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contents

Features

8 draMatic show oF supportLocal theater groups thrive

12 Food For thouGhtDiverse dining scene has everyone thinking about what’s for dinner

18 lessons on learninGTop employers give Fargo-Moorhead teachers real-world instruction ideas

8

12

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26

27 29

17

on the cover Microsoft FargoPhoto by Michael Conti

departments

6 almanac

17 local Flavor

20 business overview

22 biz briefs

23 economic profile

26 arts & culture

27 sports & recreation

29 education

31 health & wellness

32 see the city

36 community profile

2013 edition | voluMe 2

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all or part of this magazine is printed on recycled paper containing 10% post-consumer waste.

pleaserecyclethismagazine

4 fargo, ND - moorheaD, mN

What’sonlinelivability.com/fargo

sponsored by the Greater FarGo Moorhead econoMic developMent corporation

2013 | livability.coM/FarGo

lessons on learninGTop employers give teachers real world instruction ideas

Food for thoughtDiverse dining scene has everyonethinking about what’s for dinner

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Facts Get the most up-to-date info on cost of living, top employers, schools, population demographics and more.

liVing hereLearn the basics about local neighborhoods, schools and health-care providers.

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Images Fargo, ND - Moorhead, MN is published annually by Journal Communications inc. and is distributed

through the greater Fargo Moorhead economic Development Corporation and its member businesses.

For advertising information or to direct questions or comments about the magazine, contact

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For More inForMation, contact:greater Fargo Moorhead economic

Development Corporation51 broadway, suite 500, Fargo, nD, 58102

Phone: (701) 364-1900 • Fax: (701) 293-7819 www.gfmedc.com

visit Images Fargo, ND - moorheaD, mN online at livability.coM/FarGo

©Copyright 2012 Journal Communications inc., 725 Cool springs blvd., suite 400, Franklin, Tn 37067,

(615) 771-0080. all rights reserved. no portion of this magazine may be reproduced

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Member Custom Content Council

Member greater Fargo-Moorhead economic Development Corporation

Welcome to Fargo-Moorhead

almanac

Wild about WildlifeRed River Zoo sits on 33 acres and

is home to 300 animals of 75 different

species including some of the few red

pandas in captivity in the world. visitors

can comfortably tour the facility in 60-90

minutes, and some of the rare animals on

display include the endangered bactrian

camel and sichuan takin. a family of five

timberwolves was also recently added to

the overall population following their births.

The zoo is known for its well-manicured

grounds, and the facility’s smaller size allows

a more interesting and intimate experience

for anyone who visits. For more information,

see www.redriverzoo.org.

Dilly of a TreatDairy queen has been an american

restaurant favorite since 1940, and perhaps

its most famous menu item is the Dilly bar

that debuted in 1955 in Moorhead. The Dilly

bar is soft serve ice cream on a stick that

is covered with chocolate, cherry or

butterscotch. The Moorhead restaurant

has been a traditional walk-up Dairy

queen since it opened in 1949,

and besides the traditional

Dairy queen menu items,

it also offers customer

favorites such as

Chipper sandwiches,

Mr. Malties, Monkey

Tails and old

Fashioned sodas.

More information

can be found at

moorheaddairyqueen.com.

child’s PlayThe children’s museum at yunker farm is

set on 55 acres and features a miniature train, carousel, playground, pumpkin patch, nature trails, miniature golf course and more. The 50-plus interactive exhibits are designed to engage and stimulate creativity in children. The museum building is also interesting because it was the first brick house built in the Dakota territory, dating back to 1876. it became a museum in 1989 following a complete restoration. for more information, visit childrensmuseum-yunker.org.

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Page

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Averill

Barnesville

Hawley

Comstock

Georgetown Ulen

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STATEMINNESOTA

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Main City Name312

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population (2010 census)Fargo-Moorhead Msa: 208,000

locationFargo, n.D., and Moorhead, Minn.,

are divided by the Red River, which

serves as the border between the

two states.

beGinninGsFargo and Moorhead became

boomtowns with the arrival of the

northern Pacific Railway in 1871.

For More inForMation

greater Fargo Moorhead economic

Development Corporation

51 broadway, suite 500

Fargo, nD 58102

(701) 364-1900, (877) 243-0821

www.gfmedc.com

Fargo-moorheadataglance

FastFactsn fargo-moorhead is located on the red river of the North, one of the few rivers in the world that flows northward.

n Forbes magazine named fargo one of its best places to retire in 2011

n moorhead’s pioneer Prairie home cemetery on eighth Street is often cited as the inspiration for the name of garrison Keillor’s national radio program, A Prairie Home Companion.

n fargo-moorhead is among the top 50 most bike-friendly cities in the United States, according to Bicycling Magazine.

n although the academy award-winning 1996 film Fargo is named for the city, none of the movie was shot on location in fargo. The city is only seen briefly in the film’s opening scene.

n fargo-moorhead was named the No. 1 best Place for Jobs by cNNmoney.com in 2009.

