The wood-chipper – on display at Fargo´s visitor center – has become a popular site for selfies. But even more astonishing – this artsy prairie city is covered in murals and painted buffalo statues.
One of the most photographed murals are the wings on the wall of the Silver Lining Creamery, says Charley Johnson, CEO of Fargo-Moorhead Convention and Visitors Bureau. – You can use it to make an angel of yourself or even your mother-in-law. After your selfie you can enjoy the creamery´s delicious ice cream. A tip for you: The ice cream shop´s specialty is called Silver Lining Mason Jar Sundaes.
Anyone interested in visual arts can spend a whole day in Fargo just admiring the murals. Sections of the city have been designated as legal for art walls. Everything from residential or business buildings to electrical boxes are coated with works of local artists. Every few blocks there is a new mural to admire. Let us take you on a small tour:
The mural Bird Up, completed in the summer of 2018 by the artist Hideuhs covers the entire south wall of 409 Broadway, right in the middle of downtown. On the east wall of the same building you´ll find Butter the Octopus stretching its arms and legs across two garage doors while waving a rainbow flag to those passing by.
On another wall near by you´ll see penguins that are either hang-gliding or fishing. And of course, the peacock mural is a must-see. Even though it is only nine years old, it was created by local artist Paul Ide in 2011, it has become so iconic in Fargo it seems like it´s been there forever. The public art wall located between 4th and 5th Streets changes motives frequently and is the largest single piece of collaborative art in Fargo.
You can´t leave the city that prides itself of being North of Normal without also checking out its artistic tribute to North Dakota´s famous herds of roaming buffaloes. You can´t help but see them. They seem to be everywhere, on the streets, even inside local businesses, drawing the attention of locals as well as tourists.
They are part of a local project launched in 2005 called “Herd About The Prairie: A Virtual Art Stampede”. Today there are about 15 painted buffalo statues scattered throughout the city. They have all been given colorful names like Brutus or Dakota Dream. Getting a map of the whereabouts of the colorful creatures at the visitor center and going on a search for all them, is a regular treasure hunt.
