Three Trips: Fargo-Moorhead

A few years ago, The Los Angeles Times caused a stir with an article titled “Fargo Hip? You Betcha.” It may be hard to believe, but it’s true. Check out the city’s diverse entertainment, dining, and arts.

Fargo is the home of Roger Maris and plenty of bars that only serve peanuts and beer. So if it’s too cold to head north for ice fishing or hunting, head north for a little indoor bonding.

Fargo is fast becoming a magnet for young professionals who work at companies such as Microsoft and US Bank—and the city has met the demand for year-round family fun.

When celebs come to town, there’s only one place to stay—Hotel Donaldson (701-478-1000). The HoDo, as its known to locals, features seventeen suites, each designed around the work of a regional artist; a restaurant; martini bar; rooftop hot tub; plus poetry readings and cultural excursions.

The AmercInn Lodge and Suites in Moorhead (218-287-7100) has a nine-hole championship mini golf course—indoors. OK, it’s no Augusta, but after a friendly game, head to the adjacent Courtney’s Comedy Club (218-287-7100), which hosts local and national acts.

Ahoy, Matey! Fargo’s Holiday Inn (701-282-2700) is home to Shipwreck Bay Water Playland, a pirate ship where kids don’t have to worry about walking the plank, but will love taking the plunge down the ship’s five water slides.

Monte’s Downtown (701-526-0149) was named one of America’s best bars/restaurants by Esquire. The cosmopolitan haunt offers a long list of liquors and martinis, as well as a chef-driven menu featuring steak and seafood dishes.

The Cork ’N Cleaver (701-237-6790) is a well-known, eclectic steak house with a motto that pretty much says it all, “Good beef, good booze, and good friends.” It's the place to go in Fargo–Moorhead for serious steak and seafood dishes—and don’t forget the monster salad bar and live music.

Take the kids to Krolls (701-476-3090), an authentic fifties-style diner serving classic burgers, shakes, and breakfast items—as well as knoephla dumpling soup and assorted German specialties for adventurous adults. Then head to Carol Widman’s Candy Company (701-281-8664) for dessert and the shop’s famous chocolate-covered potato chips.

Visit the Plains Art Museum, which is housed in a converted warehouse in downtown Fargo and features regional and national exhibits that focus on prairie artists and Native American life. At night, catch a classic movie or independent film at the eighty-one-year-old art deco–inspired Fargo Theatre (701-239-8385, fargotheatre.org).

For the ultimate in male bonding, head an hour north to Grand Forks, home of the University of North Dakota Fighting Sioux and the $104 million Ralph Engelstad Arena. With granite floors, leather and cherry wood chairs, and two club-level bars, it’s considered one of the best sports venues in the country. Catch Gophers men’s hockey December 7–8.

Child Magazine named The Children’s Museum at Yunker Farm (701-232-6102) one of the top twenty-five children’s museums in the United States. Open year-round, the farm has plenty of hands-on activities to teach kids about art, science, and rural life. Or see Santa, visit his reindeer, and take a carriage or sleigh ride at Santa’s Village at Rheault Farm (701-241-8160).