Fargo-Moorhead

The Plain TruthThe single biggest art museum

between Minneapolis and seattle

is Plains art Museum in Fargo, which

comprises 56,000 square feet

for both rotating and permanent

exhibits. Recent displays have

included an exhibit of Rembrandt

etchings, the art of Fargo native

Matt Mastrud, and a show entitled

“Rodin: a Magnificent obsession.”

Plains also sponsors a biennial

regional juried exposition along

with an annual series that

showcases regional musicians,

composers and artists who work

with digital media. in addition,

the museum hosts educational

workshops in printmaking and

landscape painting, plus a yearly

clay camp for kids. More information

is available at plainsart.org.

6 fargo, ND - moorheaD, mN livabiliT y.com/fargo 7

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for Gen Eidem, a frequent theater-goer in Fargo-Moorhead, live dramatic productions “feed the soul,” she says. “Theater contributes to the quality of our life by energizing us and

by providing a means for us to come together for a common reason. There is something totally magical about theater, and believe me, we don’t have to fly off to NYC to find good productions. We have them right here in our area.”

art appreciationEidem isn’t alone in her appreciation for local

theater. The dramatic arts have long been an important part of the Fargo-Moorhead community.

“We have always had a strong history of supporting

the performing arts, and in the recent past, that has really grown,” says Dayna Del Val, executive director of The Arts Partnership. “The community has been very supportive of the work being done by the various theatrical companies with both financial assistance and with attendance. This is a community that seems to really value live performance.”

And theaters in Fargo-Moorhead offer live performances in a number of styles and genres including musical theater, classic American theater, contemporary theater and true community theater, Del Val says. The community also offers dramatic programming for every age group, from the very youngest children all the way up to senior adults.

“We now have multiple summer programs

theatrical Groups thrive

Show of SupportDramatic

sToRy by nancy Mann-jacksonPHoTogRaPHy by Michael conti

top: music Theatre fargo moorhead production of chicago the musical; bottom: act Up Theatre companies production of Spring awakening

8 fargo, ND - moorheaD, mN livabiliT y.com/fargo 9

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specifically geared for elementary, junior and senior high school students,” Del Val says. “We have also seen a surge in the number and variety of types of adult theatrical experiences being offered throughout the community.”

take a peek backstageWhile theater patrons broaden their horizons

by enjoying live theater, the performers and behind-the-scenes workers gain additional value.

“One of my favorite things that I take away from my involvement in the theater is meeting new people,” says Linda Hinrichs, who has performed in plays with several local companies. “I consider it a very special treat when I have the opportunity to perform with others that I have been on stage with before. I appreciate the experience of working with different directors and learning from them, as well as the people I am acting with.”

Over the past several years, Fargo-Moorhead has

become a haven for performers, theater buffs and theater novices who want to experience something new and exciting. And the dramatic arts have made Fargo-Moorhead a richer, more interesting place to live.

“On any given weekend throughout the year, there is at least one live theatrical performance going on somewhere, and often, there is more than one,” Del Val says.

“Our programming has expanded and increased as our quality of life has. It’s been a very symbiotic relationship, as the demand for both more theatrical programming and quality of life issues have grown up together. Today, there is cutting-edge theater being produced [here] as well as contemporary and classical musicals. The best of American theater and Pulitzer Prize-winning plays are being done. Comedies, dramas, farces, musicals and more are showcasing the best of the theatrical experience to our audiences and our actors.”

clockwise from top left: Trollwood Performing arts School in moorhead; The fargo-moorhead community Theatre’s children’s Studio Theatre performs annie Jr. The Stage at island Park in fargo is a 330-seat venue that offers live performances. fargo-moorhead community Theatre’s 2009 production of into the Woods

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Fargo-Moorhead foodies have a lot to be proud about when it comes to the local restaurant scene. Innovative foreign cuisine jostles good ol’ American standbys, sometimes on the

same menu. This is an area that likes choice, and its restaurateurs respond.

“We have a variety, and the majority of our restaurants are locally owned so they add a lot of f lair and personality unique to Fargo,” says Mike Hahn, president and CEO of the Downtown Community Partnership. “They help our downtown core stay vibrant, but also add to the overall personality of the community.”

One of the best-known players on Fargo’s restaurant roster is Mezzaluna, which hangs its hat on the use of fresh, local ingredients in a rotating menu.

“We’re definitely known for our duck, but people

also really like our seafood, which we have flown in,” says Sara Watson, who along with husband and chef Eric owns and operates Mezzaluna. “Fargo loves its food, and in the eight years we’ve been here we have found it to be a really special place.”

downtown Fargo restaurant scene prospers

While there’s fine dining to be found all over the area, downtown Fargo is known for its concentration of quality restaurants.

