A UND Student Bucket List & Grand Guide to Exploring Forks

Whether you’re stepping onto campus for the first time or rolling back into town for another year, there’s nothing quite like the feeling of being a UND student. The University of North Dakota blends academic excellence with a campus culture full of tradition, adventure and community pride – and Greater Grand Forks is the perfect backdrop for it all.

This guide is your go‑to bucket list for making the most of life at UND, from iconic campus hangouts to weekend adventures, local eats and the sports experiences every Hawk needs to check off.

CAMPUS LIFE: YOUR UND HOME BASE

UND’s campus stretches along the University Avenue Corridor, the main artery of student life. It’s where you’ll sprint to class, meet friends between lectures, grab coffee or just soak in the cool (even in warmer months) vibe. Here are some key campus staples every student should experience.

  • Memorial Union: Newly built just a few years ago, your hub for studying, eating, meeting, gaming and hanging out.
  • Chester Fritz Library: A campus landmark with beautiful architecture, serene study zones, extensive collections and helpful staff who make research feel effortless.
  • The Quad: The unofficial living room of campus, perfect for hammocking, studying or people‑watching.
  • Ralph Engelstad Arena: Even when it’s not game day, walking past this magnificent four-story, $110 million venue always feels legendary.

UND’s campus is walkable, tree‑lined and full of places to linger. It’s the kind of environment where friendships form naturally and everyday moments become memories.

UND ATHLETICS: A FIGHTING HAWKS RITE OF PASSAGE

UND isn’t just a university, it’s a sports town with a heartbeat. Game days light up the city, traditions carry generations of pride and the whole community rallies behind the Fighting Hawks. Whether you’re a die‑hard fan or just here for the atmosphere, these moments belong on every student’s UND bucket list.

Hockey at The Ralph (Mandatory. Non‑negotiable.)

There’s college hockey… and then there’s UND Hockey at The Ralph. The Ralph Engelstad Arena is one of the most elite hockey venues in the world: granite floors, leather seats, championship banners and a fan base that knows how to bring the noise. Whiteouts, rivalry games, playoff pushes, the band blasting “Stand Up and Cheer” all equals pure adrenaline. If you do nothing else on this list, do this.

Football Saturdays at the Alerus Center

UND Football turns the Alerus Center into a full‑on adrenaline event. Tailgates buzzing, themed games adding extra flair, Potato Bowl traditions bringing the history and Homecoming turning everything up. It’s the kind of fall weekend that feels big from the moment you arrive. Grab your green gear, meet up with friends and feel the roar of the crowd as the Hawks take the field.

Basketball & Volleyball at The Betty

The Betty Engelstad Sioux Center is where UND hoops and volleyball shine. It’s loud, intimate and packed with student energy. Sit close enough and you’ll hear every sneaker squeak and every hype moment. Perfect for weeknight plans or spontaneous “let’s go to the game” decisions.

Softball at Albrecht Field – UND’s Newest Gem

UND Softball finally has a true home: Albrecht Field, a brand‑new on‑campus facility with turf, LED videoboard, party deck and modern training spaces. It’s one of UND’s fastest‑growing sports atmospheres and a great warmer‑weather hangout. Bonus: It’s also home to the Grand Forks Spitfires, a Northwoods League softball team that launched in 2026 and quickly started drawing packed crowds.

OUTDOOR ADVENTURES: YOUR WEEKEND RESET

Greater Grand Forks is packed with green spaces perfect for study breaks, sunset walks or spontaneous adventures.

Greenway Trail System

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20+ miles of riverfront trails for biking, inline skating, running, cross-country skiing or clearing your head.

Sertoma Park

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Japanese gardens + peaceful vibes.

Lincoln Drive Park

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Disc golf, biking and open space that includes a spacious dog park.

University Park

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A campus‑adjacent favorite for relaxing or studying outside while being surrounded by colorful gardens and tall, shady trees.

Turtle River State Park

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Wooded trails, campfire spots and a peaceful escape just minutes from campus.

ARTS, CULTURE & UNDENIABLE CREATIVITY

UND students love a good creative break and Grand Forks truly delivers.

North Dakota Museum of Art

261 Centennial Drive, Grand Forks // Website

Rotating exhibits, a cozy café and the perfect study‑date spot.

