Rediscovering Your Roots: Ways to be a Tourist in Grand Forks

I have lived in Grand Forks for twenty-four of the twenty-nine years of my life. Still, I often forget about the wonderful things Grand Forks is known for since I have my routines, usual spots, and frequent haunts- unless my friends are visiting. Then I pull out my list of what this town is known for; the big events, the highlights, what the people want out of Grand Forks. When people come to town to see me, I provide the highest concentration of activities and become the best tour guide. Instead of saving the best for guests, though, I think everyone should experience these highlights all the time.

Grand Forks has so many incredible restaurants, ranging from high end brunches to dive bar pizzas. When I am showing off the town, I have to be careful to not overfeed my guests. It would be so easy to start a Saturday at Bernie’s for a breakfast burrito and pastry, drive across the Red River and order a Rhombus Guys’ pizza, take a nap, and then devour Camarones A La Diabla at Las Delicias De La Abuela before promptly passing out at whatever nighttime activity. If I’m showing off Grand Forks’ cuisine, I know I need to pace myself, but I can guarantee Toasted Frog’s fried pickles (famously showcased on the Food Network) and Chippers from Widman’s will make a mark. Also, don’t forget that Grand Forks is basically synonymous with Red Pepper, so be sure to check it out, especially during those late nights out.

There are no shortages of things to do in Grand Forks, the hard part is picking where to start. When showing off the town, I want to make sure my guests are entertained. If my younger cousins are coming to town, I bring them to the best water park in the area, Splashers of the South Seas. When my friends come to town and I want to give them unique experiences, I look to get out with a downtown walking tour or pub crawl. Maybe I’ll take them to a motor race at River City Speedway or a foot race like the Grand Forks 10.

My personal favorite activity to live like a tourist like Grand Forks and step out of my routine is a visit to the North Dakota Museum of Art on UND’s campus. Exhibits are updated often, and allow you to see so many different styles of art. And NDMoA isn’t the only must-see museum in the area! Other favorites include the Myra Museum, Heritage Village, Muddy Waters Clay Center, or the gallery at the Empire Arts Center.

It’s easy to get spoiled in Grand Forks when you are used to frequently seeing one of the best hockey teams in college sports. Even more so when across town, world class performers are on stage at one of the many theaters. Whether it is a football game or a major touring act at the Alerus Center or a jazz quartet with phenomenal musicians from town at Ely’s Ivy, there is always something to do around town.

For those with a little more of a wild side, our downtown bar scene has something for everyone—whether you’re looking to dance the night away in a nightclub like Level 10, or want a calmer night of Trivia at an Irish pub like O’Really’s. My personal favorite is an evening at Kelly’s Bar, a local establishment where your fine dining options include four different kinds of frozen pizzas–it feels like you’re in a neighborhood bar.

When my parents moved back to North Dakota in 2000, a family member warned them that “there is nothing to do in Grand Forks”. That could not have been further from the truth: most weekends I need to make decisions because there is no way that one person could do it all. In fact, in 2023, there were over 1,400 registered events listed by Visit Greater Grand Forks alone.

On top of the performance arts, athletic events, and dining establishments, there are so many special events that make the community special. Throughout the summer, there are movies in the parks (hosted by the GF Park District), the Emerado Corn Feed, the Downtown Street Fair (a personal favorite that draws TONS of vendors to the community), and constant music in the downtown community, like Blues on the Red, Hot Valley Nights in East Grand Forks, and regular concerts outside of restaurants, in the parks, and in parking lots. In the winter, you can beat the cold at its own game by enjoying Downtown Frosty Forks Fest or HollyDazzle!

As a long-time resident of Grand Forks, it’s easy to fall into the rhythm of everyday life and overlook the gems that make this town shine. But when friends come to town, I’m reminded of the vibrant tapestry of experiences that Grand Forks offers. From indulging in our diverse culinary scene with its mouthwatering brunches and savory pizzas, to exploring daytime activities like museums and water parks, and diving into the excitement of nighttime entertainment, from hockey games to live performances. It’s not just about being the ultimate tour guide; it’s about embracing these highlights as part of our daily lives, ensuring that each moment in Grand Forks is as thrilling as when we share it with guests. So here’s to savoring every bite, every adventure, and making Grand Forks our perpetual playground.