If wine’s your thing, then don’t miss Taste of Italy, which continues to add traditional wines to its offerings. A well-known spot for romantic dinners, the restaurant also has private dining rooms and banquet facilities for larger parties.

A taste of Tuscany is also an offering at Toscana,

dininG scene has everyone thinkinG about what’s For dinner

Food forThought

sToRy by joe MorrisPHoTogRaPHy by Michael conti

Diners enjoy the food and atmosphere of hoDo restaurant at hotel Donaldson in downtown fargo.

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which promises an escape to Italy in everything from seafood dishes to the décor.

Over in the Hotel Donaldson, the HoDo Restaurant maintains its local favorite status. Its “come as you are” ambiance belies the care and attention that goes into its food.

Like your dining with a twist? Then try the martinis at Monte’s Downtown, which blends upscale cuisine with urban hip.

The organic vibe continues at the Green Market Kitchen, where fresh-daily cuisine mixes everything from flax crepes to socca (chickpea) cakes with red pepper mojo.

Want a view with that truffle mac and cheese? Then don’t miss Usher’s House, overlooking the Red River from its perch in Davey Memorial Park.

If you haven’t filled your dining calendar yet, then be sure to mark down Maxwells, one of North Dakota’s most award-winning restaurants.

Steaks and seafood also lead the bill of fare at the Cork ’n Cleaver, which also is rightly known for its amazing salad bar.

You’re a long way from Kentucky, but if you need a Hot Brown sandwich, then stop over at John Alexander’s, where casual dishes are elevated to fine-dining status.

casual dining scene offers varietyFood on the fly also has its place here, too,

where a quick, casual meal, snack or drink is easy to find and enjoy.

On the pizza front, look no further than Rhombus Guys, whose unique visions have led to many a satisfied customer over the years.

And for a memorable burger, try JL Beers, where the Humpty Dumpty has made a believer of many.

Lighter fare can be found at Nichole’s Fine Pastry, where soups and salads nudge up against such daily features as house-made gelato and sorbets.

If you need to feel important, then don’t miss the VIP Room. Large dining rooms with local art and classical music provide a relaxing dining experience.

Then there’s Bertrosa’s Cafe, which introduced Vienna all-beef hot dogs to North Dakota.

clockwise from top left: Diners enjoy a meal at mezzaluna. classic bruschetta with spinach-almond pesto, tapenade and toasted breads is on the menu at mezzaluna. Usher’s house executive chef cary carr prepares a meal at the moorhead restaurant. hoDo restaurant at hotel Donaldson in downtown fargo draws diners with fresh food and a comfortable atmosphere. hoDo restaurant’s menu includes dishes such as these pan-roasted manila clams.

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livabiliT y.com/fargo 17

Top 10 College Towns

Introducing the Livability.com Top 10 Lists New lists every month | Not your average lists | Not your average website

Fargomade the list.Top 10 College TownsSee more Top 10 lists at Livability.com.

OxFOrd Mississippi

LOuisviLLe Kentucky

COLLege sTaTiOn Texas

auburn alabama

FargO north dakota

ann arbOr Michigan

MadisOn Wisconsin

aThens georgia

burLingTOn vermont

bOuLder Colorado

livabiliT y.com/fargo 17

eating is believing in Fargo-Moorhead, where culinary

options are abundant. Here’s a taste of interesting tidbits about what the area has to offer.

internationalDining choices in Fargo-

Moorhead range from bison

burgers and traditional

steakhouses to ethnic cuisine

such as italian, Mexican, german

and Russian. Meanwhile, you

might not expect to find great

sushi so far inland, but there

are several excellent spots that

include 101 sushi bar, kobe’s,

osaka, samurai, Wasabi and

yuki Hana.

lakehotspotZorbaz is a favorite restaurant

chain for all the locals who head

to lake country over summer

weekends. it was established

in 1969 and named after the

1960s movie Zorba the Greek,

who was a fun-loving, free-spirited

otherFoodFavoritesiNTereSTiNg TiDbiTS aboUT fargo-moorheaD’S local flavor

Wasabi Sushi and asian grill in downtown fargo

Local Flavor

character. The restaurant calls itself

a Mexican food and pizza joint, and

has a large selection of beers.

culinaryartsprogram

Minnesota state Community

and Technical College has a

culinary arts program for students

who want to pursue a career in

the restaurant and hospitality

industry. M state students receive

hands-on practical lab training

paired with traditional academic

courses aligned with industry

needs. Demand these days is

high in the overall culinary field,

with culinary arts accounting for

more than 9 million jobs annually

in the united states.

