The Weekend Shift: Ways to Spend a Perfect Fall Weekend in Greater Grand Forks

Spending a weekend in Grand Forks is the perfect way to soak in the best of fall and the cozy charm it brings. You can start your days with cozy coffee from Urban Stampede or Meg-A-Latte before heading out to Nelson’s Pumpkin Patch, Patch on the Point, or Valley Corn Maize for crisp air, hayrides, and family fun. In town you’ll find plenty of spots to shop for all your fall fashion needs. With all these events, you’ve got the makings of a weekend that will be both festive and memorable in Grand Forks.

Nelson’s Pumpkin Patch

Nelson’s Pumpkin Patch in Emerado, ND is the perfect spot for fall fun with something for everyone. Just 24 minutes west of Grand Forks, you can wander through the 11-acre corn maze, take a hayride, pick pumpkins, have a spooky haunted house experience, or snap photos at the many festive displays. Kids will love activities like the pumpkin bouncy house, corn cannon, trike track and so much more.  With many options for some fall themed refreshments including mini doughnuts, nachos and many treats, Nelson’s Pumpkin Patch has it all.

Valley Corn Maize

Valley Corn Maize in East Grand Forks, MN is home to an impressive 121-acre corn maze. With 5 different difficulty levels designed for all ages, visitors can tackle the maze at their own pace or can rely on a GPS based app if they choose. Beyond the maze, there’s plenty of fun outdoors: yard games, a giant slide, spider web climbing, a giant bubble station and much more. They also offer seasonal events such as Grandparent Days, Canines in the Corn, among others.  Concessions are available for purchase to round out your experience at this Greater Grand Forks Fall favorite maze!

Patch On the Point

Patch on the Point is a beloved family fall destination on the south side of East Grand Forks, offering much more than pumpkins. In addition to a large selection of pumpkins, squash, and gourds, you’ll find free horse drawn wagon rides, $6 pony rides, and a petting zoo featuring animals like alpacas, goats, lambs, chickens, rabbits, and ponies. The activities still don’t end you can enjoy the lawn games, adventure trail, 100-foot super slide, and a pedal trike track. You can find different events happening on Saturdays to keep things fresh and entertaining.

Tailgating

If you’re on the hunt for forkfuls of fun this fall, don’t miss out on a UND tailgate! Sports, food, drinks, and laughs? What more could you ask for? You’ll “meat” new friends, reunite with old ones, and ketchup on UND pride. Leaf your worries behind and tackle the weekend the right way, UND style!

Downtown Walking Tour

Tour the heart of Grand Forks! You can sign up for a tour and specify what kind of experience you’re looking for. The Downtown Development Association are absolutely falltastic and creating a fun experience! Learn about the history of how our downtown came to be, and how it has changed over the decades!

Turtle River

If you’re looking for an outdoor adventure, don’t forget about our state park gem just 21 min outside city limits. See the beautiful fall foliage while on a mild hike through this small but mighty state park.

The Greenway

There’s nothing quite like a crisp autumn stroll along the Greenway in Grand Forks. The trail stretches alongside the Red River, inviting you to wander through the bursts of gold and amber foliage as the days grow shorter. Whether you’re taking a peaceful walk or a brisk jog, the well-maintained paths offer easy terrain and friendly spots to pause and enjoy the views, or have a quick photo op moment.

Urban Stampede

Urban Stampede is a great place to feel cozy this fall! Sip on the French toast latte with hints of maple, cinnamon, nutmeg, and their signature French toast syrup. Perfectly balanced and delightfully served hot or iced. Their limited edition fall menu is something worth checking out!  Urban delivers that unforgettable fall feel, nostalgic and artsy.

Meg-A-Latte

At Meg-A-Latte, autumn truly arrives in a cup form. Think of rich, warming flavors that taste like the season itself. Right now, their pumpkin spice latte is back and making quite the entrance. Pair the latte with a warm cinnamon roll or mini donuts for the ultimate fall comfort combo.

Widmans

Fall in Grand Forks isn’t complete without a stop at Widman’s Candy Shop for one of their famous caramel apples. Each crisp apple is dipped in rich, homemade caramel. They’re sweet, sticky, and the perfect treat to kick off cozy autumn vibes downtown.

It wouldn’t be a perfect fall weekend in Grand Forks without shopping! Fall fashion in Grand Forks is all about mixing comfort with style. There is no shortage of places to refresh your wardrobe for the season. From chunky knits, chic boots, or the perfect plaid, Grand Forks has plenty of ways to keep your fall look as fresh as the autumn breeze.

Pretty B. Boutique

Located in downtown Grand Forks, Pretty B. clothing boutique has recently settled into a walkable corner at Kittson and South Third Street. Sweaters and cardigans, dresses, pants and accessories, their curated racks feature a mix of styles to help you layer up your fall wardrobe. Pretty B. is stocked with cozy, fashionable essentials perfect for the changing seasons.

The Silo

At the Silo Boutique, located in Downtown Grand Forks, fall fashion arrives in full force with new arrivals dropping regularly. The boutique offers a welcoming, size-inclusive experience that brings both trendy and timeless styles to every body type.  From outerwear like vests and jackets to plaid blazers and wide leg jeans, The Silo has the layered looks needed for sweater weather.

East Grand Forks Arts and Crafts Fair

If you’re looking for something a little more low-key, and want to shop around, try the annual EGF Arts and Crafts Fair! Held in two locations, both the Civic Center and the VFW Arena, they are packed with local artist’s works! From handmade mittens to 10-foot welded custom yard signs, they’ve got just about everything!