Hidden Gems: 7 Places & Things You Probably Didn’t Know Existed in Grand Forks

Born and raised in Grand Forks, I take pride in knowing a lot about the community and sharing that knowledge with others. But as the old adage says, one never stops learning, and there are always hidden gems, even for this local.

When most people hear labyrinth, they’re likely to envision the 1980’s film starring Davie Bowie, a coming-of-age story. However, labyrinths are bigger than Bowie, they have been used for thousands of years as a tool for physical and emotional healing and can be walked alone or as part of a group. For those interested in embarking on their own journey of contemplation and spiritual transformation, Grand Forks is home to three labyrinths.

The first of these circular labyrinths is downtown along the Greenway, just a short walk southwest of the Flood Memorial Obelisk. Though marked by a bronze plaque, this labyrinth may be tricky to spot as the grass has started to grow in and around the stones.

The second and third labyrinths are located just off South Washington Street at First Presbyterian Church. Its indoor labyrinth is transferable and generally lies in the main worship space. It will make its return in spring 2023. The outdoor stone labyrinth is located on the south lawn and is available as weather permits.

The Grand Forks County Courthouse is a showcase of grand architecture inside and out. It features Corinthian columns, white limestone, blue marble, terrazzo floors, and an iron dome. Additionally, the interior displays beautiful pieces of artwork, as well as an art glass skylight. The most prominent display is an intricate mural on the ceiling of the rotunda.

Sand dunes in Northern Minnesota? You bet! An hour southwest of Grand Forks, just outside Fertile, MN is the Sand Hill River Recreation Area, also known as the Fertile Sand Hills. These dunes are the result of the last ice age when the Laurentide Ice Sheet covered much of modern-day northern Minnesota and North Dakota. As the glacier receded north, meltwater formed huge lakes such as Lake Agassiz, eventually exposing the sand delta. The park also offers a variety of recreational activities year-round and would make for a great day trip.

Growing up in Grand Forks, I passed the Myra Museum by vehicle hundreds of times, but never paid it much attention. And then five years ago, I spotted it open one weekend and decided to finally check it out, and boy was I in for a treat. The museum is operated by the Grand Forks Historical Society and features exhibits representing the history of Grand Forks from the Ice Age through the settlement period, along with local trends in pop culture. I was particularly fascinated by the history of the Old Opera House building (currently home to Rhombus Guys Brewery). It turns out, it was quite famous in its day and even hosted a U.S. president or two. In addition, the museum grounds feature a mini butterfly garden and multiple historic buildings and homes available to tour, including a Post Office, Schoolhouse, and 1950’s Lustron home. The museum is open for tours May 15-September 15 and during its annual Holiday Open House. Admission is $8 for persons aged 16+, $5 for children aged 10-15, and free for children under 10.

Want to visit a New York City apartment without having to buy a plane ticket? All it takes is a trip to the campus of the University of North Dakota and a stop at the North Dakota Museum of Art (NDMOA). Proclaimed the state’s official art museum, NDMOA houses a large collection of works by local, regional, national, and international artists.

While the main floor exhibits change every few months, the museum is home to a semi-permanent exhibit called Barton’s Place. Artist Barton Benes gifted the entire contents of his New York City apartment to the museum and the NDMOA raised money to recreate his apartment on the second floor. Barton’s Place features over $1 million in African, Egyptian, and contemporary art. There are so many unique pieces of artwork, trinkets, and books that you could visit Barton’s Place several times and always discover something new.

Bonus: There is a mini café in the basement of the museum that serves lunch Monday-Friday. The menu features chef-prepared sandwiches, salads, soups, and more.

A short car ride from Grand Forks is where you’ll find a community stage in a most unusual place — someone’s living room! The Muiderman Theatre in rural Thompson, ND is one of the best-kept secrets in the region. Located in the home of Kevin and Amy Muiderman, the theatre hosts The Master of Guitar series, as well as live music by local and regional artists, string quartets, choirs, and more. Enjoying a show in this unique and cozy environment is a must!

For nature enthusiasts, Kellys Slough National Wildlife Refuge is a great place to spend a day. It’s located about 14 miles west of Grand Forks, along the Highway 2 corridor. Kellys Slough was established by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to develop and manage a system of wetlands and grasslands unique to the Red River Valley. During peak spring and fall migration, the refuge serves as an important stopover for shorebirds. The slough is also a great place for stargazing and chasing the Northern Lights.

These are just a few of the wonderful hidden places and things within the Greater Grand Forks area. Whether you’re a lifelong resident or new to the community, I encourage you to be a tourist occasionally (or ask around). You never know what you might discover.