homegroWnResidents who advocate

farm-to-table dining practices

can turn to Fargo Local Foods

for information on local farmers

markets as well as businesses and

restaurants that sell and prepare

food using products from area

farms and producers. notable

farmers markets in the area

include the Fargo Community

Farmers Market and the FM

Farmers Market. Locally-owned

Hornbacher’s supermarkets also

are known for carrying a variety

of local produce and meats.

localWineMaple River Winery is a short

20-mile drive west of town, in

Casselton, n.D. it opened in

2001 and specializes in making

small batches of wine with north

Dakota fruit. The array is

impressive: dandelion, apricot,

country crabapple and even

apple jalapeño pepper, to name

just a few. – Kevin Litwin

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Gone are the days where students would sit in algebra class wondering how they

will ever use what they are learning in the real world.

Today, more and more students are being taught through STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education, which focuses on engaging students in projects and using the engineering design process.

Greater Fargo-Moorhead teachers now have the chance to learn real world applications for

principles they teach in their classes through a summer internship at some of the area’s largest employers.

teachers in industryThe Greater Fargo-Moorhead

Economic Development Corporation and North Dakota State University launched the Teachers in Industry program in 2011 to spark more innovation in teaching in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math in hopes more students will enter the workforce in related fields.

The program grew to include four employers – Sanford Health, Bobcat, Microsoft and John Deere Electronic Solutions – in 2012; it is expected to grow by at least two companies in 2013.

There’s a real world app that seventh-grade teacher Adam Gehlhar learned through his summer internship at North and South Dakota’s largest employer, Sanford Health, that the work his school is doing “to teach kids how to think, not what to think, is critical to their success in the 21st century.”

top eMployers Give FarGo-Moorehead teachers real-world instruction ideas

sToRy by erin edGeMonPHoTogRaPHy by Michael conti

Sanford health medical center in fargo, one of four local employers participating in the 2012 Teachers in industry program

business

leSSoNS on Learning

18 fargo, ND - moorheaD, mN livabiliT y.com/fargo 19

The first few weeks of Gehlhar’s classes at the West Fargo STEM Center in fall 2012 focused on some of the hands-on demonstrations of lean engineering that he learned during his month-long internship at Sanford Health.

“The students will learn and apply these concepts to improve processes and standardize our workflows for the year,” he says. “We will use lean engineering and its ideas to support building a growth mindset within our students.”

Students also will learn to apply math concepts by using Excel to tabulate and analyze data as Gehlhar learned in the Office of Continuous Improvement at Sanford Health.

research and developmentEDC Communications

Coordinator Lisa Gulland-Nelson got the idea for the internship program after speaking to the principal of the West Fargo STEM Center. She learned teachers are trained to educate, but they rarely get exposed to the working world.

From there, she went to work on securing large employers to partner with and allow area teachers to work in companies that have some of the most in-demand jobs.

Companies say they participated in the internship program as a way to serve the community and assist in educating the future workforce.

“We truly benefited from having an engaged and eager teacher as a part of our team this summer. He brought forth lots of great questions, input and observations,” says Nicole Schell, human resources advisor for Sanford Health.

At John Deere Electronic Solutions, the teacher intern was exposed to the different phases of the design and development of new projects to the manufacturing and testing of prototypes.

“These activities correlated very closely to what the teacher was hoping to get from the experience as we wanted to make sure that they were very engaged throughout the process,” says Sam Wheeldon, technical manager of electronic design at John Deere.

From top: John Deere electronic Solutions in fargo, a participating company in the 2012 Teachers in industry program, designs, develops, manufactures and tests products including display systems for John Deere vehicles. microsoft, also a program participant, handles research, development, sales and more at its fargo campus.

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business

farm and construction equipment manufacturer and retailer cNh employs more than 1,000 people here.

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Fargo-Moorhead’s economy is known for companies that excel at developing and

implementing technology, advanced manufacturing and a diverse and affordable real estate market awaiting new workers.

techcompaniesMicrosoft’s Fargo facilities make up the company’s

second-largest campus worldwide, where more than

800 employees develop and support major software

products. This campus features a Microsoft

Dynamics Development Center and houses

Microsoft’s executive briefing Center.

PRaCs institute’s Fargo facility represents more

than 25 years of research experience in clinical

pharmacology. This facility has completed more than

5,000 studies and features 120 iCu-style hospital

beds; experienced physicians, nurses and clinical

staff; and a database with more than 120,000 people

who are available for Phase i-iii studies.

nokia develops and supports the gPs navigation

software that is used in many in-car navigation units

today including those produced by garmin,

Magellan, and TomTom. nokia’s production center

in Fargo develops digital mapping.

advancedmanuFacturingbobcat Company, a leader in the engineering,

manufacturing, marketing and distribution of

construction equipment, has its corporate offices on

six acres of land in West Fargo, employing nearly 200.