Downtown Historic District

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Murals, architecture, self-guided history tours and a variety of local shops like The Silo Boutique, Badman Design, Pretty b. and Widman’s Candy.

Grand Forks County Historical Society & Myra Museum

2405 Belmont Road, Grand Forks // Website

Local history with charm, preserved treasures and small-town warmth.

Empire Arts Center

415 DeMers Avenue, Grand Forks // Website

Live theater, concerts, film screenings and community events that make downtown feel alive.

Fire Hall Theatre

412 2nd Avenue North, Grand Forks // Website

Intimate, volunteer‑driven performances where local talent shines and every show feels personal.

Alerus Center

1200 South 42nd Street, Grand Forks // Website

Major concerts, high‑energy events and the kind of big‑stage experiences that make campus life feel even more exciting.

Chester Fritz Performing Arts Center

3475 University Avenue, Grand Forks // Website

Big‑stage productions, Broadway touring shows, symphonies, comedians and campus performances in UND’s most iconic auditorium.

HAWK-TIME ADVENTURES BETWEEN & AFTER CLASSES

Northern Air Action Park

1600 32nd Avenue South, Grand Forks // Website

Trampolines, virtual reality, laser tag and the region’s largest indoor karting track, plus a 21+ axe-throwing area.

Splashers of the South Seas

1000 South 42nd Street, Grand Forks // Website

Indoor waterpark fun for all ages.

Grand Forks Escape Room

200 1st Avenue North, Grand Forks // Website

Teamwork, bragging rights and a race against the clock.

River Cinema 15

211 DeMers Avenue, East Grand Forks // Website

Heated recliners, movie nights and the perfect way to unwind.

Downtown Axe

8 South 3rd Street, Grand Forks // Website

Axe throwing for ages 21+ perfect for adding a little extra thrill to the evening.

WHERE UND STUDENTS ACTUALLY EAT

The Red Pepper

1011 University Avenue, 415 North 42nd Street & 4401 South Washington Street, Grand Forks // Website

Late‑night tacos and grinders that have been a UND tradition for decades.

Rhombus Guys

312 Kittson Avenue, Grand Forks // Website

Rooftop pizza with friends always equals delicious cheesy pies and grand downtown views.

The Blue Moose

507 2nd Street NW, East Grand Forks // Website

Comfort food like juicy burgers and fried walleye that are best enjoyed (during summer months) on their large outdoor deck overlooking the river.

Charras

3915 32nd Avenue South, Grand Forks // Website

Muy delicioso Mexican favorites served up in a festive atmosphere.

Bernie’s

121 DeMers Avenue, East Grand Forks // Website

Elevated Midwestern comfort food crafted by owner, chef and Food Network star Molly Yeh.

The Spud Jr.

116 South 3rd Street, Grand Forks // Website

Brunch heaven on weekends and the best poutine in Forks.

Harry’s Steakhouse

421 DeMers Avenue, Grand Forks // Website

Five-star meals and a classic ambiance that are perfect for fancy nights out or impressing visiting family.

Short or Tall/Surly Brewing Co.

2600 Red Jarrett Way, Grand Forks // Website

Craft beer, great pizza, stacked burgers and an easy hangout close to campus.

COFFEE SHOPS THAT DOUBLE AS STUDY SPOTS

Bully Brew Coffee

2100 South Columbia Road, Grand Forks & 321 DeMers Avenue, East Grand Forks // Website

Handcrafted caffeinated beverages and gooey caramel rolls you’ll dream about.

The Ember Coffeehouse

8 North 3rd Street, Grand Forks // Website

Warm, two‑story study vibes with cozy corners, soft lighting and occasional live performances that make the space feel alive.

Board Room

3012 University Avenue, Grand Forks // Website

Where modern campus coffee and fresh baked pastries collide in a bright, buzzing space that makes lingering feel easy.

Urban Stampede

324 Kittson Avenue, Grand Forks // Website

Popular downtown student hangout where artsy, quirky and iconic all come with a side of java.

Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea

322 DeMers Avenue (The Olive Ann Hotel) & 1850 47th Avenue South, Grand Forks // Website

Welcoming, student‑friendly spot serving up great bites and brews.

