Minnesota State University Moorhead History & Traditions
From the time Minnesota State University Moorhead was known as The Moorhead Normal School, Dragons showed grit, humility and heart. When Old Main Hall burned down in 1930, classes resumed the following week and our new symbol – the dragon – emerged from the ashes. Come see yourself as a Dragon.
We love the four seasons in Minnesota!
Thursday is Chicken Tortilla Soup day and our favorite day of the week! It's a Dragon Tradition to enjoy it with a grilled cheese.
Overseen by a beautiful 15-foot hummingbird sculpture, the pollinator garden alongside the M1 lot is a beautiful slice of nature nestled within campus. It's an MSUM tradition to watch butterflies, hummingbirds and honeybees visit the flowers throughout the spring and summer.
Here are some must-visit insta-worthy photo spots on campus.
Community
Fargo-Moorhead is home to 29,000+ college students. The dynamic community embraces young people with exciting entertainment, dining, and employment opportunities for students.
Some of our favorites are visiting the historic Moorhead Dairy Queen on opening day (regardless of weather), cheering on thousands of racers running through the campus mall during the annual Fargo Marathon, and celebrating indigenous culture at the High Plains Powwow.
MSUM is also a pillar of the community, hosting events for people of all ages.
Kivi Hall holds the honor of the smallest building on campus and home to chickadees. It's a fantastic place to relax and watch the winged wildlife from the nearby comfy seats.
Annual Events
Campus is filled with yearly events and traditions that are musts for any Dragon. From presenting at the Student Academic Conference to playing icicle drums on the campus mall during a snow day, each year brings exciting traditions for MSUM students.
Commencement
Sown is an iconic sculpture blending functionality and artistry in the center of the campus mall. Students often soak in the early fall weather and relax between classes on the inspiring art installation. The acorn and spruce cone-inspired piece represents the growth and potential to thrive offered at MSUM.
Langseth Hall is MSUM’s dedicated science building and one of the most artistically inspired spots on campus. The building’s floors display beautiful artwork honoring the ecology and astronomy studied in the building.
The two-headed dragon nestled in the heart of campus is one of MSUM’s most distinctive landmarks. With fire in its belly and the ability to spit flames, it's a Moorhead tradition to try and catch the dragon breathing fire.
The most well-known residence hall on campus is Nelson Hall—with its distinctive shape and "Pie Rooms" thanks to its circular floor plan. The 12-story landmark offers some of the most breathtaking views in all of Moorhead.
Nature surrounds our campus. When the grass is green (and sometimes when it's not) critters you find on the way to class will put a smile on your face.
