Fargo

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Not the End of the World

A travel journal to Fargo by royce4

Fargo from aboveMore Photos

Fargo is not the the dull Arctic outpost most make it out to be. The Gate City of the West has culture and pizzaz. Come check it out.

  • 17 reviews
  • 8 photos

Not the End of the WorldBest of IgoUgo

Overview

Fargo from above
For being a small market there is lots of art. Plains Art Musuem is downtown. The Rourke Gallery is across the river in Moorhead. There is live theater year round from the Community Theater Company and three area colleges. Concordia College across the river features some of the finest choirs in the world. Fargo has a blues fest each August (and Feb). Anyone remember Johnny Lang?

Fargo has a Bosnian restaurant which serve Eastern European influenced cuisine. Two Indian restaurants serves up a myriad of curries. A dozen Chinese restaurants satisfy your wonton longings. Over three Mexican restaurants proffer not only tacos but enchiladas and chimichangas. Three BBQ rib places serve up plenty of ribs and brisquet. You will also find the usual chain restaurants.

Downtown is in the midst of getting a new streamlined look. It is becoming a much more inviting place to visit in Fargo. Stroll down Broadway and get a malt at Dakota Soda or perhaps go into Monty's for a cocktail.

Quick Tips:

Spring, fall, and summer are the absolute best times to come. Unless you plan to study the effect of sub-zero weather on humans or enjoy vistas reminscent of Dr. Zhivago. Winter is out of the question for average folks. Those who like to live in the extremes may like to test their mettle here in winter.

North of Fargo about 30 miles is the highest man-made structure (KVLY Tower 2063ft).

The city next door -- Moorhead, MN -- features a reproduced Viking ship and a Norwegian Stave Church. West Acres -- the big mall in Fargo -- houses the Roger Maris Musuem. Maris grew up in the city and is buried here.

Best Way To Get Around:

In the warmer months (approx mid April to Nov), bicycling is the best way to get around. There are numerous bike paths throughout the city which allow one to avoid the snare of stoplights.

The bus system operates on the hour and is only a buck. You can travel between neighboring cities Moorhead, West Fargo, and Dilworth.

Cafe AladdinBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

This small purveyor of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern fare is a local favorite. In a mostly vacant strip mall on the northern edge of downtown, Aladdin's produces some of the best ethnic cuisine in town, especially the bakclava, gyros, tabouli, falafel oh my! Babaganush too!

Go with some friends and have a feast, sharing each other's dishes. Aladdin closes at 8pm so don't make it a late dinner. In 2006 Alladins opened a branch in south Fargo on 32nd Ave. a few blocks west of University Dr.

  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by royce4 on September 5, 2003

Cafe Aladdin
530 6th Avenue North Fargo, North Dakota 58102
(701) 298-0880

Boppa's BagelsBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

The best bagels in Fargo (perhaps elsewhere too). This is my favorite place to have a budget. Highly recommended is the pesto tomato bagel, which is a meal in itself and less than a dollar. They also have breakfast sandwiches and daily specials. They are only open till 3pm.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by royce4 on September 4, 2003

Boppa's Bagels
3051 25th St S Fargo, North Dakota 58103
(701) 241-7800

Green Mill Restaurant and BarBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "Green Mill"

Possibly the best pizza in Fargo. The Green Mills carries a selection of Italian entrees, burgers, and sandwiches. They also have bar that has happy-hour specials. Meals are generally inexpensive and the atmosphere is clean and trendy. Go late or early, or make reservations, because there may be big-time waiting at dinner and lunchtimes. A fine selection of pasta dishes.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by royce4 on September 4, 2003

Green Mill Restaurant and Bar
3340 13th Ave S Fargo, North Dakota 58103
(701) 298-8000

Sheyenne National GrasslandBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

The Sheyenne Grasslands are the closest thing to a national park near Fargo. Don't let "grassland" throw you. This is rolling prairie laden with plenty of things other than grasses.

Imagine you are like a cowboy in the Old West or a pioneer seeking a place to settle. The Sheyenne evokes that kind of feeling. Occasionally these pastures may be inhabited by livestock, but there is plenty of space for both man and beast. A segment of the North Country Trail runs through the reserve and is the best-marked trail.

Camping is allowed and there are plenty of shady groves that would be ideal for an overnight stay. The groves are also good for backpacking in. Horseback riders and bird-watchers use the park too. Make sure you have pants there, as there are tons of grassy things that might not like your skin--I went in shorts and had a horrible rash for 2+ weeks. Nonetheless, the place has fantastic hiking and few visitors.

Finding a suitable entry point can be a problem as the Sheyenne is not clearly marked. One entry point I found was a wildlife viewing area aboout two miles from 18 on 27. Look for the brown sign with binoculars. There is a ranger station in Lisbon on the western edge (on 27) for seeking more information

  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by royce4 on March 6, 2003

Sheyenne National Grassland
40 Miles South and East of Fargo ND Fargo, North Dakota 58054
(701) 683-4342

Roger Maris MuseumBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Roger Maris Musuem 2003 - West Acres Mall
On the east end of the West Acres Mall complex is about a hundred feet of space dedicated to Fargo's favorite baseball player, Roger Maris. Roger grew up in Fargo and went on to play major league baseball. The large display case features homerun balls from the season Maris broke Babe Ruth's record, uniforms, trophies, and posters. A video plays continously, recounting the life and achievements of Maris. This is one of my favorite places to stop for a few moments and gaze at the history. I often notice something I have not seen before. Although not huge or extensive, this is a great attraction to visit for an hour or when passing through on I-94 or I-29. June of 2003 saw the musuem get a face lift. New display cases and a video screening room are two of the additions.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by royce4 on March 6, 2003

