North Dakota in Movies and TV: Famous Filming Locations You Can Visit
Fargo, located in the southeastern part of North Dakota near the Minnesota border, has become synonymous with the quirky, darkly comedic tone of the Coen Brothers’ 1996 film Fargo. While much of the movie was actually filmed in Minnesota, the Fargo Theatre in downtown Fargo is a real landmark that embraces the film’s cult status. This historic Art Deco venue hosts film festivals and screenings that celebrate independent cinema, including occasional showings of Fargo. Visiting the theatre gives travelers a tangible connection to the film’s cultural impact, and wandering the nearby downtown streets offers a taste of the city’s blend of Midwestern charm and unexpected eccentricity. Winter months, when the snow blankets the city, provide the perfect backdrop to feel the chilling atmosphere the movie so memorably captured.
About 30 miles west of Bismarck lies Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park, a site featured in the television series Into the West. This sprawling historic park invites visitors to walk the same grounds that once housed General Custer’s military post in the late 1800s. The reconstructed On-A-Slant Indian Village and the Custer House exhibit bring to life scenes reminiscent of the show’s portrayal of frontier life and Native American culture. Hikers can explore the park’s trails along the scenic Missouri River, where the golden prairie meets cottonwood groves. The park’s unique blend of military history and indigenous heritage offers a vivid, immersive experience, especially striking during the vivid colors of autumn when the landscape shifts dramatically.
Heading north to Medora, about 70 miles southwest of Minot, lies Theodore Roosevelt National Park, a sprawling expanse of badlands and prairie that featured prominently in various documentaries and dramatic productions capturing the rugged spirit of the American West. The park’s scenic drives, particularly the 36-mile loop through the South Unit, take visitors past striking rock formations and grazing bison herds, settings that have made it a natural film location for stories steeped in frontier grit. Walk the Wind Canyon Trail, a moderate 1.5-mile hike offering panoramic views of the Little Missouri River valley, or catch a sunset from the Buck Hill Overlook. Spring and early summer are ideal when wildflowers bloom and wildlife activity peaks, enriching the park’s already cinematic landscapes.
In the north-central town of Minot, the Scandinavian Heritage Park provides a cultural backdrop that was used in local filmmaking to evoke Nordic roots and immigrant stories. Situated just minutes from downtown, this park showcases authentic replicas of structures such as a Norwegian Stave Church and a Danish windmill, creating a vivid setting that blends architecture and storytelling. Visitors can stroll the Heritage Trail and participate in seasonal festivals that celebrate Scandinavian traditions. The park’s unique authenticity makes it a fantastic stop for those intrigued by the immigrant narratives often explored in regional film and television. Early autumn, when the park hosts its annual Norsk Høstfest, is an especially vibrant time to experience both culture and community.
Over near the western edge of North Dakota, the Badlands of Makoshika State Park, about 30 miles east of Williston, have served as dramatic backdrops for Western films and television series looking to capture a sense of untamed wilderness. While not as widely known as the Badlands in South Dakota, Makoshika’s rugged terrain, with its deep canyons and fossil-rich layers, offers a more intimate experience of badland geology. The Fossil Hunting Trail is a highlight, providing a moderately challenging hike through areas rich in prehistoric history. The park’s remote location and distinctive formations make it a favorite for filmmakers seeking authenticity and raw natural beauty. Visiting in late spring or early fall allows for pleasant hiking temperatures and the chance to spot local wildlife such as prairie dogs and hawks.
In the capital city of Bismarck, the North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum showcases film and television history through its extensive exhibits on the state’s cultural and historical narratives. The museum’s galleries include displays of costumes, props, and behind-the-scenes stories from productions shot in North Dakota. Located near the Missouri River, it’s an ideal first stop for visitors interested in the broader context of the state’s role in visual storytelling. The museum’s architecture, blending modern and indigenous design elements, sets the stage for a journey through North Dakota’s cinematic past. Winter afternoons, when outdoor activities slow, are perfect for diving into these rich exhibits.
Finally, the small town of Crosby, about 90 miles north of Minot near the Canadian border, served as a filming location for parts of the Coen Brothers’ Fargo series adaptation. Crosby’s quiet streets and small-town vibe perfectly capture the understated, sometimes surreal tone of the show. Visitors can drive through the neighborhood streets or stop at local diners that evoke the everyday Midwestern Americana reflected onscreen. The rural setting, bordered by rolling farmland and open skies, feels like stepping into a scene from the series itself. Summers here bring long daylight hours and warm temperatures, allowing for leisurely exploration under vast blue skies—a vivid contrast to the show’s often snowy, bleak backdrop.