Island Park: Fargo's First Park

Island Park is Fargo’s oldest park and was the original town site plotted by the Northern Pacific Railroad.

Located at 302 7th Street South, Island Park accommodates a wide variety of visitors. It houses a pool, tennis courts, jungle gym, gazebo, and local parking.

Presently, the park houses three unique statues and a plaza. The first statue, dedicated to Henrik Wergeland, is located near the former pool in the park’s center. The Hope statue, dedicated to families who have lost children and loved ones is just northeast of the Wergeland. The final statue, dedicated to Civil War soldiers, is surrounded by pines and just northwest of the Hope statue.

Gibb’s plaza, located near 7th St, was dedicated to a Robert Gibb, a Scottish immigrant who built a successful local industrial business which is still open today.

Multiple businesses are located near the park and are included in the tour. The pool is located in the northwestern corner. The YMCA is located in the northeast corner of park and provides many amenities. The Stage at Island Park, located in the east section of the park, is an excellent venue for entertainment and lastly, the Fine Arts Building, which houses the Fine Arts Club, is across from the southeastern corner of Island Park. The 100-year-old house is maintained by a year round house tenant.

Please feel free to stop in and ask for additional information about the businesses, clubs, and buildings in the area. Bathrooms and water fountains are located throughout the park and parking is located on the parameter.

Have a wonderful and insightful tour!