Set on the banks of the Red River, Moorhead combines more than 150 years of history with a passion for art, music and craft beer. Stroll around the lively downtown district and marvel at a full-size replica of a Viking ship. Venture out of town to explore the tallgrass prairies of Clay County.
Things to do in Moorhead
Handsome brick buildings line the streets of Downtown Moorhead. Browse mom-and-pop shops along Main Avenue and visit the Rourke Art Museum housed in a beautiful Neoclassical building listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Discover the city’s Scandinavian heritage at the Hjemkomst Center. Inside, you can see a full-scale replica of a Viking ship found in Norway in the 1880s. Marvel at the incredible attention to detail and learn about how the Hjemkomst successfully sailed from New York City to Norway in the 1980s. On the grounds is a replica of a 12th-century Norwegian stave church built from pine, cedar and redwood.
Spot rare birds and butterflies in the Bluestem Prairie and Scientific Natural Area. The park protects a wildlife-rich pocket of tallgrass prairie and is a sanctuary for native flora and fauna. Visit in spring and summer to see the park carpeted in colourful wildflowers.
More than a music venue, Bluestem Amphitheatre is a unique outdoor experience. The 3,000-seat venue is set on the banks of the Red River and treats you to fantastic acoustics and incredible views. Enjoy everything from family-friendly summer concerts to musicals and comedy shows.
Swedish meatballs feature on menus across Moorhead and reflect the state’s Scandinavian roots. You’ll also see local favourites like “Jucy Lucy” cheese-stuffed burgers, pan-fried walleye and hot buttered corn on the cob. Head to the local brewery to sample imaginative beers like mango sours, chocolate-infused stouts and tropical IPAs. Shop for local produce at the weekly Moorhead Farmers Market.
Getting around Moorhead
Downtown Moorhead is compact and easy to get around on foot. The city is a five-minute drive from Fargo in North Dakota or you can walk between the two cities in 25 minutes. Moorhead is in Clay County, a 3.5-hour drive from Minneapolis and Minneapolis−Saint Paul International Airport.