ABCDEFGILUVU: 26 Date Night Ideas in Greater Grand Forks

ANY activity could be a date, depending on the person and the call for adventure. Grand Forks is filled with tons of things to do to get you close and familiar with those you love. And remember—these dates do not have to be between two people who are romantically involved. It can be a date with friends, family, or even yourself! Check out these Grand Forks date ideas for your next night out.

Arcade and Art

During the day, take an art class with ArtWise and explore your creativity. They offer many gallery displays around town as well as a variety of classes in different mediums for adults as well. Then at night, unleash your inner child by enjoying the plethora of arcade games at Northern Air.

Bowling and Bingo and Boba

As the Southgate slogan states, “there’s always something going on at The Gate!” which rings true with Bingo on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 5:30 PM. Remember to keep an eye on their events so you can be the first to know when they host events like the 5K Giveaway Bingo. Afterward, go bowling at Red Ray Lanes for an hour or so before ending the day with boba at Tea and Crepe.

Concert or Curling

The Alerus Center hosts multiple concerts and events throughout the whole year. The Chester Fritz Auditorium often has visiting performers, as well as the Empire Arts Center. In the winter, try a new sport together with curling! Outside of regular open curling, the Grand Forks Curling Club also offers classes. The minimum number of players is three, so absolutely make this a double date, or include your third-wheel best friend (you know the one).

Downtown, Drive Thru’s, and Drive Ins

Although Sky Vu is not directly in Grand Forks county, it is only 31 miles away from town and is quite a well-loved local favorite. On the way out, grab a bag of your favorite greasy fast food, or pick up a light snack at Sky Vu.

If you want to keep it local, it is no secret that the downtown Grand Forks scene is a vibrant place to be. Often, you can catch a themed pub crawl on Fridays. If you want a chance to get familiar with your date’s dance moves, bring them to Level 10. O’Really’s is great if you want to discover their karaoke chops. Or if you want somewhere a little more chill, bring your partner to The Hub Pub or Kelly’s Bar. Remembering fast food, if you get hungry in between, find Tacho Man’s food truck or have a cookie from Insomnia Cookies—all downtown.

Escape Room

The Grand Forks Escape Room has four different themes: The Vault, Oz has Alice, Trapped in the 80’s, and The Haunting. I remember when my date and I got stuck, we had to dance for clues, which was fun. An escape room is a great way to get to know each other’s minds and problem solving skills! To book a time, book through their website or text ‘ESCAPE’ to 701-388-1905.

Fair or Farmer’s Market

For some summer lovin’, check out these seasonal events! The Farmer’s Market is occurs every Saturday in June and goes through September. Stroll past the unique vendors and grab a tasty treat from the food truck to warm up the spirits.

Be sure to consider this classic date night as well: The Greater Grand Forks Fair is typically held during the third to fourth week of June. Explore daring rides, piggy races, fair games, and the funnel cakes and mini donuts and lemonade while you get lost in the swirling lights.

Golf

What’s more romantic than helping your partner perfect their swing?Discover the wonderful virtual world of indoor golf at Albatross. Be sure to check out their occasional couple’s nights to really get the full date-experience! If you want to catch some non-synthetic rays, check out the major local courses: Ray Richards Golf Course, King’s Walk Golf Course, Valley Golf Course, Grand Forks Country Club, and Lincoln Golf Course. If you don’t trust yourself on a golf cart, you can always keep with mellow with some frolf at Lincoln Disc Golf Course instead.

Hiking trails

Hiking is the perfect couple activity. Admiring the green scenery, watching the peaceful streams, or breathing crisp air–being in nature truly helps clear away everyday hectic life and focus on your partner. If you’re looking for a quick stroll, I would go to the Greenway because it is right in town. You can even make a point to people-watch fishers and joggers. If you’re looking for lot of time for personal connection, head over to Turtle River State Park. If you want a night of romantic stargazing, head over to the watchtower at Kelly’s Slough.

