Looking for fun and maybe a little culture in the FM area? Here are some local museums in Fargo and historic landmarks to check out!
Plains Art Museum
With a focus on art and the creative process, this art museum in Fargo has over 56,000 square feet of displays. It contains a permanent collection, special exhibitions, and ample space to create and learn. In addition, the Plains Art Museum offers classes, camps, talks, screenings, and also virtual programs and resources.
Roger Maris Museum
This small museum in the West Acres Mall celebrates baseball great and Fargo native, Roger Maris. Maris gained fame in 1961 after breaking Babe Ruth’s single-season homerun record. He was reluctant to have a museum in his honor, but finally agreed if it could be open to the public and free of charge.
The museum features displays from his days in youth baseball and the Major Leagues. And exhibits include some of Roger Maris’ uniforms, his two MVP awards, and also a replica of his locker from 1961.
In the video room, sit in a Yankee Stadium seat (from the 1960s era) and watch historic footage of Roger Maris in action.
Hjemkomst Center
Along the Red River of the North in Moorhead, the Hjemkomst Center celebrates Scandinavian culture and heritage. It features the Hjemkomst Viking Ship and the Moorhead Stave Church. The church is a full-scale replica of the Hopperstad Stave Church located in Vik, Norway.
The Hjemkomst Center offers lectures and festivals and museum displays include major and local exhibitions.
Rourke Art Museum
This art gallery/museum is housed in the former Moorhead Federal Post Office, in a neoclassical building that is on the National Register of Historic Places. It features exhibitions of regional talent, traveling exhibits, along with a permanent collection of over 5,000 pieces. The Rourke also offers resources for artists through Rourke Studios.
Bonanzaville
Located on 12 acres of land in West Fargo, this museum and pioneer village is owned and operated by the Cass County Historical Society. It provides an opportunity to learn about the early settlers and history of our region. Bonanzaville offers special events and the ability to wander around the 40+ buildings and view tons of artifacts that make up the village. To be sure to see all the sites, take a GPS-guided tour or a virtual tour.
Fargo Air Museum
This aviation museum in Fargo has a rotating selection of aircraft, airplanes, and interactive displays. It opened in 2001 and is located in north Fargo. In addition to an aviation library, this museum offers educational day camps, seminars, speakers, and tours.
MSUM Oceanarium
If you have a child that loves all things sea creatures, the MSUM Oceanarium is a must-visit! It is an investigative marine laboratory where college students and researchers study aquatic life and habitats. And what’s really cool about the Oceanarium is it’s also open to the public for scheduled tours! They also have open hours on Saturdays from 12:00 – 4:00 p.m. for just $5 a person.
MSUM Planetarium
This planetarium on the MSUM campus uses a variety of multimedia presentations to wow and also educate. They have a night sky simulation providing an opportunity to tour the planets and universe. It provides an immersive experience for all ages and typically seats 62 people.
Red River Zoo
This local zoo is 22 developed acres of animals in landscaped environments and is open year-round. Their focus is on the world’s rarest cold climate species. The Red River Zoo has walking paths throughout, along with indoor and outdoor viewing areas. The Children’s Zoo Farm, Nature Playland, carousel, and playground areas provide fun for the kids. And the colored pencil fence is a great backdrop for selfies!
Fargo-Moorhead Visitors Center (Woodchipper)
Look at the original movie prop from the Coen brothers film, Fargo! It is located in the Visitors Center, just off Interstate-94 in Fargo. Displays hold other memorabilia from the movie, including a signed script. And it’s free!
Did we miss any museums in Fargo? E-mail us at [email protected] and let us know to add it!
Looking for more activities in our area? Check out our monthly events guide for things to do in Fargo!