Farm and construction equipment manufacturer

and retailer CnH has a major presence in Fargo,

employing more than 1,000 people.

John Deere electronics solutions, a global

provider of design and manufacturer of high-value

rugged electronic solutions for use in harsh physical

and electrical environments, is headquartered in

Fargo and employs nearly 700.

realestateThere are more than 30 housing communities

being developed in the Fargo-Moorhead region,

offering prospective homebuyers nearly limitless

options when deciding where to live, ranging from

downtown condos to suburban communities.

amenities found in these communities include

ponds, fountains, walking and biking paths,

playgrounds, picnic areas and golf facilities.

some have characteristics of new urbanism such as

walkable neighborhoods, empty-nester attractions

smartandaffordableecoNomy STroNg WiTh Tech comPaNieS, DiverSe real eSTaTe

and master-planned overlays. Many appeal to

young families due to having nearby schools,

soccer fields and swimming pools.

virtually any style of home is obtainable here

including rowhouses and twinhomes to single-family

homes of all shapes and sizes, with pricing of new

houses starting in the low $100,000s.

“From new homes to remodeling projects,

Home builders association of F-M members strive

for quality and putting up a product that consumers

appreciate and enjoy,” says bryce Johnson, executive

vice president of the Home builders association of

F-M. “in general, those who belong to the Hba see

a need to stay on top of current industry

developments and care about giving back to their

industry. They have a sense of responsibility.”

For detailed information, contact the Hba of F-M

at (701) 232-5846 or visit www.hbafm.com.

– Braxton Shoop

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$3billionAnnual Retail Sales

$27,484Retail Sales Per Capita

$314millionAnnual Hotel and Food Sales

10,156Total Number of Firms

business

Biz Briefsa SamPliNg of bUSiNeSSeS – large aND Small – ThaT helP DefiNe

fargo-moorheaD’S STroNg aND Well-balaNceD ecoNomic climaTe

solid coMFortBiz: Wood furniture and cabinet manufacturerBuzz: Solid Comfort’s facility in Fargo produces beds, dressers, nightstands, desks, vanities and more. The company’s furniture can be seen in well-known hotels such as Country Inn & Suites, Radisson Hotels & Resorts, Embassy Suites and Hilton Garden Inn.www.solidcomfort.com

pactivBiz: Foodservice disposables, food packaging manufacturerBuzz: Pactiv, the largest manufacturer of disposable materials and packaging products for the food industry in the world, provides items such as molded fiber egg cartons, portion cups and lids, berry clamshells, cutlery and more. The company operates 55 manufacturing facilities around the world, including one in Moorhead, Minn., and serves more than 1,600 customers.www.pactiv.com

swanson health productsBiz: Nutritional supplement providerBuzz: Swanson Health Products offers vitamins and minerals to aid in cardiovascular health, cholesterol support, fitness and energy, and more. The company also provides products to enhance diets such as vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free and kosher.www.swansonvitamins.com

sundoGBiz: Marketing and technology companyBuzz: Headquartered in Fargo, Sundog assists clients with content development, website design, advertising and more. The company has worked with clients throughout the United States such as Sanford Health, Bobcat, Schwan’s and United Healthcare.www.sundoginteractive.com

aMity technoloGyBiz: Agriculture equipment manufacturerBuzz: With its research, development, manufacturing and headquarters in Fargo, Amity Technology offers agriculture equipment. The company provides sugar beet equipment, crop management equipment, air seeding tools, potato equipment and more. Amity Technology’s products are available around the world, and they are also frequently on display at farm shows throughout North Dakota.www.amitytech.com

scorecard business at a Glance

source: U.s. Census QuickFacts

22 fargo, ND - moorheaD, mN livabiliT y.com/fargo 23

ThiS SecTioN iS SPoNSoreD by

amtrak Passenger Service

www.amtrak.com

otter Tail valley railroad

www.railamerica.com/

railservices/oTvR.aspx

red river valley &

Western railroad

www.rrvw.net

workForce

122,000approximate Total Workforce

70%have attained an education

level beyond high school

(age 25+)

63%White-collar Jobs

37%blue-collar Jobs

incoMe

$28,618Per capita income

$66,833average annual household income

transportation

Air Service:

hector international airport

2801 32nd ave. n.W.

