I know first dates can be nerve-wracking (to say the least). As a singleton who’s had her fair share of first dates, let me make your life easier by sharing some great locales to help you experience some of the coolest places and food greater Grand Forks has to offer – no matter what season of the year!

COLD WEATHER GRAND FORKS DATE IDEAS

We are all about embracing the weather here so let’s start with some cool first date activities in Grand Forks during the winter.

• Our downtown town square gets a makeover in the winter, transforming into a magical skating rink. Grab your date and some skates and enjoy an evening skate under the twinkle lights. Warm-up after your skating session with coffee or hot chocolate at an iconic Grand Forks spot – The Urban Stampede. Voted the best coffee shop in North Dakota – you’ll enjoy a warm and unique atmosphere that pairs perfectly with a steamy beverage.
• An activity that never fails on a first date is brunch. For a date that keeps you indoors, head to the famous Darcy’s Café to enjoy the breakfast food of your dreams. I’m not going to tell you what to order but…order the cinnamon roll pancakes. After you eat, hop in the car and head across the river to enjoy a matinee at The River Cinema in East Grand Forks.

WARM WEATHER GRAND FORKS DATE IDEAS

When the warmer weather rolls in, here are some ideas for date activities in Grand Forks that have an outdoor component.

• There’s nothing more beautiful than enjoying a walk on the miles and miles (22 miles, to be exact) of Greenway trails along the Red River. Head downtown and park near the Demers Avenue bridge, then take a stroll and get to know one another while taking in the views and beautiful trees lining the path. After working up a good appetite, make your way to Rhombus Brewery – located in a beautiful former opera house. Enjoy some locally brewed beer and the best brussels sprouts you’ve ever tasted (and I don’t even like brussels sprouts!!) You may need a few mints afterward, so come prepared.
• Outdoor music is one of life’s greatest joys, and Grand Forks delivers many opportunities to enjoy local, national, and regional musical talent during the summer and fall months. Bring your date to one of the “Blues on the Red” summer concert nights in town square or to the North Dakota Museum of Art for one of their “Concerts in the Garden”. In the fall, enjoy the “Greenway Takeover Festival” along the river. End your night with fancy cocktails at Sky’s Restaurant, which has a decked-out lounge with swanky vibes.
• Nothing says summer like a drive-in movie! Stock up on your favorite gas station snacks and drinks and take a short road trip to Warren, MN where you’ll find the SkyVu drive-in movie theatre. They show both new movies and classics, with double features if you’re hoping for an option to extend a date that’s going well.

YEAR-ROUND GRAND FORKS DATE IDEAS

Some first date activities to do in Grand Forks that are great any time of the year! Here are three that won’t fail you during any season:

• The University of North Dakota campus is a great place to enjoy a walking (or driving!) tour. Take a stroll through campus (I recommend walking along the English Coulee) and view the historical classroom buildings mixed in with lots of exciting new developments. If you want to carry coffee or delicious baked goods with you while you go, make Archives Coffee your first stop. Nestled in the back of campus, you’ll find the North Dakota Museum of Art. Make sure to head inside and enjoy the current exhibits, which are free to view.
• It feels strange to be suggesting this activity as a date… but if you’re feeling trendy (and a little bit adventurous) head to Northern Air Axe Throwing. Chances are you’ll learn something new together and have lots of fun doing it! To cool down from the adrenaline rush, head to grab some ice cream at the many options in town. My favorite (and local!) option is Tea and Crepe café downtown. There you watch thai ice cream being hand-rolled or pick out other sweet treats.
• One big perk of living in a college town is that there is never a shortage of local sporting events to attend. No matter the season, find a game that you can attend together and quickly learn how competitive your date is! Hockey at the Ralph in winter, tailgating at the Alerus in the Fall, a softball game at Ulland park in the summer – just don’t fill up on concessions so you can follow the game with a trip to the iconic Red Pepper. There are multiple locations but the one downtown/on University Avenue will give you the original experience. A taco grinder and cheese tostadas are some favorites – and don’t forget the chicken tortilla soup!

These eight first date ideas only scratch the surface of all the fun activities and opportunities you can find in Grand Forks and the surrounding area at any time of the year. I hope that you choose a first date off this list and it goes so well that you can use the other 7 ideas with the same girl or guy as time goes on. Thanks for reading!