Roger Maris Museum
3902 13th Avenue South Fargo, North Dakota 58103
(701) 282-2222

Lindenwood Park Campground & InformationBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Lindenwood Park"

You will find quaint RV and tent sites along the Red River. There is convenient camping sites off the interstate that include decent shower facilites. The place appears to be popular with RV crowd because its location--close to shopping. Lindenwood is one of the largest parks in Fargo and has a few shelters, a playground, paved trails, grills, and ball fields. There is also a footbridge to Minnesota, which is just a stone's throw away. Not exciting, but better than sleeping in your car.
  • Member Rating 2 out of 5 by royce4 on March 6, 2003

Lindenwood Park Campground & Information
1905 Roger Maris Dr S Fargo, North Dakota 58102
(701) 232-3987

Island Park Art FairBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Artisans of all shapes and sizes show their wares at this annual event held in mid- to late August in Fargo's Island Park. Food and entertainment abound with plenty of free parking. Hundreds flock to this event each year to pick up arts and crafts.
  • Member Rating 2 out of 5 by royce4 on September 4, 2003

Island Park Art Fair
Island Park Fargo, North Dakota
(701) 241-8160

Fargo Street FairBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Hundreds of booths fill the streets of this Midwestern town while thousands descend upon them. The Street Fair is held in mid-July and features artisans, music, and food. This is one the area's biggest events.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by royce4 on September 4, 2003

Fargo Street Fair
downtown Fargo Fargo, North Dakota

RibFestBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Lots of BBQ along with music, rides, and occasionally a petting zoo. The nation's best barbequers square off with a few of Fargo's local rib joints. Tickets are required, although some stores in the city offer free tickets--but get them early because they go quick. I usually get mine a week in advance at SunMart, a local grocery. I'm not sure how much tickets are at the gate. Probably 2 bucks or so. Bring the cash and beware of the super-hot sauces. In 2003 Soul Asylum played. I am not sure if Dave Pernier ate any ribs.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by royce4 on September 4, 2003

RibFest
FargoDome parking lot Fargo, North Dakota

Trollwood Performing Arts SchoolBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Trollwood"

An annual outdoor performing-arts school featuring talented students from throughout the region. Each summer they do a musical and often a set of other plays. In 2003 the show was Les Misérables and it was incredible! The students showed tremendous professionalism--from technical to music to performing. Trollwood is a great setting and the stage is well equipped. Trollwood will be moving across the river to Moorhead in the next few years.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by royce4 on September 4, 2003

Trollwood Performing Arts School
1420 8th St N Fargo, North Dakota 58102
(701) 241-4799

Soccer in FargoBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Up for a game of soccer? Come to the Johnson Fields, where various nationalities meet to play the world's game. On any given night in spring, summer, or fall, the Johnson Fields will be awash with players of all abilities from a myriad of backgrounds. Grab those cleats and get into the game!

Spectactors are welcome as well. Several of the local high schools hold their varsity games here.

  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by royce4 on September 4, 2003

Soccer in Fargo
Johnson Fields south of NDSU Fargo, North Dakota

Tennis Under the LightsBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Play when it is dark at these courts. There are four courts with lighting that stays on until almost 11pm. The courts are only occassionally used after school and are in excellent condition.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by royce4 on September 4, 2003

Tennis Under the Lights
Discovery Middle School Fargo, North Dakota

Running the DikeBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

The local running club set up marked 5km and 10km routes along the Red River on a paved path out of Lindenwood Park to south of downtown. It's an excellent path with plenty of room. You could even run on the grass if you like. Connect with the trail at Dike East or Lindenwood Park.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by royce4 on September 4, 2003

Running the Dike
along the Red River from Lindenwood Park Fargo, North Dakota

Fort Abercromie Historical SiteBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Fort Abercromie"

At the head of navigation of the Red River sits the remains of North Dakota's first fort. From 1857 until 1877, Fort Abercromie served as the gateway to the West. Only one original building remains (the jail) but recent restoration has restored the palisades and blockhouses. Future restoration is in the works. At the moment the fort has a historic interpreter between the months of May and September. There is a more modern musuem a few yards away that requires admission.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by royce4 on September 4, 2003

Fort Abercromie Historical Site
816 Broadway Fargo, North Dakota 58001
(701) 553-8513

Island Park CyclesBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Island Park Cycles (IPC) is probably the best bike shop in town. Located south of downtown a few blocks from Island Park and across from the pool, IPC has a friendly and knowledgeable staff. Each year, the store puts out a ride guide to help cyclists determine where to go mountain biking, take a leisurely jaunt, commute to work, or bike out of town. They also sponsor about 100 rides a year. I get my bike tuned here and I also got a used cyclo-cross bike here for $110. I know they carry Bianchi and Specialized, but I am not sure what other brands.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by royce4 on February 21, 2004

Island Park Cycles
101 8 St S Fargo, North Dakota 58103
(701) 280-1796

Fargo MarathonBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Fargo Marathon start at FargoDome
Want to run 26.2 miles? Since 2005, the Fargo Marathon boasts a reasonably flat, certified course with a reputation for great spectator support. The route of the course is mainly on city roads in Fargo and neighboring city Moorhead, MN. The event also includes a half marathon, 5k, and kids race for those less adventurous. Nearly 9000 ran in 2007. The Fargo Marathon is usually held in mid-May. The weather can be a bit dodgy but nothing that cannot be overcome. It really is a well organized race from start to finish- enjoyable for both the runner and spectator.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by royce4 on June 28, 2007

About the Writer

royce4
royce4
Fargo, North Dakota

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