12 Movies That Were Actually Shot In North Dakota

Let's face it.  North Dakota will never be a Hollywood hotbed for filming movies.

We are an acquired taste.  Besides the obvious weather issues, (not many movies call for a winter scene) the logistics of transportation for film crews, and the fact that most people in Hollywierd think North Dakota is part of Canada.  Not many movies have been filmed in North Dakota over the years.

Still, with that being said, there has been a handful of movies filmed in the Rough Rider State.  Let's start with the biggest one.  The 1996 movie FARGO was a dark comedy and critically acclaimed.  The movie received seven Oscar nominations and won two of them, including actress for Frances McDormand and Best Original Screenplay.

According to Wikipedia, the movie was produced and directed by Joel and Ethan Coen.  It starred Frances McDormand, William H. Macy, Steve Buscemi, and Peter Stormare.  Most of the film was filmed in the Minneapolis area.  However, some of the winter scenes were filmed in northeast North Dakota.  Mostly by the city of Bathgate.

They were basically following the snowline that spring to try and get some winter-like scenes.  The movie Fargo did a casting call in Grand Forks for "extras" to be in the film.  I was lucky enough to be chosen for a part but my employer at the time did not allow me the time off from work.  Something I'm still kicking myself for today.

Here are the rest of the 12 movies that were filmed in North Dakota.

Let's see how many of these movies you've actually heard of.  To be honest, the only one I've heard of besides Fargo is Wooly Boys.

American Honey

Buick Riveria

A Different American Dream

Fargo

Flight of the Red Tail

Jesus Camp

Northern Lights

The Overnighters

Valley of Bones

Welcome to Leith

White Earth

Wooly Boys