Fall is a great time for NDSU students to enjoy the beauty of the community and try new things.
There are many fun fall events to enjoy in the area this season. Fargo-Moorhead is often listed among the best college towns and best places to live in the country and there is plenty to see and do.
The air is crisp and the community is warm and welcoming, so let’s get out and experience the season.
Here are 10 things to enjoy this fall:
1. Visit pumpkin patches
Lil Bitz Pumpkin Patch in Fargo has more than 25 attractions, including horse drawn wagon rides, pick your own pumpkin and a corn maze. The site is open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from Sept. 18 to Oct. 31.
Buffalo River Pumpkin Patch in Glyndon, Minnesota, includes a petting zoo, game area, horse drawn carriage ride, duck races, photo booth and more. It’s open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from Sept. 25 to Oct. 31.
2. Walk or run the F-M Halloween Run
The Halloween themed run starts inside the Fargo Civic Center and takes you on a route along the Red River Oct. 29 and 30. It is the perfect way to see Fargo’s beauty in the fall. The race events include a 5K, 10K and half-marathon, and costumes are encouraged.
3. Browse Red River Market
The Red River Market is a local favorite in downtown Fargo on Saturdays. The market is located in Broadway Square and runs from July 10 to Oct. 30. Stock up on fall produce and locally-made goods and crafts. Bring a friend and strike a pose in the photo booth, enjoy art demos, live music and local food.
4. Hike at Buffalo River State Park
Buffalo River State Park keeps its hiking trails open in the fall. The scenery during this time of year is extraordinary. Leaves are bright brown, orange and yellow and you can hear the rush of the Buffalo River as you make your way around River View trail. Prairie View Trail, a 2.2-mile loop near the edge of the park, has terrific views of wildlife and is one of Minnesota’s largest prairie preserves.
5. Investigate paranormal activity at Bonanzaville
Unexplainable and creepy things have been reported by visitors at Bonanzaville Museum in West Fargo. You can explore several of the site’s most haunted areas in total darkness in teams of six. Sign up for Ghost Tours on Sept. 24 and 25 to hear some of the truly haunting stories from North Dakota’s past. Participants use EMF detectors and voice boxes to communicate with friends, just like on television.
6. Rent outdoor equipment from the Wellness Center
Explore the outdoors this season in Fargo-Moorhead. The Wellness Center offers equipment available for rent to take your wellness outside. You can rent tents, camping gear, canoes, kayaks, outdoor games and more. Stop by the Wellness Center or visit NDSU’s Outdoor Adventures page to learn more about renting equipment and check out the outdoor adventure guide to plan your next weekend trip.
7. Visit the Haunted Farm
The Haunted Farm 10 miles outside of Moorhead, Minnesota, is a scary adventure filled with creepy clowns, scary screams and zombies. Bring a group of friends who love a good scare. The full haunted show includes a haunted house, several haunted rooms, a maze and a spine-tingling walk through a dark, wooded area.
8. Celebrate cultural diversity at Pangea
Pangea: Cultivate our Cultures is a celebration of the region’s diversity. Sample the food, music, arts and crafts and stories of people from many different countries.
9. Explore The Big One craft show and Junk Market
This unique craft fair’s fall show is held at the Fargodome. You’ll find more than 350 different exhibitors on Oct. 15 and 16 showcasing their handmade items. Items include handcrafted décor, furniture, pottery, baked goods, salsa and candy. You’ll likely find something you love at The Big One.
Fargo Junk Market is a seasonal vendor show created by Eco Chic Home in 2012. This market on Sept. 24 and 25 brings you the region’s best vintage, modern and handmade vendors Clothing, Vintage, and Antiques, Handmade items, and Jewelry. More than 60 vendors participate in the market.
10. Experience the Fall in Fargo Festival
This is a celebration of the changing seasons. The free event at the Rheault Farm in Fargo is Sept. 18 and 19 and Sept. 25 and 26. Enjoy a straw bale maze, carnival games, DIY caramel apples, mini golf and a pumpkin patch at the Fall in Fargo Festival.
11. Enjoy the Bridge Bash
Stop by the Fix It Forward Bridge Bash for local students on Sept. 18 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m at Viking Ship Park in Moorhead. Enjoy live music, entertainment, food, giveaways and more. Swag bags will be handed out to the first 300 students.
Photos courtesy of Visit Fargo-Moorhead
