If the first thing that comes to mind when you think about Fargo, ND is a certain dark comedy circa 1996, think again. Far from a forgotten, snowy outpost, the real Fargo has little in common with its fictional Minnesotan counterpart, but residents—longtime and new alike—know that already. As soon as you arrive in the "Gateway to the West", this city's rich culture is hard to miss. Standing proudly as a gathering place for new ideas, businesses, and more, Fargo is truly the hub of the prairie.

And that's impressive, considering its humble roots. First appearing as a small railroad town named Centralia in the 1870s, Fargo quickly established itself as a major destination for anyone setting out to the Western frontier. Now, remnants of that illustrious past remain a regular part of life. Fixtures like the Fargo Theater keep residents busy with films, festivals, and other events year-round. The city has also embraced more modern pursuits of running and cycling with bike-friendly development and events like the Fargo Marathon.

When the leaves fall, join your neighbors counting down the days until Frostival, when Fargo, West Fargo, and Moorehead residents gather to celebrate the icy temps and short days that are emblematic of North Dakota. Before you head out, make sure you've installed an ADT monitored security system. A little extra peace of mind means more time enjoying Fargo and less time worrying.