Although Fargo is the largest city in North Dakota, it's not exactly NYC or LA. With a population of about 120,000 people, Fargo is a tight-knit community which offers the entertainment and culture advantages of any large city. It's pretty easy to get around town on foot, especially downtown, which has seen major rejuvenation in the past few years in areas like the Renaissance Zone and the south/southwestern parts of town.
Fargo hosts the North Dakota State University which is a large part of the city's identity. The Fargodome is actually located on the NDSU school campus. This is where the Bison play their football games. NDSU has also partnered with Minnesota State University and Concordia College to form a tri-college system that allows students to study classes at any of the 3 universities.
The Fargo metro area has the distinction of having one of the lowest unemployment rates in the nation. The crime rate is also very low, and it's easy to find affordable housing. All reasons why Money magazine has listed Fargo multiple times in its annual list of most livable cities in the U.S.
The economy in Fargo is largely dependent on agriculture but more recently is experiencing shifts in other industries including manufacturing, education, healthcare, and technology. In 2012 Forbes listed Fargo as the second best city to start a career or a new business.
Because of the strong influence of agriculture on the city, the Farmers Market at Dike East Park offers many options for locally sourced fresh produce and homemade food. You can find other treasures at the Junk Market, or sell your own as a vendor.
For the kids, the Children's Museum at Yunker Farm offers hands-on exhibits as well as the Red River Zoo which is home to over 80 species and features a beautiful carousel built in 1928 which has recently been restored. Also, don't miss the magnificent public pools.
One of the most surprising features of Fargo is the thriving art scene. There are numerous art galleries and studies around town. The Plains Art Museum has various exhibits. Find wine sampling, live artists, and great shopping on the Fargo Art and Wine Walk. The Art Deco Fargo Theatre is one of the city's gems which hosts movies and live performances. The Fargo Moorhead Community Theatre hosts a wide range of theatrical experiences. Here you can also find The Stage at Island Park which is a beautiful space for small weddings, rehearsals, or other gatherings.
The Fargo Airsho is such a spectacular experience that it inspired the creation of the Fargo Air Museum which now boasts two hangars full of airplanes ranging from fighter jets, to a Global Hawk UAV, and a Wright Brothers plane.
But as civilized as Fargo seems, even in today's day and age it is still an unrelenting and unforgiving land. The winters are frigidly cold, but despite this, locals have found ways to embrace it. And it's hard to not fall in love with the North Dakota landscape, scenic sights, and backdrops.