history. At the Hjemkomst center you can gaze upon an enormous full size replica of the the Gokstad burial ship. Named the Hjemkomst, this ship was built by Moorhead local, Robert Asp, and actually sailed from Minnesota to Norway. Outside of the center, you can also step inside a stunning replica of the Hopperstad Stave Church, built in the Norwegian medieval style.
@darleynewman♬ Beautiful Place – Kianome
Tip 4: See Animals from Around the World at the Red River Zoo
At the Red River Zoo in Fargo, discover animals from North America, Northern Asia, and Northern Europe all in one place. There are 89 species to learn about here. The Red River Zoo has so much to see from Bactrian Camels, to Grey wolves, Pallas Cats and more. Learn about the zoo’s breeding program, working to help conserve animal populations for generations to come. The highlight of my visit was seeing adorable red pandas climbing on trees and meeting Dennis the North American Porcupine, who loves to say hi to visitors!
@darleynewman Adorable red pandas & more at Red River Zoo in Fargo! Learn about the zoo’s breeding program and efforts to help conserve populations of animals. See species from around the world right here in Fargo 🌎🌟@Fargo Moorhead @Prairie Public . . . . . #ndtwd #northdakota #fargo #moorhead #zoo #animals #conservation #travel #traveltips #redpanada #panada #porcupine #birds #animallovers #ndlegendary ♬ Morning Walk – neozilla
Tip 5: Step Back in Time at The Original Moorhead Dairy Queen
Visit one of the oldest original Dairy Queen stores in Moorhead. Decorated as it was in 1949 when the store first opened, walking up to the window to order your Dairy Queen favorite feels like traveling in time. Don’t forget to take a picture with the gigantic 20- foot Dilly Bar statue that commemorates the invention of the Dairy Queen classic right here in 1955.
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Learn more about traveling to the Fargo-Moorhead area from Visit Fargo-Moorhead and combine it with a road trip to Grand Forks! Learn more about the Greater Grand Forks area on the Visit Greater Grand Forks website.
Stay tuned for more North Dakota travel tips on a brand new season of Travels with Darley coming to you in January 2025. Watch a preview of “North Dakota Fargo & Beyond on Youtube! This episode will be on PBS stations and streaming, including in North Dakota on Prairie Public.
For more expert travel tips from Darley Newman, listen and subscribe to the “Travels with Darley” podcast on iHeart, Apple Podcasts, Amazon, Spotify, Podchaser, Podcast Addict, Jiosavvn, Castbox, Audible, and watch the tv series on your local PBS station, Create TV, and for free on Go Traveler!