Fargo, nD 58102

www.fargoairport.com

Bus:

maT – metro area

Transit System

www.matbus.com

Jefferson lines

www.jeffersonlines.com

Major Highways:

i-94, i-29

Railroads:

bNSf railway

www.bnsf.com

Major eMployers

Sanford health

6,739 employees

North Dakota State University

2,339 employees

blue cross blue Shield

of N.D./Noridian

1,872 employees

fargo Public Schools

1,762 employees

essentia health

1,264 employees

West fargo Public Schools

1,034 employees

cNh america

1,005 employees

US bank Service center

975 employees

microsoft

869 employees

business overviewFargo-Moorhead’s business environment is evolving rapidly,

adding new expertise, facilities and capacity every day. businesses

are benefiting from world-class education and research, unique

advanced facilities, strong industry-university partnerships,

sophisticated business infrastructure, and hardworking, skilled

and productive employees.

econoMic proFile

http://www.JohnDeereCareers.com

the Fargo Moorhead region’s many cultural attractions and

events ensure people always are in the middle of the action when it comes to the arts.

museumsWith rotating exhibits and

a permanent collection, the

Plains art Museum is the largest

art museum between Minneapolis

and seattle. aviation lovers

may enjoy the Fargo air Museum,

which is home to the world’s only

flying super Corsair and a beech

staggerwing. With more than 50

exhibits, the Children’s Museum

at yunker Farm keeps little ones

entertained. according to Child

magazine, the museum is one

of the best in the nation.

liveevents,Festivalsvisit the gate City bank

Theatre, located inside the

Fargodome, to enjoy broadway

shows such as Rent, as well as

concerts by top entertainers.

situated downtown, the Fargo

Theatre offers plays, concerts,

and various films.

bluestem Center for the

arts is home to Trollwood

Performing arts school, and

The stage at island Park hosts

plays, concerts and more.

additionally, the Fargo-Moorhead

Community Theater puts on

several shows a year.

Musical offerings in the area

include the blues Festival in

Fargo and We Fest in Detriot

Lakes, Minn., which features

three days of country music

at soo Pass Ranch.

For more live music, check

out the Fargo-Moorhead opera,

Fargo-Moorhead symphony

orchestra, Jazz arts group of

Fargo-Moorhead, great Plains

Harmony Men’s Chorus, The Hub

and The aquarium.

galleriesgallery 4, Ltd. and ecce,

both on broadway, attract

artsy types. gallery 4 Ltd.

shows paintings, drawings and

sculptures by local artists, while

ecce showcases the works of

local and regional artists and

offers yoga classes.

– Pamela Coyle

JumprightinregioN offerS maNy cUlTUral eveNTS aND aTTracTioNS

arts & Culture

children paint with their parents at the children’s Museum at yunker Farm.

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thanks to an abundance of places to get active, Fargo

Moorhead area residents stay busy no matter the season.

BikinginFargonamed one of the “top 50

bike-friendly communities in the

u.s.” by Bicycling magazine in

2011, Fargo recently developed a

plan to create additional on-street

bike lanes in the community. Many

of the new lanes will be located

in the 6-square-mile area that

includes the central business

district, a hospital, north Dakota

state university’s main campus

and the city’s downtown.

The city is also home to the

great northern bicycle Co.,

which is also known as island

Park Cycles. The shop provides

new and used bicycles, parts,

accessories and more, while also

offering repair services and

organizing community bike rides.

Fargomarathonin addition to a strong cycling

community, Fargo is home to

devoted runners. The biggest

event for the running community

each year is the Fargo Marathon,

a boston Marathon qualifier

enhanced by events spanning

an entire weekend, including a

half marathon, the Radio Fargo-

Moorhead 10k Run, the Fargo

Marathon youth Run and the

swanson Products Health &

Fitness expo. The main marathon

begins and ends at the Fargodome,

and the course has live music

from more than 60 bands. after

the race, finishers receive medals

and enjoy a concert.

multi-usetrailsFargo maintains 85 miles of

paths for walking, running, biking

and in-line skating, plus four cross-

country ski trails, including some

that utilize public golf courses.

The trail system has received

regional and national awards, and

the city keeps adding to it. in

2008, Fargo finished a trail along

a drainage canal that will include

a bridge connecting to osgood

Park and the last leg of the Red

River Trail. This trail runs through

Wildflower grove Park and loops

through downtown Fargo and

Moorhead, Minn.

golFcoursesboth Rose Creek golf Course

and edgewood golf Course in

Fargo offer 18-hole courses, while

osgood golf Course, Prairewood

golf Course and el Zagal golf

Course provide nine holes. More

courses are located in Moorhead

such as Meadows golf Course

and village green golf Course.

The city also features The

sports bubble, which includes

a driving range, golf simulators

and a mini-golf course.

spectatorsportsThe north Dakota state

university bison, Minnesota state

university-Moorhead Dragons and

the Concordia College Cobbers

get area college sports fans on

their feet. The region also has

the Fargo-Moorhead Redhawks

baseball team and Fargo Force,

a junior hockey team. Roller derby

fans cheer on the Fargo Moorhead

Derby girls, north Dakota’s first

and premier flat-track roller derby

league. and don’t forget new

york yankee great Roger Maris

is a Fargo native.

