Off the Quad: 5 Off-Campus Adventures

Welcome back to school UND students! If you are anything like me, right now, your focuses are work, school, and trying to eat three meals a day. I know it’s easy to get caught up with the chaos around you, but it’s good to take a step back and explore the city around you. When I came to Grand Forks as a freshman, I had no idea about all the places and fun things to do here. That being said, here are my favorite off-campus adventures for you and your friends to try.

Libraries don’t only have books! The three main libraries in the area are the Grand Forks Public Library, The East Grand Forks Campbell Library, and the Chester Fritz Library. There are so many resources and programs to utilize from the off-campus libraries! For children and teens, there are classes like “Adulting 101,” gaming stations, and even robotics. For adults, there are book clubs to socialize and art exhibits to browse. The Grand Forks Public Library even has a music garden where kids and adults can make all the noise they want.

As an incoming freshman in 2020, at the height of the pandemic, spending an afternoon or evening shopping was one of my favorite activities (and it still is). My friends and I would wander around Target and look at the clothes and ice cream, then we would head over to Columbia Mall to window shop. While at the mall, make sure you enjoy a pretzel, get some UND gear from Scheels, and visit Pets R’ Inn to play with some cute and cuddly animals (and if you’re like me, be prepared to cry because they are so cute!)

If there’s one thing we college students survive on, it’s coffee. Grand Forks has so many coffee shops! Organize a group and go on a coffee tour around town or try a new place every day. Some of my favorites are Urban Stampede (located downtown Grand Forks), Bully Brew (located downtown East Grand Forks and on Columbia), and Scooters (located on South Washington)! These are also great places to do homework and study. Or you can get your coffee, pretend to study, and then watch your favorite TV show on your phone.

Parks aren’t just for little kids. When you’re stressed there’s nothing like taking a walk down a scenic trail, going for a bike ride, or hurtling down a slide. With 42 parks in greater Grand Forks, there’s something for everyone. There’s even a park in East Grand Forks that looks like a castle (Sherlock Park). Sherlock Park resides right along the Greenway and if you want an adventure, just go for a walk along this 21-mile paved trail. The Greenway connects several parks in the area including Lincoln Dog Park and Rydell Skatepark at Kannowski Park.

If you need an escape from assignments and tests, catch a film at the River Cinema 15. Located in the River City Mall in East Grand Forks, MN, this theatre transports you into the film world. The decorations including giant metal sculptures of some of your favorite movie characters, and the The Shire Bar & Grill, a movie-themed restaurant, let you fully immerse yourself into the Hollywood scene.

I hope this list gets you off the quad and into an adventure. If all else fails, go for a walk. Walk around downtown or walk around Target and try not to buy anything, whatever works for you. I know it can be scary to leave campus, but it can also be relieving to get away from the stress of college. UND neighbors one of the coolest cities, and it’s even cooler to explore it!