How to have a wallet-friendly adventure in Fargo

Fargo is an irresistible destination for budget-conscious travellers hankering after a memorable US getaway. Journey off the beaten track to this North Dakotan gem, one of America’s most overlooked cities, where you’ll encounter a slew of cultural, historic and family-friendly attractions. Isn’t it about time you ventured ‘north of normal’?

Getting there

Fargo’s nearest major hub is Minneapolis-St Paul. Delta operates a daily nine-hour direct flight from London Heathrow. In addition, BA partners with Aer Lingus via Dublin and with American Airlines via Chicago. Delta flies on from Minneapolis-St Paul to Fargo, but it’s a delightful drive so hit the road instead. Allow about 3.5 hours along I94; break your journey at Alexandria’s Legacy of the Lakes Museum or by walking a short stretch of the Central Lakes Trail. Alternatively, wind through Minnesota’s rolling hills, lakes, forests and prairie on scenic Highway 10, stopping off at aviator Charles Lindbergh’s childhood home at Little Falls along the way.

Find eclectic experiences in Fargo

The Fargo metropolitan area comprises Fargo, Moorhead and West Fargo; together they span the state line and layer a lively urban vibe onto old-fashioned small town charm. Many of Fargo’s visitor attractions will appeal to thrifty travellers. Explore the lifestyle of early pioneers on the prairies at Bonanzaville, where you’ll find Fargo’s first house. At Moorhead’s Hjemkomst Center, learn about the area’s Nordic heritage; admire replicas of a Viking ship and Norwegian stave church. Admission is free on Tuesday evenings. Fargo Air Museum, out by the airport, houses a collection of vintage planes; most are in flying condition. Catch a movie for less than ten bucks at the Art Deco Fargo Theatre, home to a Wurlitzer organ; they both celebrate their centenary in 2026. A selfie beside the Greetings from Fargo street mural costs nothing; download a free map to find other street art like Mario Wall, Bob Dylan adorning the former Bison Hotel and the eclectic graffiti of Art Alley. It’s also free to browse at Brewhalla Market, though you might choose to shell out on handmade ceramics at Livin’ the Dream Pottery or join a workshop at Unglued Craftatorium to make a stained glass pumpkin or paper-quilled disco ball.

If you only do three things…

The Plains Art Museum occupies a turn of the century warehouse in downtown Fargo. It’s the largest of its kind in North Dakota, housing a permanent collection of approximately 4000 works of art. They represent a variety of genres including painting, sculpture, photography and textiles as well as artistic, ceremonial and functional objects representing the northern Midwest’s Native American heritage. Self-guided tours are free and also provide access to the museum’s rotating exhibitions which showcase the work of 20^th and 21^st century local, regional and national artists. For a small charge, gain a deeper insight into the art on display with a guide.

In 1949, the Moorhead Dairy Queen opened not far from downtown Fargo. The popular chain’s famous Dilly Bar choc ice was invented here and the place has a retro Fifties vibe to honour that heritage. The historic takeaway joint opens seasonally. No matter what the weather’s doing on March 1st, by the time the window of this much-loved local institution is pulled up for the year’s first customer, the line already snakes around the block. Order one of its signature serves, such as a Monkey Tail, Mr Maltie or Chipper Sandwich – they’re not available at regular Dairy Queen branches.

See an authentic movie prop from the 1996 classic, Fargo. After filming for the Coen brothers’ black comedy wrapped in neighbouring Minnesota, one of the crew bought its iconic wood chipper. He originally intended to use it for trees rather than body parts, but opted instead to preserve it as a piece of movie memorabilia. When the Coens returned to Fargo to shoot Serious Man, they autographed the wood chipper. Years later, the Fargo-Moorhead Visitor Center purchased the item. It went on permanent display, together with a fake leg for those hoping to stage a copycat selfie without falling foul of the law.

Try Fargo’s dining scene

Affordable Fargo’s the ideal spot to try James Beard-nominated farm-to-table restaurants and food by highly regarded chefs. From fine dining to food trucks, global flavours sing in the city’s eateries. As many Fargo locals have northern European ancestry, it’s a good place to order German specialities like knoephla soup, schnitzel, spaetzle, sausage and kuchen; find them at Wurst Bier Hall and Kroll’s Diner. Meanwhile, Kringen Kafe and Prairie Kitchen represent the city’s Nordic heritage; feast on lefse, smørbrød, Swedish meatballs, Norwegian salmon, rømmegrøt and rhubarb pie.

As you’d expect of a Midwest city, Fargo reveres its barbecue joints. Head over to The Piggy BBQ in West Fargo or Jay’s Smokin’ BBQ in downtown Fargo for pulled pork, sauce-slathered ribs and juicy beef brisket. Layered onto this is the influence of its prairie hinterland, so expect to see bison feature prominently on restaurant menus. Fargo’s varied nightlife is another draw. Sip cocktails at Mezzaluna’s speakeasy-inspired Drawing Room or sample beer from renowned craft breweries such as Drekker Brewing Company and Junkyard. Enjoy Dempsey’s twice-weekly karaoke, Comedy in the Cellar at Front Street Taproom or mellow Thursday night jazz at Urban 42. Find more live music at venues such as The Aquarium and The Windbreak.

Fargo is just the start…

Continue your journey beyond Fargo deeper into North Dakota. Travel west to encounter the harsh yet striking terrain of the Badlands, known as mako sica to the Lakota. It’s characterised by weathered buttes and sculpted canyons interspersed with thickets of cottonwood, green ash and Rocky Mountain juniper. Leave the bison herds and prairie dogs of Theodore Roosevelt National Park behind as you follow the Old Red Old Ten scenic byway back towards Bismarck, North Dakota’s state capital. Alternatively, detour to the Ronald Reagan Minuteman Missile state historic site for a lesson about the Cold War. Trundle through the beautiful Minnesotan countryside before flying home from Minneapolis.