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! Paired with Frito chips and a grilled cheese sandwich, there’s nothing better!
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 features flowers and other flora to support natural pollinators like honeybees, monarch butterflies and hummingbirds.
Here are some of our favorite insta-worthy photo spots on campus.
Community
Fargo-Moorhead enthusiastically embraces 29,000+ college students at eight higher education institutions. The dynamic community embraces young talent and offers many opportunities for employment, night life and reduced-price activities for college students.
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.
Annual Events
Commencement
Sown is an iconic blend of 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 on special occasions, dragons current and graduated can’t help but fill with pride at the sight of the sculpture.
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.
