Location: Moorhead, Minnesota, and Fargo, North Dakota, separated by the Red River of the North, are full of places to go, things to do, and people to meet. With a metropolitan-area population of nearly 260,000, the two cities offer the convenience of small-town living with many of the advantages of a big city. Minneapolis-St. Paul is only 235 miles southeast on Interstate 94; Winnipeg, Manitoba, is 222 miles to the north. Rich farmland, beautiful lakes country, and pine forests are just minutes away.
Universities: Concordia’s resources are enhanced by other higher education institutions in the community: North Dakota State University, Minnesota State University Moorhead, and Minnesota State Community and Technical College (M State). The colleges bring in noted concert artists, lecturers, and art exhibits each year. Conventions, tournaments, and athletic games add variety to life in Fargo-Moorhead.
Shopping Centers: Both Moorhead and Fargo have many indoor shopping centers as well as downtown boutiques and gift shops. Moorhead’s shopping areas are within walking distance of Concordia.
Medical Facilities: Located only minutes from Concordia’s campus are numerous hospitals and clinics.
Cultural Opportunities: The Fargo-Moorhead area is rich in cultural and recreational opportunities. For music lovers, the Fargo-Moorhead Symphony presents classical and pops concerts during the academic year; the Fargo Moorhead Opera regularly brings in famous vocalists to star in leading roles; and the Fargo-Moorhead Master Chorale, composed of area musicians, presents a series of concerts. The Fargodome and Scheels Arena host athletic events and headline entertainment. Cobbers also attend theatrical productions at Moorhead’s outdoor Bluestem Amphitheater and at Theatre B, and watch performances by F-M dance companies. The Plains Art Museum and Rourke Art Gallery offer free regular exhibits and special courses. At the Fargo and Moorhead public libraries, students may attend special film showings, hear live chamber music and jazz ensembles, or listen to poetry readings.
Bicycle Trails: Both Fargo and Moorhead offer miles of bicycle trails within the cities; many of these trails follow the Red River and wind through parks. In the fall and spring, these grassy areas are great places to get away from it all.
Other Entertainment: The Extra, Moorhead’s official free weekly newspaper, shares local news. The High Plains Reader, a free monthly community publication, has listings of community events. The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead is the daily newspaper for the region. Since 1971, Concordia has been the home to KCCM, the first outstate station established by Minnesota Public Radio. Located in the Welcome Center, KCCM-KCCD plays 24 hours of classical music and public affairs programming.
Transportation: Daily bus transportation operates throughout the Fargo-Moorhead area and is free with a student ID. In addition, 24-hour taxi and Uber services are available. Hector International Airport in Fargo has regularly scheduled flights with Delta, United, Allegiant, American, and Frontier. Jefferson Lines, served by a bus terminal in Fargo, and several companies operate charter bus services for organizational trips. The Amtrak railway system operates a station in downtown Fargo. For college-related activities, individuals and groups may rent cars and vans from the college through Transportation Services.