Bored in Grand Forks? You Mean Board, Right? – Best Board Game Spots in Greater Grand Forks

One of the things I often hear is that there isn’t anything to do during the winter in Grand Forks. Personally, I find that old adage has lost the game numerous times because there is PLENTY to do. Some of it outside – hint, take a look at a few of the previous recent articles – but even more inside! For this particular round though, we will be going over some of the places ALL year round to hang out and play games with friends, or even make new ones!

The first round starts with someplace that seems obvious once you think of it but not-so-blatant when you’re actively thinking of places to find a good battle or cooperative success: The Grand Forks Library. They have books galore as well as DVDs, audio books, and much more… but did you know of the many programs just for teens? Every second and fourth Tuesday of the month from 5-8 p.m., if you are between ages 12 to 18 you can join the Teen Dungeons & Dragons Club, become a regular, or just drop in when you feel like rolling some dice and hanging out! If you’re more of the digital gamer, the Drop-In and Game Group at the Teen Zone is where you’ll plug in. Towards the middle of each month (check the calendar) from 2-4 p.m. bring your Switch, Steam Deck, Gameboy, phone, or handheld device of your choice and chill together while you play. Drinks and snacks are provided free of charge.

For the older of us – as much as we try to ignore the advancement of years – we’ve got plenty of options as well!

What is gaming without snacks? Less fun for sure. You might think the only place to munch and mull over moves is your own home, but that is far from the truth. Every coffee shop I’ve stopped into in Grand Forks has a few boards or card games on hand to choose from. Even more than that, they are all incredibly welcoming to people bringing their own, and all of them have two-to-three person tables as well as some that can accommodate larger groups.

Downtown you have Urban Stampede, a local legend and favorite to anyone who has ever stopped in. Homemade donuts, bagels, breakfast sandwiches, and more are at your fingertips while you plot how to cut off your friends’ cross-country train as you attempt to compete the longest route in Ticket to Ride. The Ember opened back up last fall and its cozy, multi-level space is perfect for more boisterous games of Settlers of Catan as you nibble on a scone or brownie with a dirty chai in the loft.

The Board Room has two locations – four if you count their sister shops Bully Brew on Columbia and in East Grand Forks. You should count them because, while the vibes are different, they are just as warm and welcoming. The Board Room on South Washington and on the South end of town is perfect for some chill cribbage, Trivial Pursuit, or whatever relaxing game you enjoy. Also, “Board Room” isn’t primarily about games, their selection of “boards” is next level. Last month alone they had charcuterie-style boards like:

• Flippin’ Flapjacks – Mini pancakes, sliced bananas, fresh berry mix, egg, cheese & sausage bake, plus chocolate & maple syrup for dipping.
• What’s the Dill? – Pickle lovers, prepare yourselves! 3 butter & chip sliders, a turkey pickle sandwich, pickle popcorn, and both regular & jalapeño pickle spears.
• The Cookie Monster – A dream for dessert lovers! 3 chocolate chip cookies, each topped with a different combo—banana, peanut butter & caramel, whipped cream & chocolate sauce, and sprinkles & whipped cream.
• The Wine Board – The perfect pairing for your favorite pour. A variety of cheeses, summer sausage, dried apricots, peppers, baguette slices, and fresh fruit.

They also have a selection of regional beers so you can scheme your next move while sipping the newest flavor from Half Brothers Brewery.

Their other location is the old Achieves building on the University of North Dakota’s campus. While this is a little more geared towards students it is just as welcoming, and a cozy spot to drop in for a few rounds of Uno, Azul, Cartographers or Cursed!?

Grand Cities Games:

• When I stopped by for this article, I spent over an hour just browsing, that’s how robust the variety at Grand Cities Games is. The premier spot for gaming of every imaginable genre from tabletop to video games, card games to Warhammer 40k, to Magic The Gathering, they have something for everyone! Monthly schedules are updated covering all of the major events they host including Pokémon League, Magic The Gathering, and Disney Lorcana on a weekly basis, and other events as they pop up. With two large back rooms you are welcome to call and schedule your own games of D&D, Monopoly, and Collectible Trading Card.
• In addition to the multitude of games their collection of comics is first rate. Sought after copies of Superman, X-Men and Image are displayed around one of the back rooms. From there you can browse through boxes of well-sorted single issues to find that one that has thus eluded you. If you’re more of the hardback type, Invincible, Batman and Walking Dead anthologies are few among the throng that fill the bookshelves.
• Open Tuesday through Saturday from 12-7 p.m. (Wednesday 12 to 9 p.m.) this should be your first stop if you don’t know what you want, but know you’ve got that itch for something gaming or geek related.

Broken Sentry Games:

• Open 12-8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 12-6 p.m. on Sunday, this is the premier spot for Warhammer 40k with multiple large terrain tables ready to play or be customized. Located in the Columbia Center Mall near the food court, they have a selection of a little of everything you could want. Looking for D&D? Figurines as well as the newly released Core Rule books plus smaller tables for a quick one shot or a weekly game would be a perfect addition for those of us who don’t want to deep clean the house weekly. Swing by to browse their selection of games and various table top items and accessories.

Grand Forks Board Gamers:

• Have you ever wanted to try a new board game that you picked up or were gifted but don’t have anyone to play with? Or you’re just REALLY into multiple rounds of a game and everyone in the house is burnt out? These are your people. Roughly every Saturday at 1 p.m. at the Columbia Mall, people will meet to try out new games, play old favorites, and have a great time hanging with good people who enjoy board games. A few examples are: A Feast for Odin, Cranium, Monopoly, Finspan, Call to Adventure, and Munchkins.

City of Gilby Murder Mystery:

• This is the hidden gem, while not a board game I highly recommend giving this a try! The city of Gilby hosts a murder mystery dinner at least once a month. A short 30-minute drive and $30 per person gets you to the quaint town that has much more going on than meets the eye! Rotating themes from Trailer Park Tragedy, Murder on the Train, and The Roaring 20’s have been just some of the fun this season. You and 11 of your friends (or co-workers!) select your character and costume, then are served a 3-course meal as you find clues, question the other players and enjoy an evening of good ‘ol fashioned who-dun-it!

Grand Forks has plethora of opportunities to get out, while staying in. If you’re new to the area, coming back after a time away, a student who hasn’t found their people yet, or just a Grand Forksian who is looking to expand their gaming horizon these spots are sure to be a critical success!