Moorhead, Minnesota, just outside of Fargo, North Dakota, is a great place to experience the arts and culture of the Midwest. Several museums, tourist attractions, and historical landmarks are right in town or just a short drive away. Here are five arts and culture spots worth experiencing in Moorhead.
Rourke Art Gallery and Museum
The Rourke Art Gallery opened back in the 1960s and quickly became a cultural staple of the area. Two brothers started the gallery with the goal of bringing local art to the people of Fargo and creating a space for cultural growth and support for artists. Today, the Rourke Gallery is one of the top venues for art sales in the upper Midwest. The museum grew over the years as it acquired more and more works to add to a permanent collection thanks to the collecting of James Tiernan O’Rourke, the founding director.
Visitors can browse an impressive and exciting collection of 20th and 21st century works from world-renowned artists as well as pieces from many local artists. Even the museum itself is a piece of Midwest culture as it is housed in the Moorhead Federal Post Office, which was built in 1913. The Rourke Art Gallery and Museum is open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays by appointment only from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m.
Admission is free, and you can easily make an appointment online. Take your time touring the museum to make sure you see works from famous local artists including Cyrus M. Running, Charles Beck, Robert A. Nelson, and many more.
Hjemkomst Center
Learn about ancient Viking history with a trip to the Hjemkomst Center. At the center, you’ll find the famous Hjemkomst Viking ship and the Hopperstad Stave Church. This ship was built in 1971 as a replica of the Gokstad burial ship, a well-known ship in Norwegian folklore. In the late 1880s, many settlers of Nordic and German descent came to live in the Moorhead area, bringing their Viking legends and culture with them.
The Hopperstad Stave church is another interesting part of this early Moorhead history. Another homage to Viking culture, this church is a full-scale replica of the Hopperstad Church in Vik, Norway. Built during the late 1990s, the Hopperstad Stave Church of Moorhead is now run by Clay County’s Historical and Cultural Society.
Visit the Hjemkomst Center any day of the week from noon until 5 p.m. and tour the museum, ship, and church. Adults are $10 per person and children are $8, but if you join as a member of the Clay County Historical and Cultural Society, you’ll enjoy free admission. Keep an eye out for fun events and festivals held at the center throughout each year. Don’t miss the Scandinavian Hjemkomst & Midwest Viking Festival held during the last weekend in June each summer. Check the Hjemhomst website for more information.
Bluestem Amphitheatre
The Bluestem Amphitheatre offers more than awesome entertainment, it’s simply a beautiful place to experience. A huge outdoor stage, this concert venue is located along the Red River surrounded by meadows, forests, and wildlife. Visitors can enjoy various cultural experiences at the Bluetstem Amphitheatre including activities and exhibitions from local schools, community festivals, and public performances. Popular past events include concerts by Tony Bennet, The Shins, Joan Jett, The Avett Brothers, and many more.
Regular events include performances by rock and country music artists, food festivals, and dance and theater performances by Trollwood Performing Arts School students. Scheduling and admissions depend on the event you’re hoping to attend. Check the venue’s website to see information about upcoming events.
Comstock House
An 11-room beautiful Victorian house from 1883 has been restored to its original appearance and welcomes visitors for tours and schools for field trips. The breathtaking details of the interior are sure to leave an impression. You can even see many of the original belongings and furnishings from the Comstock family as you tour the rooms.
Solomon G. Comstock and his family are an important part of Moorhead history and culture. Comstock served as the town’s lawyer for many years as well as four terms as a state representative, one term in the House of Representatives, and one term as a state senator. He also supported education in the area by helping to build multiple schools, and his wife helped build the local library.
Tours are currently available for groups of six or more and school trips by appointment. Admission costs $7 per person for adults and $5 for kids. Booking and contact information is available on the Minnesota Historical Society’s website. Keep an eye out for special events to experience the Comstock House and grounds in a unique way. Past events include outdoor games, socials, holiday celebrations, and arts and crafts classes.
Plains Art Museum
Located in downtown Fargo in a turn-of-the-century warehouse, the Plains Art Museum, is the perfect place to support and experience art in the area. Whether you want to tour the museum collection or want to try your own hand at creating works of art, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy. Start your visit by walking around the outside of the building to see the beautiful public art and gardens free of charge. Inside the museum, you’ll find collections of traditional African art, Contemporary works, Modernist and Postmodernist art, and Native American pieces from throughout history.
The Plains Art Museum is open every day except Sundays. Visit between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. during the week and 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Saturdays, and admission is free. If you’re interested in joining an art class, check out their list of classes for adults, kids, and families online.
Contact Rydell Outlet
Next time you’re looking for a fun and interesting way to enjoy the day, check out these attractions in Moorhead and the surrounding areas, recommended by Rydell Outlet Center. If you’ve already visited any of these local places, let us know what you thought. Feel free to let us know if we missed one of your favorite Moorhead attractions for experiencing arts and culture. We might even update our list!
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