Grand Forks Travel Guide

Straddling the Minnesota border where it shares its name with a Minnesota city, Grand Forks is a major shopping destination with tons of big-city appeal despite its moderate population. Home to a prevalent arts culture, an abundance of outdoor activities, and five star dining establishments, Grand Forks caters to all types of travelers.

Things to Do in Grand Forks

Boasting art in all forms and frequently hosting cultural events, the North Dakota Museum of Art is one of the first stops for art lovers visiting Grand Forks, however, budding artists who wish to hone their skills often start their trip by taking an art class at Muddy Waters Clay Center. Outdoor enthusiasts can can visit Ryan Park where they can fish in the human-made lake, watch the birds, and take a romantic evening walk. Or, they can make their way to the Japanese Gardens -- a large, grass-filled park with a Japanese theme that includes a wooden footbridge, a freshwater pond, and tons of greenery.

Guests with a thirst for local knowledge can take a tour of the Grand Forks County Historical Society Myra Museum, while those with high hopes can try their luck at Charlie Brown’s Casino, guests with good aim can earn bragging rights with a round of bowling at Lew Flynn’s Red Ray Lanes, and those with a passion for fashion can go shopping at Columbia Mall.

Best Time to Visit Grand Forks

The best time to visit Grand Forks is during mid-late spring when the flowers are in bloom, the weather is warm but not too overwhelming, and the spring colors can be seen from the front porch of your vacation home.

Best Events in Grand Forks

Hosting a number of fun events each year, Grand Forks is the perfect place for celebration. A few of the most popular events include the Sertoma July 4th Festival & Fireworks, Art on the Red, Holiday Lego Open House, Downtown Street Fair, and HollyDazzle: Festival of Lights. The Holiday Lego Open House features dozens of Christmas-themed lego sculptures, landscapes, and artifacts made by local lego lovers, refreshments, a kids lego building area, a scavenger hunt, and a lego race car area where guests can build their own lego cars and race them.

Things to Do for Families in Grand Forks

Elks Pool and Spray Park is a go-to destination for visiting families during the summer months, as the popular park offers multiple swimming pools, water slides, showers, and a large parking lot for loading and unloading your family’s day gear. Families with members of all ages can also go to the Northern Air Family Fun Center which features arcade games, a laser tag arena, and virtual reality games.