Colfax North DakotaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Colfax, North Dakota.
1. Dakota Vines Vineyard and Winery
LOCAL WINE TASTING EXPERIENCE
Dakota Vines Vineyard and Winery is a fabulous winery located just a short drive south of Fargo. The winery sits on a beautiful site overlooking scenic countryside, offering visitors a peaceful setting to enjoy locally produced wines. Guests can participate in wine tastings, tour the vineyard, and purchase bottles to take home.
2. Crooked Lane Farm Folk School
TRADITIONAL ARTS LEARNING CENTER
Crooked Lane Farm Folk School provides educational experiences centered around traditional crafts and rural living skills. The school offers workshops in various traditional arts including fiber arts, woodworking, and homesteading skills throughout the year. Visitors can learn hands-on skills in a charming farm setting that celebrates North Dakota's agricultural heritage.
3. Southern Valley
RURAL TOURISM DESTINATION
Southern Valley is a prominent attraction in the Colfax area offering visitors a taste of rural North Dakota life. The venue showcases local culture, agriculture, and natural beauty through various seasonal activities and events. Visitors can experience authentic farm life, enjoy scenic views, and participate in community gatherings throughout the year.
4. Fort Abercrombie State Historic Site
HISTORIC MILITARY FORTRESS
Fort Abercrombie State Historic Site preserves the first permanent U.S. military fort established in what would become North Dakota. The site features reconstructed buildings, interpretive exhibits, and a museum showcasing the fort's role in the Dakota War of 1862. Visitors can explore the grounds, participate in guided tours, and learn about the region's military history.
5. Bagg Bonanza Farm
HISTORIC AGRICULTURAL HERITAGE
Bagg Bonanza Farm is a National Historic Landmark that preserves one of the few remaining bonanza farms that once dominated agriculture in the Red River Valley. The 15-acre historic site features the original 21-room house, fully restored barn, and several other historic farm buildings. Visitors can tour the property to experience what life was like on these massive wheat farms that helped establish North Dakota as an agricultural powerhouse.
6. Wahpeton Wahpper
WORLD'S LARGEST CATFISH
The Wahpeton Wahpper is a quirky roadside attraction claiming to be the world's largest catfish statue. This impressive monument stands as a tribute to the area's connection to fishing and the Red River. Visitors often stop to take photos with this distinctive landmark while exploring other attractions in the Wahpeton area.
7. International Peace Garden
TRANQUIL BORDER GARDEN
The International Peace Garden spans the border between North Dakota and Manitoba, Canada, celebrating the peaceful relationship between the two countries. The garden features over 2,300 acres of stunning floral displays, forests, and walking trails open to visitors from both nations. Highlights include a 120-foot peace tower, formal gardens, and a 9/11 memorial made from steel recovered from the World Trade Center.
8. Sandager Park
RIVERSIDE RECREATION AREA
Sandager Park offers a peaceful riverside escape with scenic views of the Red River. The park features walking paths, fishing spots, and picnic areas perfect for outdoor recreation near Fargo. Visitors appreciate the natural setting and wildlife viewing opportunities throughout the different seasons.
9. Sibyl Center
HISTORIC CULTURAL VENUE
The Sibyl Center is a beautifully restored historic building that now serves as a cultural hub for the community. The center hosts concerts, theater performances, art exhibits, and community events throughout the year. Visitors can appreciate both the architectural significance of the building and the diverse programming that celebrates North Dakota's cultural heritage.
10. East Totten Trail Recreation Area
LAKESIDE OUTDOOR ADVENTURE
East Totten Trail Recreation Area provides access to the scenic shores of Lake Sakakawea, one of North Dakota's premier outdoor destinations. The area offers camping facilities, boat ramps, fishing opportunities, and hiking trails with spectacular views of the lake. Outdoor enthusiasts visit for water recreation in summer and ice fishing during winter months.
11. Spillway Pond Recreation Area
FISHING AND WILDLIFE WATCHING
Spillway Pond Recreation Area offers excellent fishing opportunities and wildlife observation in a peaceful setting. The area features accessible fishing docks, picnic shelters, and walking paths around the pond. Visitors can spot various bird species and enjoy the natural beauty of this managed recreation site.
12. The Merc at Long X
HISTORIC TRADING POST
The Merc at Long X preserves the history of an important trading post that once served ranchers, farmers, and travelers in western North Dakota. The restored mercantile building houses exhibits highlighting the region's settlement history and economic development. Visitors can see period artifacts and learn about the vital role these establishments played in frontier communities.
13. Red River Zoo
NORTHERN CLIMATE WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
The Red River Zoo specializes in breeding and exhibiting rare and endangered cold climate species from around the world. The zoo features over 89 species of animals in naturalistic habitats spread across 33 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds. Visitors can enjoy up-close encounters with animals like red pandas, wolves, and various bird species while learning about conservation efforts.
14. Bonanzaville USA
PIONEER VILLAGE MUSEUM
Bonanzaville USA is an immersive historic village museum featuring 43 historic buildings, 400,000 artifacts, and extensive exhibits on pioneer life in the Red River Valley. The 12-acre site includes original structures like a schoolhouse, church, and various shops that have been relocated from throughout the region. Visitors can step back in time through guided tours, demonstrations of historical crafts, and seasonal events celebrating North Dakota's heritage.
15. Fargo Air Museum
AVIATION HISTORY SHOWCASE
The Fargo Air Museum houses an impressive collection of aircraft spanning the history of aviation, from early flying machines to modern military jets. The museum features both static displays and flying aircraft, with many planes maintained in operational condition by dedicated volunteers. Visitors can explore two large hangars filled with aircraft, interactive exhibits, and educational displays about the region's contribution to aviation history.