A Guide to Crushing Your New Year’s Goals in Greater Grand Forks

With the New Year right around the corner, it’s the perfect time to start setting goals and finding ways Greater Grand Forks can help you achieve them! Whether you’re looking for new ways to give back to our community, want to pick up a new hobby, or even try some new foods, New Year’s will be a breeze with this guide.

If your New Year’s resolution revolves around being more physically active or staying rooted in your current exercise habits, there are lots of places in Grand Forks to help you achieve your goals. I fell in love with the flexibility and variety of workout classes offered at Lotus Yoga last year, and you’ll definitely find me there in 2026! If you’re looking for a flexible gym option, Planet Fitness, Choice Health & Fitness, and Anytime Fitness offer plans for beginners and a range of amenities. For more unique or specific workout options, check out Lotus Yoga, The Pedal, or Core Collective. I’ve found that staying active is easier and way more fun with a friend by your side, so connect with someone in your circle and start the New Year with a workout buddy! The most important part of this goal is finding what works best for you, so explore different locations, classes, or instructors to see what keeps you motivated.

There are plenty of opportunities to get involved in the Greater Grand Forks community for those looking to make an impact this year! I’ve been volunteering with Journey Home Animal Rescue since early this summer, and there’s truly no better way to spend an hour than with animals looking for love. Journey Home and Circle of Friends Humane Society are always looking for volunteers and animal fosters, the perfect opportunity for anyone looking for a furry friend. Other organizations like United Way, Love in Action, and The Salvation Army need helping hands to fill various roles and keep their operations running smoothly. Most volunteer roles don’t require any specialized training or skills, so there’s ample opportunity to get out into the community and give back during the new year. If you’re interested in learning more about specific volunteer positions in the area, visit the Cool Places to Volunteer page on the Grand Forks is Cooler website!

If the year is calling you to find a new hobby, Grand Forks has plenty of options. Personally, I haven’t read a book (unless it was assigned to me) since high school, so you’ll find me at the library during the new year. Residents of Grand Forks and East Grand Forks are eligible for free library cards at their respective libraries, and non-residents can get a library card for a small fee. Arts for Vets, a frequent hangout spot for my family, offers acrylic pour classes, songwriting groups, and cooking courses. Even if an activity is completely new to you, don’t be afraid to give it a go, and try anything that sounds interesting! You might surprise yourself with your skills and learn about your hidden talents. If you’re willing to brave the cold during the first part of the new year, try visiting an ice rink, going cross-country skiing on the greenway, or sledding on the limited (but fun) hills around town. No matter your budget, availability, or interests, there’s something around for everyone to try during the New Year!

Greater Grand Forks’s food scene offers a plethora of options to diversify your palate and try new flavors during the new year. I’ve tried so many amazing restaurants in 2025 that I honestly didn’t know existed before, because I had fallen into a routine of going to the same restaurants. Fuji was on rotation pretty frequently, so I branched out to Kaizen Sushi & Ramen and House of Punjab for more Asian cuisine, and both have earned spots in my craveable food list. Charras and Tequila was another favorite of mine, so once my parents told me about the $2 Taco deal every Tuesday at Las Delicias De La Abuela, I was sold. During the New Year, I plan to try King Poke for the first time and the new FirePot Korean BBQ & Hot Pot, once it opens. I encourage everyone to break their restaurant habits this New Year and try as many new flavors, styles, and types of food as they can in the Greater Grand Forks area!

No matter how long you’ve been living in Greater Grand Forks, it’s never too late to spend more time out in the community and meet new people. I’ve been working for the Greater Grand Forks Young Professionals since May of 2024, and the community they’ve created is truly outstanding. There’s a variety of events every month for members to enjoy, and if you’re an employee of a corporate sponsor or a college student, your membership is free! Local organizations, such as the Empire Arts Center, the North Dakota Museum of Art, and the Downtown Development Association, host events throughout the year that foster community connections. I love bringing my college friends to events that I’ve been going to since I was a kid and sharing the best parts of Greater Grand Forks with them. If you’re willing to explore the downtown scene in Grand Forks, the bars and pubs host trivia, karaoke, and bingo on varying nights throughout the week. This is one of my favorite things to do with my family, so if you ever see (or hear) us downtown, don’t be afraid to say hello! You can keep an eye out for local events all year round by checking the Visit Greater Grand Forks Event Calendar.