Broadway North, Fargo, North Dakota, USA
Cathedral of St. Mary
The cathedral of the Diocese of Fargo, a red brick Gothic Revival church in eastern North Dakota that anchors Catholic life on the northern Great Plains.
St. Mary's sits on Broadway in downtown Fargo, a red brick Gothic Revival church with twin towers and a copper-clad spire that is the tallest structure on the city's otherwise flat skyline. The original parish was founded in 1880 to serve railroad workers and Scandinavian and German settlers. The current building dates to 1899, with later additions and renovations that have kept it in good shape. The interior is traditional and well-maintained — pointed arches, stained glass from multiple periods, a carved wooden reredos, and a pipe organ that fills the space well. Fargo has grown considerably in recent decades, and the cathedral parish has grown with it, adding Masses and programs to keep pace.
Diocese: Diocese of Fargo
Style: Gothic Revival
What to See
The twin towers are impressive for a city this size and give the cathedral a real presence on Broadway. Inside, the reredos is the standout feature — carved wood with good detail. The stained glass is a mix of old and newer work, and the older windows have the better color.
Pilgrim Notes
Fargo is on I-94 at the Minnesota border. The cathedral is in the heart of downtown, walkable from most hotels. Winters are famously harsh — dress accordingly. The Red River of the North is a block away.