Meg-a-Latte

2990 32nd Avenue South, Grand Forks // Website

Cozy, student‑friendly favorite serving creative lattes, sweet treats and plenty of feel‑good energy.

THE HEART OF BEING A HAWK

  • You belong to a welcoming, tight‑knit community that’s excited to see you grow.
  • You cheer on world‑class athletics and get swept up in the electric energy of every game day.
  • You explore a city full of parks, trails, art and local flavor that becomes part of your everyday rhythm.
  • You make memories with friends in ways that feel spontaneous, meaningful and uniquely UND.
  • You experience a blend of calm, creativity and excitement that makes Forks feel like the perfect place to learn and live.

Whether new to UND or returning for another year, Greater Grand Forks is full of places that will become your places: the coffee shop you claim, the park you escape to, the game day traditions you adopt and the restaurants you swear by. So as you make these memories, carry the pride that comes with being Forever a Fighting Hawk and know you’re a valued part of a community that’s genuinely grateful to have you here.

MORE GRAND ADVENTURES

Dog-Friendly Forks: A Grand Guide to Exploring with Your Furry Friend

Greater Grand Forks is a fetching destination for dog lovers. It’s a place where cafés, parks, shops and hotels roll out the welcome mat for both humans and their four‑legged companions. Whether you're grabbing a latte, strolling scenic trails or checking into a cozy hotel, Forks makes it easy to enjoy quality time with your furry plus‑one.

Uniquely Forks: A Grand Farmers Market Saturday

The Town Square Farmers Market is one of those Grand Forks traditions that makes summer feel like summer. Every year, from the second Saturday in June to the final Saturday in September, Town Square transforms into a vibrant hub of hues, music, food and friendly faces.

The Alerus Center: A Forks Icon Steps Into a Grand New Era

The Alerus Center has long been one of Grand Forks’ most important gathering places. It is where fans cheer, families celebrate, businesses connect and world‑class performers take the stage. In 2025, this regional landmark entered an exciting new chapter with a $6.4 million transformation of its Conference Center, creating a modern, flexible and beautifully refreshed space designed for the next generation of events.

Live Music in Forks

Live music in Greater Grand Forks doesn’t just fill rooms; it fills the community. In the small venues spread across the city – from the historic Empire Arts Center to the leafy lawn of NDMOA Concerts in the Garden and the lively gatherings at Town Square – musicians and neighbors come together in spaces where the connection is as real as the sound. These are the places where you can hear a guitar string vibrate, feel the crowd lean in, and watch local talent shine just a few feet away, giving Grand Forks its unmistakable heartbeat.

Tee Time Around Forks

Golf season in Greater Grand Forks hits differently. The moment the temps climb and the grass turns that perfect shade of green, locals dust off their clubs, lace up their shoes and head for some of the most picturesque fairways in the region. What makes our cities special is the way history, challenge and pure fun come together across every course, from iconic riverside layouts to championship‑level designs. With options tailored to every type of golfer, whether you’re chasing birdies or simply soaking up sunshine, you’ll always find your perfect place to play.

Summer Vibes to UND Pride: A Parent‑Student Guide to Making the Most of Your Visit

A summer visit to the University of North Dakota feels exciting on its own but what really surprises many families is how much there is to enjoy in Greater Grand Forks once the sun is out. Warm weather brings the community to life with outdoor concerts, farmers markets, patio dining, riverfront trails and a lively arts scene – making it effortless to turn a campus tour into a mini summer getaway.

Turtle River State Park: A Grand Escape Just Minutes from Forks

Greek philosopher Aristotle once mused that “the whole is greater than the sum of its parts” and honestly, that feels like the perfect way to describe outdoor fun in Greater Grand Forks. Sure, our two towns offer plenty of uniquely grand places to explore but add one quick, scenic 22‑mile drive west on Highway 2 and the adventure gets even better. That’s where you’ll find Turtle River State Park, a nearby gem that elevates any day outdoors.

Fresh Air Fare: Forks’ Grand Guide to Dining Outside

Looking to raise your fork in our two Forks beneath grand summer skies? From expansive riverfront decks perfect for lingering over a long lunch to intimate café tables lining our downtown streets – and plenty of welcoming patios in between – our community offers an array of outdoor dining spots ready to impress. Below, you’ll find a curated selection of standout places to enjoy great food, fresh air and the best of the season.

