10 things to do in Fargo when it’s hot outside
Contrary to popular belief, it’s not always frigid in Fargo. It can get hot…really hot. Throw a little humidity into the mix and it can be downright sweltering. If you find yourself in Fargo on one of these hot days, here are a few fun things to do to beat the heat.
1. Ice cream
Few foods are more refreshing than ice cream on really hot days. Two of the longest-standing ice cream spots in Fargo are the Moorhead Dairy Queen and the Moorhead Tastee Freez.
Several new kids are on the ice cream block, too.
Downtown you’ll find rolled Thai ice cream at Tea & Crepe and small-batch gourmet ice cream at The Silver Lining Creamery.
For something even richer, three shops in town serve creamy Italian-style gelato. Downtown? Find Nichole’s Fine Pastry. Near West Acres Mall? Opt for Sweet Dreams Confections, Kone’s Kreamery, or Scoop N’ Dough.
2. Swim
Fargo has several swimming pools where you can channel your inner kid or lounge on a deck and cool off with a dip.
3. Play on the Red
If you’ve never gone canoeing or kayaking on the Red River, a hot day is a great time to try it. Chances are, you’ll probably get splashed as you paddle, which will cool you off, or you can dip your feet or hands in as you go. Don’t be fooled by the color of the water – it’s just silt! The Red River is one of the cleanest in the United States.
Kayak and canoe rentals are available all summer at about $10/hour.
4. Sip an iced coffee or tea
Any of the gourmet coffee shops in Downtown Fargo would be happy to serve you an iced coffee… perfect for taking along as you shop or for sitting in the shade and wondering when the heatwave will end.
Several of them also serve non-caffeinated cold beverages, like lemonade or iced herbal tea.
5. Sit on a patio
Grab a spot in the shade and pass the time with cool drinks or apps at one of our many patios.
Rhombus Guys is a great alfresco option, you can get above the hot pavement and catch a park breeze on their amazing rooftop patio.
6. Hiking at Buffalo River State Park
Hike through the prairie and cool off in the Buffalo River! While the Fargo area isn’t known for its beaches, the gentle stream at Buffalo River State Park can be pretty appealing on a hot day.
7. Art museum
The best thing about an art museum other than the fantastic art? Temperature-controlled rooms. Not only can you escape the heat, but you can also avoid the humidity (it’s bad for the art, after all).
Bonus: both the Plains Art Museum and the Rourke Art Museum are completely FREE.
8. Shopping
Popping into air-conditioned shops in Downtown Fargo or at the Shops at Blu Water Creek is a great way to get out of the heat. If you’d rather keep it all air-conditioned, head to West Acres Mall… you can even eat lunch at the food court without having to set foot outside.
9. Cold Beer
If you’re over 21, beat the heat with a nice cold beer. Any of the many local breweries would be happy to pour you their seasonal summer brews, which include everything from shandies to experimental IPAs to sours.
10. SS Ruby boat tour
See the beautiful Red River from a different view – on the SS Ruby pontoon. The boat has a canopy cover so you’ll be in the shade. You can also bring your own food and drinks on-board. So get together a group of friends and enjoy a relaxing outing on the river!
Looking for free things to do in Fargo? Check out this post.