Best Fall Foliage Spots in Grand Forks

Autumn is my absolute favorite time of year. The weather, the clothes, the coffee, and of course, the colors. Fall is the perfect time of year when the weather is a little breezier and a little rainier, but the sun still comes out and its still warm enough to do all your favorite things outside.

If you’ve never found yourself taking a stroll down the greenway, I suggest making your way there before winter comes. It goes for about 21 miles surrounded by trees, giving us some of the best sights in the fall. Going for a walk or a rollerblade and throwing in some headphones is one of my favorite ways to decompress, but if you’re looking for something to scratch that fall itch in your brain, take the headphones out and listen to those crispy leaves crunching while you walk… you’ve got 21 miles to fund the best crunch.

I already think golf courses are some of the most beautiful places to hang out and in the fall it just gets better. It’s still warm enough to golf and seeing the colors from a golf cart is really fun. King’s Walk is gorgeous and can be a bit tricky (more fun for the experienced golfers), Ray Richards is right on UND campus and offers discounts to UND students, but my favorite is Lincoln, it’s easy and surrounded by trees and water, perfect for seeing the autumn leaves.

Even if golfing isn’t your thing, the trails are still walkable, especially at Ray Richards where the UND Cross Country team holds their home meets.

Speaking of University of North Dakota, campus is a great place for a leisurely stroll, whether it’s walking for fun or walking to class. It isn’t just the colors that make it feel like fall, UND’s architecture makes it feel like walking through a fall movie. You can grab a coffee and walk the entire stretch of University Ave. in an hour for a perfect afternoon walk. Or if you just want to sit at a park bench to read a book or play cards with your friends, stop at University Park. Or for a more discreet route, there’s a path that goes along the coulee and behind the Wellness Center that is absolutely gorgeous this time of year. And don’t forget to keep track of events going on around campus, you would not want to miss out.

Another great spot just 21 miles outside of town is Turtle River State Park. Not only does it provide some falltastic views, but also some fall-fabulous walking trails too! Get your gear on, grab a friend or two, and see the sights!

You might want to throw on a few extra layers for this time of year especially for evening activities, and those extra sweaters and scarves just add to the aesthetic. At the end of the day, Grand Forks in the fall is something you must experience for yourself. Whether you’re gliding down the Greenway, chasing the perfect drive at Lincoln, or wandering through UND’s tree-lined paths with a pumpkin-spiced latte in hand, there’s no shortage of ways to soak it all in. The season doesn’t last long here, but that’s part of what makes it so special.