Twinned with larger neighbor, Fargo, in North Dakota, Moorhead is set well off the beaten tourist track, but for travelers bound east or west across the northern part of America, this is a worthy, and welcome, stop. Historically, moderately-sized Moorhead played host to traders shuttling goods along the Red River and settlers bound west. Today, the city is a cultural center with a fair number of things to see and do day and night. The Red River snakes along forming one section of the border between North Dakota and Minnesota, so don't expect to have to look to hard for a place to do some paddling.

Most of Moorhead's sights of interest are concentrated in an approachable area at the north end of town. Find reminders of Norwegian settlement here in the Hoperstad Stave Church, or Hjemkost, a Viking ship built by late local resident, that successfully sailed from Duluth to Norway in the 1980's. Learn more about life here long ago on a tour of the historic home of leading Moorhead family, the Comstocks, graced with period artifacts and furniture. If art is your thing, Moorhead has a surprisingly good selection, as does the Plains Art Museum across the river in Fargo.

On fine sunny days, consider hopping a pontoon boat cruise along the Red River, or try out your paddling skills in a rented canoe. Those more interested in staying dry can bike or stroll along the paved paths meandering along the river. It wouldn't do at all to leave prairie country without exploring a bit of natural scenery, and Buffalo River State Park, not far from Moorhead, is an easily accessible way to see a bit of local flora and fauna.

Moorhead is 107 miles northwest of Alexandria.