Barnesville offers self-sufficient, small-town life near Fargo-Moorhead
Surrounded by Red River Valley farmland, Barnesville is a rural city less than 30 minutes from the Fargo-Moorhead metropolitan area. While the community’s location makes it an advantageous spot for commuters wanting a slower pace of life, it's much more than a bedroom community. “Over the last 10 years, the Fargo-Moorhead metropolitan area has grown significantly, and more families have wanted to escape how that area has been changing,” says Karen Lauer, executive director of the city’s Economic Development Authority. “They’ve had a renewed focus on quality of life.” The city is self-sufficient, from locally run utility services to renovated schools and small businesses. Multi-faceted recreation areas keep people active, and events of all sizes bring newcomers, longtime neighbors and visitors together throughout the year.
Neighborhoods have tree-lined roads and new construction tax rebates
Throughout the community, rows of lush, large-bowed trees shade neatly trimmed lawns, sidewalks and wide roads. Home designs range from small bungalows and ranch-style homes to American Foursquares, new traditional houses and custom construction. Prices typically fall between $135,000 and $560,000, making the city’s median price about $250,000. In the Del Acres Gilbertson 3rd Addition, the community’s newest subdivision, lots start at $12,000, while move-in-ready ranch-style and split-level homes start around $330,000.
Any new home built in Barnesville before the end of 2026 is eligible for a two-year property tax rebate. “It’s through our relationship with Clay County that we’re able to offer this tax incentive,” Lauer says. “In 2026, we will advocate that Clay County extend it another two years, as they have in the past.” A utility credit is also available to people who build new homes or purchase existing ones.
Education is a focus in Barnesville
Lauer says Barnesville’s school system attracts young families. Kids begin their education at Atkinson Elementary School, which has a B-plus Niche score. The B-rated Barnesville High School serves seventh through 12th-grade students and offers career courses in agribusiness, construction and manufacturing.
Easy commutes and fast internet make working from anywhere possible
State Route 9 is Barnesville’s main thoroughfare. It connects to Highway 52 and Interstate 94, which reach the Fargo-Moorhead metropolitan area within 30 minutes. These highways also lead to other big cities, like Detroit Lakes and Wahpeton, North Dakota, in roughly the same amount of time. Lauer says many people commute into Fargo-Moorhead for work, but Barnesville also supports a large population of remote workers. The city offers high-speed internet services, and Lauer says the connection speeds are faster and more dependable than some places in Fargo-Morehead. The nearest commercial airport and emergency hospital are in Fargo, although Barnesville does have a Lake Region Healthcare clinic.
Campgrounds and community parks make the outdoors accessible
Barnesville has 13 community parks with playgrounds and athletic facilities. Blue Eagle Park is a year-round favorite, offering a swimming beach and fishing pier in summer and a sledding hill and ice rink in the winter. In 2025, the park will host the second annual Blue Eagle Market. People can enjoy live music and artisan vendors every third Saturday from May to October. Campers at Wagner Park Campground nearby can easily walk from their tents and RVs to Blue Eagle Park. McGrath Park offers a disc golf course and a seasonal splash park, while Harry Holland Memorial Park has a few ramps for skaters to practice on.
Potato Days and other festivals bring thousands to Barnesville
Since 1914, the city has hosted the Clay County Fair, which features a demolition derby, rodeos and a lively carnival. The community is even more well-known for the Potato Days Festival in August, which welcomes over 20,000 people from around the country. Attendees snack on potato pancakes while watching mashed potato wrestling, potato car races and the Potato Days parade. More locally focused events include Miracle on Front Street, a Christmas celebration featuring a downtown tree lighting, horse-drawn wagon rides and bonfires for roasting s’mores. “We call it our Hallmark movie night,” says Bailey Thompson, the city’s Main Street director. “It’s just kind of picture-perfect.” Kids take photos with Santa and watch Christmas movies while businesses stay open late. During summer, neighbors connect at the Summer Solstice Block Party and the Annual Barnesville Community Picnic.
Incentives help small businesses thrive in the city center
Front Street is the city’s commercial hub. Many of Barnesville’s businesses are locally owned, and a business incentive program supports entrepreneurs who open new stores or expand their services within the city. Barnesville Grocery is the community’s only supermarket, and Barnesville Drug & Hardware doubles as a pharmacy and supply store. Other small shops include 2nd Times A Charm, a second-hand clothing store, and Fill Thy Cup café. Purple Goose Eatery & Drinkery offers traditional American fare, while Ratzo’s Pool Hall is a favorite for drinks and a round of pool.
