Day Trip from Fargo: Agassiz Environmental Learning Center

Agassiz Environmental Learning CenterIf you’re looking to get out of the busy hustle and bustle of city life, consider taking a day trip to Agassiz Environmental Learning Center (AELC)! It’s located in Fertile, Minnesota, just one hour and 15 minutes northeast of Fargo-Moorhead.

Agassiz Environmental Learning Center

This 640-acre nature area offers beautiful scenery everywhere you look. The Fertile Sand Hills (sand dunes) offer spectacular views of rolling hills, lush prairies, and the Sand Hill River, which flows through the site.

Agassiz Environmental Learning Center

What to Do

Hiking

This is a beautiful place to hike and, in my personal experience, seems quieter than trails at a major state park, where traffic may be more congested. And there are over 12 miles of scenic trails.

In addition to hiking, the trails can be used for skiing, snowshoeing, mountain biking, horseback riding, or snowmobiling. Check their maps for specific information regarding which trails are designated for these activities.

Tubing, Canoeing, & Kayaking

Spend the day exploring the Sand Hill River. My husband and I tubed the river and it was a highlight of our summer! Also, rental equipment might be available, if you call ahead.

Camping

There are five site campgrounds near the Nature Center with available bathrooms and showers. Each site is equipped with a fire ring and picnic table. Fees are $15 per night and camping fees can be deposited in a drop box.

Learning

Throughout the year, AELC offers a variety of classes for all ages. Check their Facebook page for upcoming events.

Geocaching

Take the family out for a treasure hunt while you’re here! A typical geocache is a weatherproof container hidden somewhere, which contains a logbook. Often, it will also contain little trinkets, or “swag,” too. The geographic coordinates of the cache are provided and used with a GPS unit, or viewed through a smartphone app.

Agassiz Environmental Learning Center

The objective is to use the GPS coordinates or information provided by the app to locate the cache. Once you find the cache, you record your find in the logbook. You can also bring a trinket or small item along to exchange for one of the items in the cache.

Rentals

If you are looking to enjoy recreational activities at AELC, there are rentals available. Note that all equipment rentals do require a waiver signature, and the waiver can be found here.

Skis, poles, and boots are available for rent for a total of $6 per day and snowshoes are available for $6 per day.

After you’re done exploring the Agassiz Environmental Learning Center, here are some more fun activities to do in Fertile!

More Things to Do in Fertile, Minnesota

Shopping

  • Encore Family Consignment: Shop consignment clothing, toys, decor, books, and more for reasonable prices!
  • Royal & Rust: A vendor mall concept new to Fertile! Check out local vendors for gift ideas!

Coffee / Florist

  • Morning Glory: Stop and grab a coffee while you’re in town. This adorable coffee shop also offers shopping, gift ideas, and books. They also have a supply of locally handmade goods including local artist, Willow Larson’s coffee mugs (now also sold in SCHEELS). Whenever I stop here, the staff is very friendly and I always feel like I’m in some kind of sweet Hallmark film!

Dining

Play

Fertile, although a small town, still has a lot to offer for play! Here you can find a nature park, school park, splash pad, beautiful golf course, basketball courts, or explore the Polk County Fair Grounds.

Our family recently relocated to Fertile, Minnesota, we have enjoyed getting to know the friendly business owners and love to explore all that this beautiful area has to offer.

I highly recommend visiting the Agassiz Environmental Learning Center if you’re looking to explore nature or camp with the family!

More Day Trip Ideas

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Kallie Swenson
Kallie Swenson grew up in Moorhead, MN, graduating from Moorhead High School before earning a Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations from Minnesota State University Moorhead. She and her husband, Jordan, first connected through their church community, where a shared love of music sparked a friendship that grew over time. Today, they live in the small town of Fertile, MN with their three daughters—Olivia, Everly, and Sophie. While they’ve embraced the rhythms of rural life (alongside a flock of 15 chickens), their roots in the Fargo-Moorhead area remain strong. Jordan commutes to Fargo weekly for work, and Kallie is frequently in town for appointments, events, and time with family and friends. A stay-at-home mom and creative spirit, Kallie finds joy in crafting, homemaking, and building community. She shares DIY projects, seasonal inspiration, and everyday beauty through her personal brand, KindlyKal (@kindlykal on Instagram), and occasionally participates in local farmers markets as a vendor. Creativity flows through every aspect of family life—from imaginative play and crafts with the kids to hosting themed gatherings and exploring community events like parades, markets, and the Folkways Night Bazaar. As Fargo Mom’s Social Media Coordinator, Kallie brings her passion for storytelling and connection to the digital space—managing content calendars, designing graphics, and helping cultivate an online community where local moms feel seen, supported, and inspired.

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