Things To Do
in Grand Forks
Grand Forks is a city located in North Dakota, United States, situated at the confluence of the Red River and Red Lake River. It is known for its vibrant arts and culture scene, with numerous galleries, theaters, and music venues. The city is also home to the University of North Dakota, bringing a youthful energy to the community.
Grand Forks experiences all four distinct seasons, with cold winters and warm summers, making it a diverse destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $75 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $10 - $25
- ☕ Coffee: $3 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $1 - $3
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $50 - $100
- 🏋️ ♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $60
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day at the Riverwalk, enjoying a peaceful stroll along the Red River. Don't forget to grab a coffee at a local café nearby.
Visit the Grand Forks History Museum to learn about the city's heritage. Afterward, enjoy lunch at a local diner offering classic American fare.
Head to the University of North Dakota for an evening event or a game. Finish your day with dinner at a popular restaurant in the downtown area.
Spend your morning at the Turtle River State Park, exploring the scenic trails. Bring a picnic to enjoy by the river's edge.
Visit the North Dakota Museum of Art to appreciate regional artwork. Take a leisurely walk on the campus of UND, soaking in the serene environment.
Dine at a farm-to-table restaurant and savor local specialties. Consider watching a movie at a nearby theatre to unwind.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Affordable cost of living compared to national averages
- Strong sense of community and friendly atmosphere
- Access to outdoor recreational activities, including parks and nearby lakes
- Quality educational institutions, including the University of North Dakota
- Low crime rates contributing to a safe environment
- Harsh winter weather with significant snowfall and cold temperatures
- Limited job market and economic opportunities in certain industries
- Fewer entertainment and cultural activities compared to larger cities
- Potential for isolation due to its geographic location
- Limited public transportation options
Best Activities in Grand Forks
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Enjoy fishing in the Red River or any of the nearby lakes such as Lake of the Woods, Devils Lake, or Lake Elsie.
Explore the Greenway trails or head to Turtle River State Park for scenic hiking trails.
Play a round of golf at one of the local golf courses such as King's Walk Golf Course or Ray Richards Golf Course.
Ride along the bike paths in the area, or venture to nearby spots like the North Dakota Cycle Trail.
Take advantage of the boating opportunities on the Red River or at nearby lakes.
Tours
Uncover the best of Grand Forks with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Grand Forks
Visit one of these nice places.
A scenic park with walking trails, river views, and picturesque bridges perfect for photography
Beautiful campus with historic architecture and open green spaces offering great views
Historic site with well-maintained gardens and unique photo opportunities
Food in Grand Forks
Grand Forks Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A creamy soup with dumplings, potatoes, and sometimes chicken. This comforting dish can be found at Rhombus Guys or The Red Pepper.
Must-Try!
A traditional Norwegian flatbread made with potatoes, flour, and milk. Try it at Dakota Harvest Bakers or at local events like the Potato Bowl.
A popular local dish featuring crispy walleye fillets served on a bun. Visit Half Brothers Brewing Company for a delicious version.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Grand Forks better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
This market offers a vibrant selection of fresh produce, artisanal goods, and local food vendors every Saturday from June to September.
A great place to explore local produce, baked goods, and food trucks. Open from July to October on Wednesdays.
Keep an eye out for the diverse food truck scene in Grand Forks, featuring a range of cuisines from BBQ and tacos to gourmet grilled cheese and Asian fusion.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Grand Forks, it is important to be mindful of personal space and not stand too close when interacting with others. Maintaining a respectful distance is considered polite.
Politeness and using courteous language are valued in Grand Forks. It is important to say 'please' and 'thank you' when interacting with others.
Grand Forks is a diverse community, so it is important to be respectful and open-minded towards people from various cultural backgrounds. Embracing diversity is encouraged.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Grand Forks with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Grand Forks
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is customary in Grand Forks, United States, especially in the service industry such as in restaurants, hotels, and taxis. The standard tipping rate is around 15% to 20% of the total bill.
In Grand Forks, United States, payment methods commonly accepted include cash, credit cards, and mobile payment apps. It's also typical for businesses to accept contactless payments. Some smaller businesses may have a minimum purchase requirement for credit card usage.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Grand Forks.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
The weather starts to warm up, and you can expect blooming flowers and outdoor events such as the Greater Grand Forks Greenway.
The summer season in Grand Forks brings warm weather, outdoor activities, and events such as the Grand Cities Art Fest and Summer Concert Series.
Fall in Grand Forks offers beautiful foliage, apple picking, and events like the Potato Bowl and the Pride of Dakota Harvest Showcase.
The winter season brings snow and cold temperatures to Grand Forks, but also activities like snowmobiling, ice fishing, and holiday events.
Grand Forks at Night
Hiking in Grand Forks
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A scenic trail that offers views of the Red River, providing an accessible and pleasant hiking experience close to Grand Forks.
Located in the heart of Grand Forks, this park features walking and hiking trails amidst beautiful landscapes and trees.
A multi-use trail that spans several miles along the Red River, perfect for hiking, biking, and enjoying nature.
Featuring a variety of trails, Northwood Park offers hikers a mix of wooded areas and open spaces, ideal for outdoor activities.
A city park with walking paths and green spaces, suitable for a leisurely hike while enjoying the local flora and fauna.
A picturesque walking and hiking path along the riverfront, offering stunning views and a peaceful hiking environment.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Grand Forks through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Grand Forks by plane.
Located in Fargo, North Dakota, approximately 75 miles southwest of Grand Forks, Hector International serves as a major regional hub for air travel.
Located in Minneapolis, Minnesota, about 250 miles south of Grand Forks, MSP is one of the largest international airports in the Midwest.
Situated in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada, approximately 250 miles northeast of Grand Forks, it is the largest airport in Northwestern Ontario.
Located in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, roughly 250 miles north of Grand Forks, it serves as a major gateway to Canada for international travel.
Located just outside of Grand Forks, North Dakota, this airport mainly serves domestic flights, but it is still a significant airport for the area.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest demographic group in Grand Forks, comprising a significant majority of the population.
A growing demographic group that includes individuals of Hispanic or Latino descent.
Representing a smaller percentage of the population, this group includes residents of African descent.
A minority group in Grand Forks, including individuals from various Asian countries.
Individuals who identify with multiple racial backgrounds, representing a diverse blend of heritages.
Includes individuals from various Native American tribes, contributing to the cultural diversity of the area.
The Soul of Grand Forks
Discover the essence of Grand Forks through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Hockey is a popular sport in Grand Forks, with the University of North Dakota's hockey team being a major point of pride for the community.
Football, particularly at the high school and college levels, garners a lot of attention and support from the local community.
Basketball is widely played at various levels, with both amateur and organized leagues attracting participants and spectators.
Soccer has been growing in popularity among youth and adults, with several leagues and clubs operating in the area.
Track and field events are common, especially in schools where students compete in a variety of athletic disciplines.
Volleyball is also popular in Grand Forks, with both indoor and beach volleyball leagues available for different age groups.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Grand Forks.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many restaurants in Grand Forks offer substantial vegetarian and vegan menu items, including Rhombus Guys and The Ember.
Visitors with gluten-free dietary needs will find accommodating options at establishments such as Sanders 1907 and The Ember.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Grand Forks with these cultural adventures.