The rail industry shaped Dilworth’s growth in Fargo-Moorhead
At first glance, Dilworth may look like a sleepy bedroom community, yet it is one of the core cities in the Fargo-Moorhead metropolitan area. This historic rail city boomed after the establishment of the Dilworth Rail Yard, one of the largest BNSF Railway transfer stations in Minnesota. The economic boost allowed commercial hubs to grow and housing developments to expand. Additionally, the city's immediate access to the larger metro area has kept residents well provided for. Yet, Dilworth maintains a tighter-knit atmosphere through neighborly connections and local entrepreneurship. "You get your small-town living with your big city right next door," says Jessica Malvin, an area native and the city's administrative assistant. "My family and I can walk down to the Rail District to get a coffee or eat at the Silver Spike, but when we need something like Costco or the kids want to go to a movie, Fargo is just 15 minutes away."
Small businesses anchor a growing downtown in the Rail District
The city's commercial scene is primarily small businesses. The Rail District is the largest retail hub, and it continues to grow as more stores move in. "It's redefining what a downtown could look like for us," Malvin says. Roasted Rail Coffee House opens every morning to serve breakfast pastries and freshly brewed coffee. The Silver Spike Bar & Grill offers laidback American fare, while Butcher Block Meats sells fresh cuts and catches. Other shops include The Mix Picks home goods store and Nygaard Nursery. The city's new community center is also joining the district. In late 2024, Dilworth residents voted to impose a 0.5% sales tax on retail sales to help fund the $7.2 million facility. National chains, like Walmart and CVS, pop up closer to Dilworth's shared border with Moorhead, which has more shopping, dining and entertainment options.
Highway 10 and busy rail lines keep Dilworth well connected
Highway 10 is the city's main thoroughfare. It leads drivers into Fargo-Moorhead in less than 15 minutes. Public transportation is easily accessible once inside Moorhead's city limits. Dilworth has an active transfer station for the BNSF Railway. The sound of rumbling wheels can be heard throughout the day as freight trains pass. "I grew up here, so I don't mind the sound," Malvin says. "It kind of soothes me. I know some people who aren't used to it, but the conductors try really hard to keep the no-horn zone while in the city." Hector International Airport and the nearest hospital are roughly 8 miles away.
Wide-road suburbs have planned streetscape and architecture
Dilworth has several neatly designed subdivisions. Ultra-wide roads lead to multi-car driveways and attached garages. Trimmed grass lawns stretch out in front of ranch-style houses, American Foursquares, new traditional homes and bungalows. While a few neighborhoods favor a more homogenous look across architectural styles, custom designs are common, especially in larger or more recently built properties. Prices typically range between $140,000 and $500,000, with an overall median of about $260,000.
DGF schools offer small class sizes and career programs
Students attend the Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton (DFG) School District, which has a B-minus score from Niche. "Our school district is smaller, so our kids know everybody they're going to school with," Malvin says. "They're not just another number in the classroom." The district's elementary, middle and high schools all use the abbreviation DFG and also have B-minus Niche ratings. DFG High School offers career and technical education courses, like sports and entertainment marketing and industrial technology.
Community parks have historic trains and home games
The city has 11 public parks. Whistle Stop Park has a playground and picnic shelters, but it is also home to a former Northern Pacific station and decommissioned train. In winter, an ice rink opens at the park, and in summer, the annual Dilworth Farmers Market is held. At Bob Marshall Field, people can cheer on high school baseball teams as they practice and play. Summertime crowds head to Dilworth Pool, which is open from June to mid-August.
The city hosts the weeklong Loco Days festival and holiday events
The Loco Daze Celebration is the city's biggest event. Held every July, the festival lasts an entire week. People enjoy a lively parade, themed trivia, kid-friendly scavenger hunts, a vintage car show and live music. Some locals compete in golf scrambles and color runs, while others explore the beer garden and artisan vendors. Other annual events include citywide rummage sales and community picnics. The Rail District is a popular spot for seasonal sales and holiday celebrations. "That area looks almost like a Hallmark movie when they do their Halloween festival and their winter get-together," Malvin says.
