At Ease: Top 10 Tips I Wish I Knew as a Military Newcomer in Grand Forks

Throughout my military career I have had the opportunity to travel around the world and see new places that I would never have imagined before. In 2015, I found out that I was getting assigned to Grand Forks Air Force Base. The only real thing I knew about Grand Forks was that it gets cold! I got here in August of 2015, and well, I’m still here! I’m recently retired and got to thinking, “What did I wish I knew beforehand?” Here are my top 10 tips you should know as a military newcomer!

Sure, base life is convenient, but downtown Grand Forks is where the magic happens! From cozy coffee shops to unique boutiques and lively nightlife, there’s always something to explore. Plus, the Red River views? Stunning!

There’s never a dull moment! The Farmer’s Market (every Saturday June through September) is packed with fresh produce and local goodies. My favorite don’t miss events are:
Art Walk/Downtown Alive! – Live music, food trucks, and creative vibes.
Blues on the Red – A summer concert series that turns downtown into a party.
Fairs Galore! – From the County Fair to the Downtown Street Fair you’ll never run out of fun.

Mark your calendars for every Saturday starting on June 14^th for the Town Square Farmer’s market. A great place to get your local fix on goodies!

Moving somewhere new is easier when you have friends! The Greater Grand Forks Young Professionals (GGFYP) is a great place to meet like-minded people. Bonus: They host networking events that aren’t boring!

Grand Forks Park District also offers plenty of adult programming for folks looking to get involved and active! Don’t worry, they also have loads of options for everyone with young kiddos too!

The Grand Forks Public Library also has different clubs for you to jump into, like their book clubs, reading challenges, and more!

Grand Forks LOVES its military community. Tons of local businesses offer discounts, and organizations like the Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Committee help connect newcomers with resources and events.

Whether you live on or off base, Grand Forks has top-rated schools and amazing teachers. Don’t forget to check out activities like youth sports, music programs, and STEM clubs! For those wanting to pursue a college education, the University of North Dakota has tons of programs to quench that academic thirst. UND recently achieved Carnegie R1 status, placing it among the nation’s top-tier research universities!

On-base living is super convenient, but if you’re looking for a little more space, check out areas like:

South Grand Forks – Quiet, family-friendly, and close to shopping.
Near UND – Perfect for those who like a lively college-town feel.
East Grand Forks – Just across the river in Minnesota, with small-town charm.

At the end of the day though, our region offers a safe space to call home for everyone. There is something to be offered in every neighborhood for folks from all walks of life!

Winter here is NO JOKE (hello, -30°F!). Invest in quality winter gear, embrace the UND Hockey scene, and learn the art of snow shoveling. Be a part of North Dakota culture and head over to the Grand Forks curling club! Winter woes may get you down, but don’t worry, summers are gorgeous, and there’s plenty of lakes nearby for weekend getaways!

Forget the chain restaurants—locals know the best spots!

Darcy’s Café: Tiny, cozy, and serving breakfast—what’s not to love? Their pancakes are fluffy clouds of joy, and the homemade caramel rolls? Chef’s kiss. Just be warned: this place gets packed, so come early and bring an appetite!

Parrot’s Cay: Let’s talk about what makes this restaurant famous—their wings, but these aren’t just any wings. They’re drenched in flavor, and can be as mild or as mouth-meltingly hot as you want. The heat levels range 3 to 40,” so choose wisely.

DogMahal DogHaus: Where hot dogs get gourmet treatment. Think wild toppings & insane flavors.

P.S. Tune in to my next article on some other great places to eat!

The Greenway offers miles of trails along the Red River—perfect for biking, running, or just enjoying the fresh air. In winter, try cross-country skiing or snowmobiling on one of the designated trails!

At first, you might think, “What did I just get myself into?” But give it time—Grand Forks is welcoming, full of hidden gems, and a fantastic place to call home. Lean into the experience, meet the people, and make the most of your time here! Hope to see you out there.