Springing Back to Life on the Greenway: Forks’ Favorite Playground

Spring on the Greenway of Greater Grand Forks is one of those seasonal shifts that feels like a collective exhale. As the snowpack melts and the Red and Red Lake Rivers open up, the entire 2,200‑acre corridor transforms from a quiet, white‑blanketed stretch into a vibrant playground of color, sound and motion. Suddenly the trails fill with birders scanning the treetops, cyclists eager for dry pavement, inline skaters chasing that first smooth glide, walkers soaking in the fresh air and anglers lining the riverbanks. If you’ve been waiting to feel the sun on your face again, spring on the Greenway is your season.

Forks Unforecasted: Surprising Fun on Not‑So‑Sunny Days

Rainy days in Greater Grand Forks don’t have to mean boredom, cabin fever or watching kids ricochet around the house like caffeinated squirrels. Our two towns are packed with indoor gems that turn gloomy weather into a chance to explore, unwind and actually enjoy being inside. Whether you’re craving art, adrenaline, puzzles, pastries or a warm place to wander, the area has a surprisingly deep lineup of things to do when the skies open up and the fun moves indoors.

10 Grand New Forks Finds: Fresh Faces, New Spaces, Big Flavor

Think you’ve seen everything our community has to offer? Not quite—there’s a fresh batch of new businesses opening their doors and adding even more flavor to the local landscape. It’s the perfect excuse to plan a little getaway and explore what’s new, exciting and uniquely Forks. Dive in and discover the latest spots ready to welcome you.

Forksful of Culture: From Local Flavors to Creative Layers

A day spent exploring our two Forks feels naturally varied, with creativity appearing in places both expected and surprising—whether it’s a tucked‑away gallery, the character of a historic brick building, a thoughtfully curated shop, an iconic spot to grab a bite or the energy of a theatrical stage gearing up for a show. The arts don’t stay in one lane here; they weave through everyday settings in a way that gives the city an easygoing, eclectic feel and turns each stop into its own small discovery.

Grand Shopping in Forks: Your Guide to Warm, Welcoming and Wonderfully Local

From elegant and chic to eclectic and unique, our two Forks have a wide array of grand stores and boutiques. You’ll discover everything from exclusive fashions and standout décor to fabulous finds that are friendly on the wallet. If you love discovering spots with heart, character and a whole lot of style, you’re in the right place. Below are some of the local favorites where browsing feels like exploring and every stop has its own story to tell.

Around the Culinary World in Eight Flavorful Forks Stops

Craving something beyond the usual meat‑and‑potatoes comfort of the Upper Midwest? Don’t get me wrong—we make a legendary hotdish around here—but Greater Grand Forks is home to a whole world of flavors waiting to be explored. Tucked between familiar favorites are locally owned gems serving up some of the most exciting global cuisine you’ll find anywhere. Here are eight great spots that always keep my taste buds traveling.

Forksful of Happy Hour Fun that Runs All Week

Happy hour in the Forks isn’t just a quick stop between work and dinner—it’s a seven‑day celebration woven into local life. Every afternoon and evening (sometimes mornings, too) brings a fresh excuse to wander into a new corner of Grand Forks and East Grand Forks. Whether you’re chasing that perfect post‑shift pint, meeting friends for a midweek mood‑boost or hunting down the tastiest appetizer deals in town, there’s always something pulling you out the door. From cozy neighborhood pubs to lively downtown clubs patios, each day brings its own flavor.

Forksful of Comfort Foods that are Uniquely Grand

There’s something special about comfort food in the Red River Valley. Maybe it’s the winters that demand warmth. Maybe it’s the Scandinavian and German‑Russian roots that shaped the region’s palate. Or maybe it’s the way Grand Forks and East Grand Forks restaurants lean into nostalgia, serving dishes that feel like home even if you didn’t grow up here.

Uniquely Forks Annual Events Worth the Trip

Greater Grand Forks has a way of surprising people. What looks like a quiet college town on the prairie turns into a lively, culture‑rich destination once you tap into its annual events. Whether you’re into art, food, sports or festive winter magic, the region offers anchor‑worthy happenings that make planning a getaway incredibly easy. Each celebration brings its own flavor, crowd and energy — and together they paint a picture of a place that knows how to have fun in every season.