Welcome to Fargo, North Dakota! You’re about to explore one of America’s most surprising and spirited cities — a place where prairie history, creativity, and good old Midwestern warmth come together in a way you won’t find anywhere else. Fargo began humbly in the 1870s as a railroad town on the edge of the Red River. Back then, it was all wooden sidewalks, muddy streets, and saloons filled with railway workers and farmers from the nearby bonanza farms — the enormous wheat operations that helped build the region’s economy. But over time, this small frontier outpost grew into the largest city in North Dakota — a cultural hub filled with universities, festivals, and a growing art and tech scene. The city’s identity has always been shaped by its environment — wide-open skies, endless prairie, and the Red River that flows north right along the Minnesota border. The river brought trade, connection, and a few floods along the way, but it also gave Fargo its name and its heart. Today, you’ll see how the city blends old and new — from historic downtown buildings and iconic landmarks like the Fargo Theatre, to innovative projects like the Fargo Air Museum, NDSU’s research campus, and The Fargo Project, where art and nature meet. You’ll even discover the lighter side of the city — yes, including the famous movie woodchipper that made Fargo a household name. As we drive, you’ll notice that Fargo is more than just a dot on the map — it’s a city that celebrates community, creativity, and resilience. Whether you’re here for the history, the art, the food, or just a friendly smile, you’ll find all of it here on the prairie. So get comfortable, follow the navigation, and let’s start our journey right here — by the Riverside Gardens and the Red River, where Fargo’s story began.