Ice skating and Improv

With all the street lights glistening as one glides in the ice, there is something magical about night ice skating at the Town Square. What better way to feel like you’re in a Hallmark movie?  If you want somewhere a little more private, there are other places in Grand Forks you can go skating for free. Either way, be mindful that you have to bring your own skates or you can rent them from places like Play It Again, Gerrells Sports Center, or the Outpost at the Wellness Center. Later, discover your partner’s wit, or lack thereof, when you try improv classes through the Empire Arts Center (be sure to keep up with their events to find out when these classes are in session!) Simply learning a new skill is a great way to get to know your partner, all while laughing the whole time.

Jigsaw Puzzle in JL Beers

You can never go wrong with a good burger and beer. Bring a jigsaw puzzle or board game fresh from Broken Sentry or Grand Cities Games and do it in a fun bar and grill like JL Beers. Challenge yourselves to finish a puzzle in an hour!

King Pho and Kayaking

For water enthusiasts, consider yourself lucky! You can rent kayaks and other water gear like canoes and paddles at the Boathouse on the Red in Grand Forks. The location is also convenient because it is in the Greenway and along the Red River during the summer months. After all that exercise, you’ve definitely worked up an appetite. Fill yourself up with a warm bowl of Pho Special and a Vietnamese sub (Banh mi) from King Pho, you’ll be glad you did!

Live Music and Legos

Discover your new favorite hobby together with the Grand Forks Lego User Group (GFKlug). Follow their socials to discover when they host their meetings and how you can become a master-builder in training! As for live music, some options during the weekends are Diamond Lounge, SouthTown PourHouse, Southgate Casino Bar & Grill, Half Brothers Underground, Ojata Records, or the North Dakota Museum of Art—and that’s only scratching the surface.

Museum and Movie

You know it, you love it—nothing is more classic than a movie night at River Cinema 15. Be sure to check out their $5 Tuesdays or their Throwback series, too! Occasionally, the Empire Arts Center also shows films in their classic theater; but one thing is for sure – they always have art exhibitions going on. Beyond the Empire, other museums in town include the Myra Museum, UND Memorial Union Gallery, and my personal favorite, the North Dakota Museum of the Art.

Photo taken by Jenna Westpfahl

Northern Lights

Imagine resting your head on the shoulder of your loved one under a painted sky. The quintessential northern date night, you have to do this at least once in your life. For iPhone users, install the app ‘My Aurora Forecast and Alert’ by the developer JRustonApps B.V. Otherwise, the Space Weather Prediction Center is a good website to also check for Aurora predictions. Here are some more tips on viewing the aurora.

Open Mic

Feeling ready to showcase your skills from the Improv classes? Open mics are a great way to practice those new talents! Check out the Open Mic Comedy at Archives once a month at Archives, hosted by the talented Matt Ternus! He also wrote this cooler article on local open Mics that you should definitely check out!

Pumpkin Patch and Pizza

What is better than going to pumpkin patches and taking cute Instagram pictures with sunflowers and pumpkins (and your date, too I guess)? There are so many cute little activities to explore at Nelson’s Pumpkin Patch in Emerado and Valley Corn Maize in East Grand Forks.

Then, what better way to compliment the day than by eating something that also starts with the letter P? (Spoilers: its pizza) Make sure to check out Kayla’s article on this very topic.

Quilting and Quesadilla

Quilting seems so satisfying and therapeutic. Get cozy with your partner with the classes at Quilter’s GEM. The one that calls to me is a quilting retreat that includes free food and prizes. If you have the time, absolutely be sure to sign up!

Speaking of fluffy and cozy, treat yourself to a quesadilla or some comforting Latin food after working on your quilting project. My suggestions for the most authentic Mexican places in town are El Gordito, Charras and Tequila, and Las Delicias De La Abuela.

Rooftop or Road trip

Do your best people watching together on the rooftops of Rhombus Guys and Hugo’s Pure Market.

If you’re looking to get away and commit a little more time, it is also nice to visit a new place and go on a quick road trip! You can hit up many places in Grand Forks County or go as far as Winnipeg or Minneapolis/St. Paul for a quick weekend road trip. Check out this listicle from Jennifer for ideas!

Staycation, Swimming, and Sports!

