Stay Local: 10 Staycation Ideas in Greater Grand Forks

I love traveling, exploring new cities, and collecting one of those souvenir Starbucks mugs anywhere I go. However, these past few years, I have learned that you don’t need to travel across the world to have an adventure. I’ve rounded up some of my favorite staycation ideas in the Greater Grand Forks region (or within a day’s trip away). Read on to nourish your inner wanderlust and start planning your next adventure.

This adventure comes highly recommended by my nieces and nephews. Whenever they come to town, the waterpark at the Canad Inns Destination Centre is a must. Visitors and locals alike can enjoy this vacation idea and rent a themed suite at the Canad Inns for a weekend staycation or get a day pass for the Splasher’s of the South Seas waterpark, a 40,000 square foot indoor pool park with a waterslide, hot tub, and a lazy river. The atmosphere and private cabanas will make you feel like you’re somewhere tropical. The Canad Inns is connected to the Alerus Center, making it the perfect spot to stay if part of your staycation is a concert or event. Check the Alerus Center’s upcoming event schedule here!

Take a trip to the Grand Forks Public Library and rent a few books or find some featuring a destination you’d like to visit someday. There are many great spots to channel your bookworm. Bring your blanket and find a relaxing spot under a shady tree at Sertoma Park, or bring a hammock and cuddle up with your book at University Park. If the weather is not cooperating, stop by Archives Coffee Shop and read over a cup of coffee by the fireplace.

Even though I’ve lived in Grand Forks for over ten years, I only recently learned about the history of downtown Grand Forks by attending a tour offered as part of a leadership class. My favorite part was learning about the history of the buildings downtown. Take your self-guided tour following this map, or watch the downtown calendar for upcoming tours. Around Halloween, there is usually a spooky version offered. I hope to check that out in the fall. The Downtown Development Association will post the details here!

Head over to the local Grape Mill Winery located in East Grand Forks to sample the taste of our region. The winery overlooks the banks of the Red Lake River and is the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing day during the open season. I love that they are dog friendly and often have food trucks or events on-site. Another favorite wine spot to check out during your staycation is Helix Wine and Bites. They have a wide selection of wines and great food to pair!

Start your staycation off with brunch at Sky’s, or head to Bernie’s for a coffee if you prefer a lighter bakery item and espresso to start your day before crossing the Sorlie Bridge and heading to the Seasonal Farmer’s Market in the heart of downtown Grand Forks. For lunch, stop by the food trucks parked near Townsquare. I love to walk around and check the local vendors at the market, then do some shopping at some of the boutiques nearby. For happy hour, stop by Toasted Frog for a martini and fried cheesy pickles (a local favorite and must-try!) Book dinner reservations at Harry’s and choose your main course and sides to share with the table. Be sure to end with the chocolate cake – my favorite and rated the #1 dessert in town by my friend and fellow blogger, Fifi (see her article here)!

This is one of my favorite staycation ideas! I love a good spa day, and thankfully, Grand Forks is home to many wonderful spas. Depending on what type of relaxing experience you are looking for, I’d highly recommend scheduling a spa day. Check out the service menus at one of my favorite spas: Avant, Chapter, Truyu, and Mangata. To round out my spa day, I love to finish with a relaxing yoga session at Hudsun or Lotus Yoga.

Patch on the Point at Point Paradise Stables offers many events throughout the fall, including pony rides, goat yoga, and more. I’d recommend following their social media to watch for upcoming events. Or take a day to enjoy the natural habitat of our region. Just on the outskirts of Grand Forks, there’s a National Wildlife Refuge known for birdwatching and scenic views. Visit Kelly’s Slough to spot shorebirds, ducks, geese, and swans. It’s a beautiful spot for some nature photography!

This staycation idea is not available yet, but it’s one that I am looking forward to the most! As an aviator’s wife, I am excited to experience a stay at the Olive Ann Hotel, a boutique and historic aviation-themed luxury hotel nestled in the heart of downtown Grand Forks. I’ve been following their Instagram page as they share sneak peeks of the interior design. I can’t wait for the grand opening in the fall of 2023 and to plan my staycation.

When I first moved to Grand Forks, I did an internship at North Valley Arts Council, and I was so impressed with the rich art culture and support for local artists. Every year there is the ArtFest downtown, one of my favorite downtown activities! I’d highly recommend planning a staycation around this event. Another idea would be to take a pottery or painting class or sketch at a local coffee shop. You can also plan a day to explore the North Dakota Museum of Art and attend one of their events.

Switch things up by renting an Airbnb for a weekend staycation. Maybe there’s a condo downtown, and you’d like to experience downtown living for a couple of days. There’s everything from condos to houses with pools available for rent. It’s a great way to share your city or experience a new neighborhood for a short stay. You can watch the local listings to see if anything sparks your interest for your next staycation!

That rounds up the list of staycation ideas. Experiencing your region like a tourist will make you fall in love with it all over again. I hope one of these staycation ideas has you thinking about your next adventure!