– Pamela Coyle

FitnessandFunoUTDoor, iNDoor oPPorTUNiTieS KeeP commUNiTy oN iTS ToeS

sports & Recreation

cyclists compete in a mountain bike race at M.b. johnson park in Moorhead.

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education

Go to the head of the class if you realize that Fargo-Moorhead has numerous

educational opportunities, from innovative public and private schools to several high-quality colleges and universities.

succeed2020The Hess Corporation has donated $25 million

to help north Dakota students become better

prepared for college and careers, with the south

east education Cooperative in charge of designing

specific programs for Fargo schools. specific goals

in the succeed 2020 initiative include increasing

aCT scores, improving college and career counseling

beginning in middle school grades, increasing

advanced placement course opportunities for rural

smartapproachiNNovaTive SchoolS earN accolaDeS

students, and offering more access to technical

education programs.

threepuBlicschooldistrictsFargo Public school District has classes from

preschool through high school, plus performance

and musical arts training at the Trollwood

Performing arts school. West Fargo Public

school District provides classes from kindergarten

through high school and also contains a sTeM

Center, which teaches a curriculum focused on

science technology, engineering and mathematics.

Moorhead area Public schools address the needs

of students from kindergarten through high school,

also providing an emphasis on sTeM courses at

both the middle and high school levels.

privateschoolsFargo-Moorhead’s religion-based private schools

all include high-quality education while instilling the

values of their respective faiths. blessed John Paul ii

Catholic schools network, oak grove Lutheran

school and Park Christian school all provide education

from kindergarten through high school, while grace

Lutheran school educates students from kindergarten

through eighth grade.

statecollegesnorth Dakota state university offers a wide range

of opportunities in programs covering 112 bachelor’s

degrees, 61 master’s degrees and 44 doctoral

degrees. Minnesota state university Moorhead delivers

variety with 75 majors and 16 pre-professional

programs, while north Dakota state College of

science-Fargo and Minnesota state Community

and Technical College both have many academic

and career programs that prepare students to enter

four-year institutions or technical careers.

privatecollegesConcordia College features 78 majors and

12 pre-professional programs, with all students

required to learn one of nine global languages.

Rasmussen College has degrees and diplomas

in allied health, business, justice studies, and

technology and design fields, while globe university

Minnesota school of business has degrees in

business, health science, legal science, technology

and multimedia fields. The university of Mary

also offers a vast accelerated program to meet

the needs of working adults.

– Kevin Litwin

students walk past weld hall at Minnesota state university Moorhead.

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visit ouradvertisersBest Western Kelly Inn & Suiteswww.bestwesternfargo.com

Border States Electricwww.borderstateselectric.com

Cardinal IGwww.cardinalcorp.com

Cass County Electric Cooperativewww.kwh.com

City of Moorheadwww.cityofmoorhead.com

Fargo Public Schoolswww.fargo.k12.nd.us

Fargo-Moorhead Economic Development Corporationwww.careerfm.com

Holiday Innwww.fargohi.com

Home Builders Association of Fargo-Moorheadwww.hbafm.com

Homewood Suites by Hiltonwww.fargo.homewoodsuites.com

Kilbourne Groupwww.kilbournegroup.com

Minnesota State University Moorheadwww.minstate.edu

Moorhead Area Public Schoolswww.moorhead.k12.mn.us

Oak Grove Lutheran Schoolwww.oakgrovelutheran.com

Phoenix International – A John Deere Companywww.johndeerecareers.com

Ramada Plaza Suites and Conference Centerwww.ramadafargo.com

Rasmussen Collegewww.rasmussen.edu

Sanford Healthwww.sanfordhealth.org

Swanson Health Productswww.swansonhealth.com

West Fargo Public Schoolswww.west-fargo.k12.nd.us

All WFPS students will continuously improve toward, or maintain proficiency in essential skills in core

content areas of reading/language arts; mathematics; science; and social studies.

All WFPS students will graduate college-ready and/or work-ready.

All WFPS students will be lifelong learners, demonstrating and applying 21st century skills.

West Fargo Public SchoolsEducating today’s learners for tomorrow’s world.

(701) 356-2000 www.west-fargo.k12.nd.us

Do you have goals for your child’s education? WE DO.

30 fargo, ND - moorheaD, mN livabiliT y.com/fargo 31

Health & Wellness

a healthy mix of hospitals, specialized medical services and community clinics make the

Fargo-Moorhead area a health-care destination.

sanFordhealthFargo-based sanford Health is the largest, rural,

not-for-profit health-care system in the nation. The

largest employer in north and south Dakota, sanford

Health operates 34 hospitals and 116 clinics. sanford

Fargo Medical Center is a 583-bed teaching hospital

with a Level ii trauma center, LifeFlight air transport

services, newborn/pediatric intensive care services

and children’s, women’s, orthopedics, heart and

cancer centers. at sanford Children’s Hospital Fargo,

pediatric and neonatal specialists care for kids.

