Beating the Deep Freeze: Enjoying Winters in Grand Forks

When winter settles into Grand Forks, it doesn’t often arrive slowly and gently, it moves in with force. With long stretches of cold temperatures and limited daylight, finding ways to stay warm, active, and connected becomes essential. Thankfully, the Grand Forks area has no shortage of indoor spots that make winter feel a little more manageable, and even enjoyable!

Whether you’re looking to soak up some natural light, burn off energy with your kids in tow, or simply escape winter for a few hours, here are some of my favorite indoor winter activities to explore in Grand Forks.

If you have lived here for long enough to experience a winter in Grand Forks, you are well aware that this time of year can feel dark and dreary. My son often begs me on our drives home, “ugh mom I just want more sun!” Taking advantage of the hours of the day that offer sunlight can boost your mood and make you feel more motivated and engaged. Two of my favorite places to plant myself in front of a window in Grand Forks during the winter months are the Urban Stampede and Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea.

Urban Stampede: 

Urban Stampede is a favorite of mine for coffee, connection, and a relaxed atmosphere. The natural light and open feel make it a great place to meet a friend, catch up on emails, or simply enjoy being out without feeling cooped up. My favorite item on their menu is the Salted Caramel Latte, and yes, I am one of those crazy people who will enjoy an iced coffee all year round.

Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea: 

While I enjoy both  Sweetwaters locations for their stellar natural light, the Edgewood location of Sweetwaters is another of my go-to spots for when I need warmth and light. Whether you prefer their private workspace surrounded by big windows or cozying up in front of the fireplace, it’s a perfect indoor retreat for reading, journaling, or collaborating with colleagues and friends. Their staff are always so welcoming, and their breakfast sandwiches are amazing!

If you don’t feel like brushing the snow off your car to go out and enjoy a warm cup of whatever it, is you prefer, I love the fact that you can purchase coffee and tea from either of these locations to have at home for those dreaded storm days. It’s a great way to convince yourself that you truly enjoy those days being snowed in at home!

The Ember Coffeehouse: 

The Ember Coffeehouse is a fabulous downtown spot for when you need that natural light but can’t be outdoors. They have a seating bar right up against the wall of windows facing the street that is a lovely spot to set up. The overall vibe of the Ember is brimming with coziness and warmth. They have a wonderful menu and lots of seating aside from the high chairs near the window too.

It’s also worth mentioning that there are many great spots in town for some natural light. Think anywhere with big windows, because that will give you the warmth of the winter sun without the chill of North Dakota’s winter winds. Places like either of our two public libraries, Bernie’s, Lotus Yoga downtown, and more!

It’s no secret that staying active is part of a healthy lifestyle year-round. It’s also no debate that it’s much harder to want to be active when going outside feels like you’re going to freeze your face off. If you’re a parent like I am, you know how hard it is to get the wiggles out once your kids begin to feel cooped up at home.

Midtown KidTown:

Located inside the Grand Cities Mall, Midtown KidTown is ideal for younger kids who want to move, climb, and play. It’s a lifesaver on especially cold days when outdoor play isn’t an option. With its “fenced in” area, you can feel at ease letting your kids run around and enjoy the space without getting in the way of other mall goers.

First Season Community Center:

A “new to us” indoor playground is the First Season Community Center. Open seasonally from October through mid-April, the center features a large indoor play area designed for kids ages 2–10. Daily admission is affordable at only $4 per child, with adults and children under 2 admitted free. The space is open on weekdays and Saturdays, with a two-hour time limit per visit to help keep things flowing. With restrooms, concessions, and the option to host birthday parties, this center offers an easy way to stay active during the winter months that we can’t wait to try out more this year!

Choice Fitness:

Choice Fitness has something for everyone. They offer many different kinds of group exercise classes, multiple levels of exercise equipment to choose from, basketball courts, tennis courts, and a pool for the whole family to enjoy. Choice is also great for when you want to get active without coordinating separate activities for your kids. Their onsite childcare (for kids ages 6 weeks to 8 years) and Kids Zone (8 to 14 years old) makes it easier for parents to prioritize movement for themselves while knowing their kids are cared for. If you prefer, you can sign up for a monthly membership, or if you’re not quite sure you’re ready for that level of commitment, day passes are available as well.

One of my greatest hobbies is reading. I would be lying to you if I told you I didn’t look forward to winter just a tiny bit every year so I can bundle up in my coziest blanket and read as many books as I can get my hands on. What makes it even easier to do so is the amazing local libraries we have in the greater Grand Forks area.

Grand Forks Public Library & East Grand Forks Campbell Library:

Both libraries are wonderful indoor escapes, offering plenty of ways to pass the time on a cold afternoon. While you may be aware of the storytimes and play areas for kids, rows upon rows of books to check out, and free access to the internet that each library has, you may not know about the other amenities our local libraries offer. Both Grand Forks Public and EGF Campbell Library host a wide range of clubs, resources, and events open to community members. From reading challenges to grief support groups, from 3D printing to seeds to start your own garden, from genealogy to gaming stations…you can even book out private meeting rooms to attend medical appointments or interviews, host a book club, or create a podcast. The opportunities through libraries are infinite!

And for those days when you truly don’t want to leave the house, don’t forget about the library’s online services! Through the Libby app, connected to your library card, you can borrow e-books and audiobooks from home. No boots or coats required!

Human connection becomes especially important during the winter months, when the cold and darkness can make it tempting to stay home and withdraw from others. It’s normal for our social battery to feel lower this time of year but staying connected plays a powerful role in protecting our mental health.

Maintaining simple routines, seeking out natural light when we can, and keeping our bodies and minds active helps anchor us during this season. Winter in Grand Forks doesn’t need to be something that limits us. When we lean into the season and seek out spaces that bring comfort and connection, winter becomes a time for intentionally slowing down. Even small connections can lift our spirits and remind us that we don’t have to navigate winter alone.