Winter to Spring: 5 Things to Do as a Young Professional in Greater Grand Forks

It’s time to shake off the short, cold, blustery winter days and celebrate spring thaw. But winter doesn’t have to mean hibernation. Grand Forks has so much to offer young professionals who are seeking a vibrant community full of opportunities. Here are some great activities for winter and early spring.

This year, I participated in two book clubs to alleviate the winter blues. The Greater Grand Forks Women’s Leadership Cooperative offers a book club that helps me meet other people in the community and engage in thought-provoking discussions. During our meeting at Ely’s Ivy, a local eatery in the heart of downtown, we discussed Sinkhole by Juliet Patterson. Ensconced in Ely’s warm ambiance and picturesque views of the wintry afternoon, our club had a lively conversation about Patterson’s novel.

I also lead a book club through the Greater Grand Forks Young Professionals (GGFYP). More than an organization, GGFYP is a community of young people in the area who have fun, build meaningful connections, and make things happen around Grand Forks. We’re cruising through the pages of Brené Brown’s Dare to Lead, an excellent read that provides opportunities for personal and professional growth. Both book clubs helped me make new friends and learn more about my community, all while ignoring my inner couch potato.

Joining a league across the city is another way to keep busy. In Grand Forks, winter means hockey, darts, basketball, pool, swimming, and curling, to name just a few. Through Choice Health & Fitness, I’ve joined two volleyball teams and helped form another one. It has been a great way to make new friends, catch up with old ones, and keep active during the colder months. If you like competition, take a chance and sign up for a league of your own!

If you hear someone complain “there is nothing to do,” they’re not paying attention to the community events calendar. Grand Forks has awesome resources that publicize local events. Check out Visit Greater Grand Forks, the Downtown Development Association, and University of North Dakota’s event calendars (or just look at the homepage of gfiscooler.com). Each of these calendars showcase many events that are open to the public. One such event I attended this past month was the Feast of Nations hosted by UND and the UND International Organization. This 1000-person-plus annual event is one of my favorites, and features a night of cultural performances paired with a delicious spread of international food.

There are so many fun social groups that young professionals can join in Grand Forks. Though I mentioned it above, GGFYP deserves its own plug. The organization’s mission is to encourage growth, learning, and development of young professionals within the region. Each month they host a social meet-up, community involvement activity, and a professional development event. This past month, they had a board game and bingo night, volunteered at the Special Olympics Polar Plunge, and held a lunch and learn that provided tips and tricks for first-time home buyers. Whether you want to go with a group of friends, or are a stellar networker who doesn’t mind flying solo, GGFYP events help anyone get involved and connected.

If you’re looking to rock your more professional side, I’d encourage you to stop by The Chamber of Commerce’s monthly Business After Hours. With over 1,000 businesses involved in the Chamber, you are sure to meet someone new!

Winter can be hard on everyone. Reach out to some friends or peers and get out of the house! Greater Grand Forks has a wide variety of locales for you to hang out and catch up. Nosh on some local food at a coffee shop, restaurant, or bar, or get active while axe throwing, cross country skiing, or cosmic bowling. If you’re a sports fan, don your team gear and wander into an athletic event (high school, club/league, and collegiate level sports are easy to find). Fan of the arts? Grab a ticket to attend a performance at the Burtness Theatre, The Empire Arts Center, the Chester Fritz Auditorium, or The Fire Hall Theatre. Get all dressed up for the Greater Grand Forks Symphony, the Master Chorale, City Band, or the North Dakota Ballet Company.

For those willing to step outside, greater Grand Forks offers a unique combination of opportunities and charm – even in the winter. By embracing the weather and taking advantage of resources and amenities available, young professionals can keep happy and warm all winter. Don’t let the cold keep you from joining the growing community – bundle up and dive in. (But not literally, water can be dangerous in sub-zero temperatures!)