Film Production Insurance – North Dakota

**Top 5 Cities to Film in North Dakota**

North Dakota may not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking about film locations, but it has plenty to offer filmmakers. The state is known for its wide-open landscapes, small towns, and beautiful natural scenes. Its rural charm, combined with its growing cities, makes North Dakota an ideal place for filmmakers looking for something unique. Movieinsure.com is a proud provider of short term film production insurance and annual film production insurance for the state of North Dakota.  In this article, we’ll explore the top five cities to film in North Dakota.

1. **Fargo**

Fargo is the largest city in North Dakota and is well known due to the popular film and TV show *Fargo*. The city offers filmmakers a mix of modern urban areas and a cozy small-town atmosphere. Fargo’s downtown is full of old brick buildings, coffee shops, and local businesses, which can be perfect for small-town stories or independent films.

The city’s architecture has a lot of charm, with many older buildings that reflect Fargo’s rich history. At the same time, there are newer developments, including modern apartments, giving filmmakers a wide range of settings to choose from. The famous Fargo Theatre, with its vintage neon sign, is a local landmark and can serve as a fantastic backdrop for any film.

In addition to its urban settings, Fargo is surrounded by flat plains, which are perfect for filmmakers looking for wide, open spaces. The Red River that flows through Fargo also offers peaceful waterfront views, adding to the city’s variety of locations. With both urban and rural settings, Fargo is one of the top cities to film in North Dakota.

2. **Bismarck**

Bismarck, the capital of North Dakota, is another great city for filming. Located along the Missouri River, Bismarck offers scenic outdoor locations, historical landmarks, and a growing urban center. The downtown area features a mix of modern buildings and historic sites, such as the North Dakota State Capitol, which stands tall over the city.

The Capitol building itself is an interesting location. Unlike most state capitols, which are designed in a classical style, Bismarck’s Capitol has a unique art deco design. This can give films a distinctive look, especially if you’re shooting scenes that require a government or historical setting.

Bismarck is also known for its access to beautiful outdoor scenery. The Missouri River provides breathtaking views and plenty of opportunities for outdoor scenes. Nearby parks, like Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park, offer historical settings with reconstructed military buildings and Native American earth lodges. These locations can give filmmakers a glimpse into North Dakota’s past, making Bismarck a versatile and attractive filming destination.

3. **Grand Forks**

Grand Forks is another key city for filmmakers in North Dakota. It’s home to the University of North Dakota, which adds an academic atmosphere to the city. The university campus, with its red-brick buildings and green spaces, is perfect for films that need a college setting or a quiet, scholarly environment.

The downtown area of Grand Forks is filled with historical buildings that give the city a charming, old-fashioned feel. The buildings along the Red River are a mix of early 20th-century architecture, and many have been restored to preserve their historical significance. These settings are ideal for films set in small towns or those with historical themes.

In addition to its urban settings, Grand Forks is surrounded by farmland and rolling hills. This makes it easy for filmmakers to switch from city scenes to peaceful countryside shots. The Red River also adds a natural element to the city, with its tree-lined banks providing a tranquil setting for outdoor scenes. Whether you’re looking for a college town, historic architecture, or peaceful nature, Grand Forks has it all.

4. **Minot**

Minot, located in northern North Dakota, is known for its Scandinavian heritage and its annual Norsk Høstfest, a celebration of Scandinavian culture. This unique cultural influence can give filmmakers access to settings that feel different from most American cities. The Scandinavian Heritage Park, which features traditional Scandinavian buildings, statues, and gardens, is an interesting location for filmmakers looking for something distinctive.

The city of Minot also offers a blend of old and new. Its downtown area has several historic buildings, including theaters and shops, which give the city a small-town feel. However, Minot is also a growing city with modern amenities and facilities, making it easy for filmmakers to find a variety of shooting locations.

One of the most attractive features of Minot is its proximity to natural landscapes. Just outside the city, you’ll find rolling plains, rivers, and forests, providing filmmakers with plenty of outdoor scenes. The nearby Souris River, which winds through the city, offers beautiful waterfront views that can enhance any film. Minot’s combination of cultural charm, urban settings, and natural beauty makes it a great place to film.

5. **Medora**

Medora may be a small town, but it has become one of the most popular filming locations in North Dakota, especially for Westerns and historical films. Nestled in the Badlands, Medora is surrounded by rugged terrain, colorful rock formations, and wide-open spaces. This stunning natural scenery makes it an ideal place to film outdoor scenes, especially those that require a more dramatic or wild setting.

The town of Medora itself is steeped in history. Founded in the late 1800s, it still retains much of its Old West charm. The downtown area is filled with wooden buildings, saloons, and shops that look like they’ve been taken straight out of a Western film. Filmmakers looking to capture the spirit of the Old West will find Medora a perfect location.

In addition to its Western feel, Medora is located near Theodore Roosevelt National Park, which offers breathtaking views of the Badlands and the Little Missouri River. The park’s rugged landscapes are perfect for filmmakers who need dramatic outdoor scenes. Whether you’re shooting a Western, a historical drama, or a nature documentary, Medora’s natural beauty and historical charm make it one of the top places to film in North Dakota.

Why North Dakota is a Great Place to Film

North Dakota offers filmmakers a variety of settings that can be difficult to find in other states. Its wide-open landscapes, peaceful small towns, and unique cultural influences provide filmmakers with diverse options. Whether you’re looking for an urban environment, a historical setting, or a natural backdrop, North Dakota has something for everyone.

One of the state’s biggest advantages is its natural beauty. The wide plains, scenic rivers, and rugged Badlands offer filmmakers plenty of outdoor locations that are perfect for all kinds of scenes. Cities like Fargo and Bismarck provide more modern, urban settings, while towns like Medora transport audiences to the past with their historical charm.

Another benefit of filming in North Dakota is the state’s welcoming atmosphere. North Dakota has a growing film community and is eager to attract more productions to the state. The friendly locals, affordable costs, and ease of obtaining filming permits make North Dakota an attractive option for filmmakers.

North Dakota may not be as well-known as other states for film production, but it offers a wealth of opportunities for filmmakers. Fargo’s urban energy and small-town charm, Bismarck’s mix of history and modernity, Grand Forks’ academic atmosphere, Minot’s cultural influence, and Medora’s Western feel all contribute to North Dakota’s unique appeal.

The state’s natural beauty, combined with its welcoming attitude toward filmmakers, makes North Dakota a hidden gem in the film industry. Whether you’re shooting a big-budget production or a small independent film, North Dakota’s cities, landscapes, and history will provide the perfect backdrop for your story.