The hospital received a welcome boost in 2012,

when Minnesota Wild center Matt Cullen donated

$1 million to create a 3,000-square-foot, hockey-

themed play and learning area at the children’s

hospital. also in 2012, sanford Fargo Medical Center

broke ground on a new $541 million hospital set to

open in 2016. The new medical center will add 2,000

full-time positions to the 7,463 employees already

working at sanford’s Fargo-Moorhead locations.

essentiahealthanother key player in regional health care is

essentia Health-Fargo. The 104-bed multispecialty

hospital offers critical care, medical surgical care,

pediatric, neonatal intensive care, and maternity

care. services also include a 24-hour emergency

Department with Level ii trauma designation.

in 2012, essentia Health became Fargo’s first

hospital to offer interventional neurology, which uses

high-tech imaging and a tiny catheter to open blood

vessels in the brain and prevent strokes. That ability

and essentia Health-Fargo’s stroke team have

earned the facility accreditation as an advanced

Primary stroke Center. essentia Health-Fargo also

features a medical clinic, while the essentia Health

Heart & vascular Center provides cardiac care.

Fargovahealthcaresystemveterans and their families rely on the Fargo va

Health Care system, which serves more than 89,000

veterans living in north Dakota, Minnesota and

south Dakota. services at the Fargo va Medical

Center include extended care and rehabilitation,

mental health programs, a pharmacy, specialty

care and women’s health services. The system

also operates eight outpatient clinics in the region.

prairiest.John’sFargo also is home to Prairie st. John’s, a 91-bed

facility offering services for children, adolescents

and adults struggling with mental health issues,

chemical dependency or addiction and co-occurring

disorders. services include inpatient hospitalization,

partial hospitalization, residential treatment,

intensive outpatient services and clinic services.

– Melanie Hill

ahealthyoutlookmeDical choiceS are PleNTifUl iN fargo-moorheaD

Sanford fargo medical center’s children’s area

essentia health-fargo

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Veterans Memorial Bridge in Moorhead

Photo by Michael Conti

see the City

32 fargo, ND - moorheaD, mN

Cyclists enjoy trails near downtown Fargo.

Photo by Michael Conti

livabiliT y.com/fargo 33

ENGINEERING THE FUTURE OF INSULATING GLASS

4611 15th Ave. NW • Fargo, ND 58102(701) 492-0920 • www.cardinalcorp.com

34 fargo, ND - moorheaD, mN

The Fargo Theatre in downtown Fargo

Photo by Michael Conti

see the City

34 fargo, ND - moorheaD, mN livabiliT y.com/fargo 35

Ad Index 34 BestWestern

KellyInn&suItes

C4 BorderstateseleCtrIC

34 CardInalIG

26 CassCounty

eleCtrICCooperatIve

34 CItyofMoorhead

4 farGopuBlICsChools

2 farGo-MoorheadeConoMIC

developMentCorporatIon

5 holIdayInn

30 hoMeBuIldersassoCIatIon

offarGo-Moorhead

C3 hoMeWoodsuItes

ByhIlton

36 KIlBourneGroup

28 MInnesotastate unIversItyMoorhead

34 Moorheadarea puBlICsChools

C3 oaKGrove lutheransChool

24 phoenIxInternatIonal –aJohndeereCoMpany

23 raMadaplazasuItes andConferenCeCenter

34 rasMussenColleGe

C2 sanfordhealth

30 sWansonhealthproduCts

30 WestfarGo puBlICsChools

ThiS SecTioN iS SPoNSoreD by

weather

With lots of sunshine all year

long, Fargo-Moorhead has

temperate, bright springs,

warm summers and crisp, cool

autumns. Winter’s frequent

snowfalls each average less

than an inch. Rainfall is fairly

evenly distributed throughout

the year.

82°

July average high

16°January average high

21”annual rainfall vs. National

average annual rainfall of 37”

55%age 20-54

18%age 55 and over

92%White

2%black

2.3%hispanic

3.7%other

transportation

16.5minutesaverage Travel Time to Work

tiMe zone

Central

cost oF livinG

$52,393median household income

$147,000median home Price

$660median rent for a

Two-bedroom apartment

household inForMation

31median resident age

50%married

50%Single

27%age 19 and Under

coMMunity proFile

coMMunity overviewFargo-Moorhead is a diverse, stimulating and family-oriented city

with all the amenities that make for a satisfying and fulfilling life.

There are exceptional k-12 and higher education systems, world-

class health care, affordable housing, a low cost of living and a

myriad of cultural and entertainment options.

36 fargo, ND - moorheaD, mN

http://borderstates.com