The darkly comic crime anthology inspired by the Coen brothers’ film is set in the snowbound American Upper Midwest – but filmed in Calgary, Canada, whose prairie towns and big skies became the frozen heart of Minnesota.
Where was Fargo filmed?
Fargo was filmed in and around Calgary, Alberta, Canada – standing in for Minnesota and North Dakota.
Every Fargo location, explained
1
Minnesota – Calgary
The snowy Midwestern towns used Calgary and its downtown, Alberta, Canada.
2
The small towns – High River
Small-town scenes used High River and Alberta prairie towns.
3
Bemidji and Fargo
The fictional Bemidji and Fargo used Calgary neighbourhoods dressed for the part.
4
The prairie
The vast, flat, snowy landscapes used the Alberta prairie.
Planning a visit
Calgary and the prairie towns of Alberta – which stood in for Minnesota – are real, accessible pieces of the show’s frozen world.
Fargo Fun Facts
1
Calgary plays Minnesota The Midwestern show was filmed in and around Calgary, Alberta.
2
Inspired by the film The anthology series expands the Coen brothers’ 1996 film.
3
'Oh yah' The show revels in the accents and manners of the Upper Midwest.
4
A new story each season Each season tells a different Midwestern crime tale.
5
A critical hit The series won multiple Emmy Awards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where was Fargo filmed?
In and around Calgary, Alberta, Canada – standing in for Minnesota and North Dakota.
Is it set in Canada?
No – it’s set in the US Upper Midwest, but filmed in Calgary.
Can you visit the locations?
Yes – Calgary and the Alberta prairie towns are accessible.
Is it based on the film?
Yes – it’s inspired by the Coen brothers’ Fargo.
Who created the series?
Noah Hawley.