You’re never too old for Splashers of the South Seas at the CanadInn. And you don’t need a reservation to get splashing! With an arcade, selection of restaurants, and their new remodel, you’ll definitely want swim the day away there! Other options for swimming pools in the Grand Forks region include Elks Park, East Grand Forks Swimming Pool, Riverside Swimming Pool, and Choice Health & Fitness. Check out their sites to see schedules and pricing.

Once you’re tuckered out, watch other people exert their energy at one of the many UND sporting events! Depending on your sport of choice, you can watch UND Hockey, Football, Volleyball, and Basketball matches live! Tickets can be purchased online at North Dakota tickets, Ticketmaster, or your ‘Green and White’ account if you’re a UND student.

Trivia Night

Regardless of your knowhow, Trivia is ALWAYS fun, and the camaraderie from playing together can strengthen the relationship. Southgate, Rhombus Guys, O’Really’s, and Brick and Barley all host weekly trivia paired with some super great food and drink specials. To find all your unique trivia options in Grand Forks, follow Trivia Takeover on Facebook.

Espresso Martini at the Toasted Frog

Upscale Restaurants

I also love this idea a lot! Imagine having a relaxing time while eating or drinking under dim light  and all dolled up. Do you need to be celebrating something special? No, but it is fun to do! Some options for upscale restaurants in town include Harry’s Steakhouse, Sky’s Fine Dining, Ely’s Ivy, Toasted Frog, and Helix Wine and Bites.

Volunteering

Volunteering is my favorite activity in the whole world! It is a no-cost activity and you’re able to spend meaningful time together helping others. There so many ways to volunteer together in Grand Forks! Organizations like Lions Club or the Greater Grand Forks Young Professionals often post volunteering or community-based activities available. Another good volunteering opportunity is to dog walk at Journey Home Animal Rescue. ! For a complete list, check out this page on the Grand Forks is Cooler website!

Wine tasting and Wheel Throwing Class

Feeling a little sophisticated? Try heading to the Grape Mill Winery in East Grand Forks. They have a vineyard, winery, and a tasting room. To keep track of their seasonal schedule and events give their Facebook page a follow. Moreover, they’re also always looking for volunteers to help with harvest, which sounds like fun to me!

After you’ve enjoyed your libations, recreate that scene from “Ghost” at Muddy Waters Clay Center. They often offers classes multiple times per year. For their one-time price, they offer all the clay, fitting expenses, and tools to get you started.

aXe throwing

Are you and your partner experiencing frustrations? Throw it out with some sharp objects in a safe way. There are two places in Grand Forks that offer aXe throwing. At Downtown Axe, the staff is super informative and friendly. Beside throwing axes and ninja stars, you can also enjoy some mini-games like Giant Jenga, Stumpy/Hammerschlagen, Ring the Bull, and pull tabs! At Northern Air, they have a similar atmosphere as Downtown Axe, but the cool thing about this place is that you can purchase your own axe here and bring it home!

Yoga class

Want to learn how flexible your partner is? Good for you that there are five places in Grand Forks that teach yoga: Lotus, Zen River, WillowLife Center, Flow Yoga, and HudSun Wellness Center. Get hot together!

Zaps and Zooms

Looking for something more adventurous? Apart from everything else mentioned, Northern Air also houses laZer tag and most recently, Go Karting! You could spend an entire, action-filled day with your partner in one spot!

Finding unique date experiences can be easy as long as you’re open-minded to trying new things! Some more helpful tips on finding new events:

• Check out events tab on Facebook

• Follow Visit Grand Forks’ events page

• Check out your favorite establishment’s Instagram or Facebook page to see if they have anything new going on

• Take a look at the flyers on the bulletin boards at public places

• Sign up for email newsletters or updates for organizations or companies like Greater Grand Forks: Way Cooler Than You Think!

Which reminds me, if you haven’t signed up for ‘GF is Cooler,’ what are you even doing?

Nevertheless, the ones we listed above are just suggestions, but you can definitely mix and match according to how you’re feeling! Whatever you’d like to do, I hope that you have a fun time with those you love and discover that there’s a lot to see in Grand Forks!