Grand Forks

Day Trips

Make the most of your day with our curated plans, packed with Grand Forks's hidden gems and unique experiences!

day 1
Grand Forks Adventure
morning
:

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.

afternoon
:

Visit the Grand Forks History Museum to learn about the city's heritage. Afterward, enjoy lunch at a local diner offering classic American fare.

evening
:

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.

day 2
Nature Exploration
morning
:

Spend your morning at the Turtle River State Park, exploring the scenic trails. Bring a picnic to enjoy by the river's edge.

afternoon
:

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.

evening
:

Dine at a farm-to-table restaurant and savor local specialties. Consider watching a movie at a nearby theatre to unwind.

day 3
Local Culture Day
morning
:

Explore the local farmers market for fresh produce and handmade goods. Enjoy sampling local snacks and chatting with vendors.

afternoon
:

Visit the VFW Sports Center for some fun recreational activities. Grab lunch at a nearby sandwich shop for a casual meal.

evening
:

Catch a live performance at the Alerus Center for a taste of local entertainment. Cap off the night with drinks at a cozy pub.

day 4
Outdoor Fun
morning
:

Rent a bike and ride along the Greenway trail for stunning views of the river. Stop at various parks along the route for some photo ops.

afternoon
:

Enjoy a light lunch at a park picnic area where you can soak in the natural surroundings. After lunch, try your hand at kayaking or canoeing on the river.

evening
:

Have a casual dinner at a burger joint, then take a leisurely evening walk along the riverfront. Catch the sunset for a beautiful end to the day.

day 5
Relaxation Retreat
morning
:

Start your day with a yoga session at a local studio to center your mind. Enjoy a healthy breakfast at a wellness café.

afternoon
:

Visit a spa for an afternoon of pampering and rejuvenation. Treat yourself to a massage or facial to refresh your senses.

evening
:

Have a relaxing dinner at a restaurant with a calming ambiance. Spend the rest of your evening enjoying a book or a quiet walk.

day 6
Arts and Crafts
morning
:

Visit the Grand Forks Art Gallery for a morning of inspiration. Join a workshop to create your own art piece.

afternoon
:

Enjoy lunch at a creative café, surrounded by artistic decor. Spend your afternoon exploring local boutiques for unique crafts and souvenirs.

evening
:

Attend an art exhibit opening to mingle with local artists. Finish the day with a light meal in a charming bistro.

day 7
Sports Enthusiast Day
morning
:

Catch a local hockey game at the Ralph Engelstad Arena for an exciting morning. Grab breakfast at the arena's café for convenience.

afternoon
:

Visit the UND Sports Hall of Fame to celebrate local athletic achievements. Take a break for lunch at a nearby sports bar.

evening
:

Watch another game or sporting event, soaking in the atmosphere. Grab dinner at a restaurant where you can share sports stories with fellow fans.

day 8
Historical Journey
morning
:

Explore the historic downtown area, visiting the notable buildings and landmarks. Take a guided walking tour for in-depth stories.

afternoon
:

Have lunch at a historical café with a classic vibe. Visit the railroad museum to learn about the city's rich transportation history.

evening
:

Dine at one of the historic venues in town. Enjoy a night walking around the illuminated streets, appreciating the historical architecture.

day 9
Culinary Exploration
morning
:

Start the day with a pastry and coffee at a beloved local bakery. Then, head to a cooking class to learn about local cuisine.

afternoon
:

Enjoy a lunch prepared by the cooking class and participate in a tasting session. Visit local specialty food shops to discover unique ingredients.

evening
:

Savor dinner at a top-rated restaurant to experience Michelin-star quality meals. Conclude your culinary day with dessert from a gourmet shop.

day 10
Shopping Spree
morning
:

Visit the Columbia Mall for a variety of shopping options from familiar brands to local stores. Enjoy breakfast at the mall's food court.

afternoon
:

Take a break from shopping for lunch at a trendy eatery in the mall. Afterward, explore the surrounding area for unique boutique shops.

evening
:

Wrap up your day with some window shopping downtown. Have dinner at a restaurant with outdoor seating to enjoy the evening breeze.

Discover Grand Forks

Read more in our Grand Forks 2024 Travel Guide.

Grand Forks Travel Guide