15+ Weird and Wacky Facts about Fargo-Moorhead
It's always fun to end the year with a little bit of humor.
So, this year, we thought it'd be fun to share with you some weird and wacky facts that you might not have known about the Fargo-Moorhead area.
Ready? Let's go!
The Fargo Name
Curious how Fargo got its name? The city was founded in 1871 and named after the Wells Fargo Express Company co-founder, William G. Fargo. Mr. Fargo was also the director of the Northern Pacific Railroad.
The Moorhead Name
The railroad played an essential role in the development of Moorhead as well. Named after an official of the Northern Pacific Railway, Moorhead's namesake is William Galloway Moorhead. The city was also founded in 1871.
World Records
The much-loved local baseball team, the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks, holds the world record for the largest wooden baseball bat. "Big Bruce," as the bat is known, measures 13 feet 5 inches long and has a circumference of 40 inches.
In 2008, Fargo set the world record for the largest pancake feed, feeding 34,818 people, with their annual Kiwanis Club Pancake Karnival.
Not to be left out, Moorhead has a world record for creating the largest wheelchair logo image. In 2010, the logo for Hope Inc was recreated by 347 people in wheelchairs.
Weird Laws
If you love wearing a hat and dancing, you might want to rethink Fargo. According to the crazy North Dakota laws on onlyinyourstate.com, "In Fargo, you may be jailed if you're wearing a hat while dancing, or if you're wearing a hat at a function where dancing is going on."
For those on the Minnesota side, up until 2015, it was illegal for nursing homes and senior centers to play bingo more than two days per week.
It's also rumored that crossing state lines in Minnesota with a duck on your head is illegal. So, if you'll be living in Moorhead but commuting to Fargo for work, be sure to leave your duck at home.
Fargo's Infamous Movie and Woodchipper
The popular movie Fargo has most locals rolling their eyes, and here's why.
The movie was actually filmed almost entirely near Brainerd, Minnesota. In fact, no part of the movie was filmed in Fargo. What's more, the movie is loosely based on actual events that happened in Minnesota, not North Dakota.
The woodchipper featured in the movie, however? That, for some reason, is proudly displayed at the F-M Visitor Center.
Famous Fargo-Moorhead Locals
Mainly notable people have roots laid in the Fargo-Moorhead area, including:
- Singers Jonny Lang and Bobby Vee
- Baseball player Roger Maris
- Football quarterback Carson Wentz
- Actor and lawyer Charlie Korsmo
- Actor Kevin Sorbo
- Figure skater Mark Ladwig
Random but Noteworthy
- In June of 1893, 31 blocks of downtown Fargo were destroyed by a major fire. Upon the immediate rebuilding, however, more than 246 new buildings were built within one year.
- Garrison Keillor's national radio program, A Prairie Home Companion, was inspired by the Prairie Home Cemetery on 8th Street in Moorhead.
- If you dislike tourists, you should know that North Dakota is the least-visited state in America.
- Silicon Valley, California, is home to Microsoft's largest field campus. The second largest is right here in Fargo, North Dakota.
- While it's true that Fargo is a "prairie town," each year, nearly 2,100 new trees are planted on the boulevards of Fargo.
- The infamous Red River of the North forms the state border between Fargo, North Dakota, and Moorhead, Minnesota, and is one of the rare rivers in the world to flow north.
Wild About You
If you're looking to buy or sell in the Fargo-Moorhead area, Christians Home Crew is here to help you put down roots and create your own incredible history right here.
Let's connect!
Reach out today by email
or by calling (701) 373-5155.
