Chill Thrills: Forks’ Coolest Winter Activities
Winter in Greater Grand Forks isn’t something to endure — it’s something to embrace. When the temps drop, the fun ramps up and our community transforms into a playground of cool experiences, cozy escapes and memory‑making adventures. Whether you’re a thrill‑seeker, a foodie, a culture buff or someone who simply loves a good time with good people, these winter to‑dos will keep your spirits high all season long.
FUN UNDER SUN DOGS
Downtown’s Town Square Ice Rink is the perfect spot to glide, spin or join a friendly pick‑up hockey game. Prefer something a little different? Give broomball a shot — it’s frantic, funny and the kind of chaos that turns into great memories. The Greenway Trail System offers 20 miles of groomed paths ideal for sledding, skating, skiing, snowshoeing and ice fishing. Be sure not to miss Greenway Snow Day, February 7, at Lincoln Drive Park. Running from 10 AM to 4 PM, this is a free, family‑friendly celebration featuring cross-country skiing, sleigh rides, cardboard sled races and plenty of outdoor fun. Complimentary equipment is available while supplies last. Warm up afterward with a craft brew at Half Brothers or a cozy cappuccino from Urban Stampede.
Bonus ideas:
- Try fat‑tire biking on the Greenway’s winter‑ready trails.
- Visit Turtle River State Park for some of the area’s best sledding hills.
- Download the Talking Trails Self-Guided Walking Tour and wander your way through winter wonder—just don’t forget to snap plenty of frosty, frame‑worthy pics along the route.
RETAIL THERAPY WITH A GRAND TWIST
When the wind howls and skies turn gray, Scheels is an ideal indoor space to shop, dine and play. This 120,000‑square‑foot megastore is packed with fashion, sports gear, UND merch and specialty shops for outdoor enthusiasts. Refuel at Ginna’s Café with fresh sandwiches, soups, salads and 24 flavors of homemade fudge. Then unleash your competitive side with the nostalgic shooting gallery, Big Buck Hunter, mini bowling or the 5‑sport simulator.
Bonus idea: Turn it into a full‑on Southside shopping spree — wander through charming local boutiques, sip a warm latte or a chilled cocktail and treat yourself to a well‑earned mani/pedi while you’re at it.
FROM FACEOFF TO FIREWORKS
Hockey isn’t just a sport here — it’s a way of life. A night at Ralph Engelstad Arena is electric, from the first puck drop to the final horn. Watch future NHL stars in UND green and white fly across the ice while thousands of fans roar in unison. Between periods, explore the stunning $150+ million, 400,000‑square‑foot arena and grab a snack or beverage from one of the many concession stands serving up crowd‑pleasing eats.
Upcoming home series
- February 13-14 vs. Miami
- February 20-21 vs. St. Cloud State
- March 6-8 vs. NCHC Quarterfinals Opponent TBD
Bonus idea: Catch a UND Women’s Basketball or Men’s Basketball game at the Betty Engelstad Sioux Center — the energy is just as contagious.
ESCAPE THE USUAL
For a night out that’s anything but ordinary, gather your crew and head to the Grand Forks Escape Room. Solve puzzles, crack clues and beat the clock in immersive themes like O’Malley’s Revenge, Oz Has Alice, The Haunting and Trapped in the 80s. After your great escape, celebrate (or regroup) over delicious food and drinks at nearby Brick & Barley, Joe Black’s, Bonzers or The Hub Pub. If you feel like dining upscale Downtown, spots like The Toasted Frog and Harry’s Steakhouse are sure winners.
Bonus ideas:
- Treat yourself to a stay at The Olive Ann — a boutique hotel where stylish rooms, top‑tier amenities and incredible onsite dining turn an ordinary night into a mini getaway.
- Enjoy a food and wine tasting event at Skies 322, Ely’s Ivy or HELIX.
BOUNCE, BATTLE, RACE, REPEAT
Northern Air Action Park is the ultimate indoor playground for all ages. The 10,000‑square‑foot trampoline zone, dodgeball courts, foam pit and dunk station deliver nonstop action. Throw in a 30+ game arcade, heart‑pounding laser tag, immersive Hologate VR and the region’s largest multi‑level indoor karting track and you’re looking at nonstop, hours‑deep entertainment. Those 21+ will enjoy the axe‑throwing area, complete with snacks and beverages. Afterward, cruise over to Pizza Ranch for heaping comfort‑food goodness, a fresh round of arcade showdowns and a kick-back kind of feel.
Bonus idea: Stop by Choice Health & Fitness for indoor tennis, fast‑paced pickleball or a warm‑weather escape in their aquatics center — the perfect way to keep the fun going no matter the season.
SHOWS WORTHY OF STANDING O'S
The Chester Fritz Performing Arts Center brings world‑class entertainment to the region all winter long. From Broadway tours to famous comedians to international productions, the Fritz stage shines bright. Before or after the show, stroll the hallways to admire decades of signed posters from legendary performers who’ve graced the stage.
Upcoming highlights
- Motown Magic featuring The Shades of Blue – February 7
- Tina: The Tina Turner Musical – February 14
- Hadestown – March 17
- Brad Williams Tall Tales Tour Hadestown – March 27
- World Ballet Company presents Cinderella – March 29
Bonus ideas:
- Catch a local production, concert, classic flick or comedy show at the Empire Arts Center.
- Enjoy live music nights at Ely’s Ivy, Half Brothers, Sin Bin and Southgate.
KNOTTY FEELS NICE
Start your evening at The Blue Moose Bar & Grill, a local favorite known for its Up North cabin vibe and classic Midwestern dishes. Whether you’re diving into their famous fried walleye, tackling a perfectly crafted burger or sharing a mountain of fall-off-bone-ribs, The Moose has a way of turning even the coldest winter night into pure, cozy comfort. It’s the kind of place where you can thaw out, linger over dinner and enjoy the buzz of a lively dining room. Once you’re warmed up and well fed, head across the street to River Cinema for a movie night that hits all the right notes. With plush, heated recliners that wrap you in instant comfort, the theater becomes a perfect place to settle in with popcorn and get swept up in the latest blockbuster.
Bonus idea: For one sweet finale, swing by Insomnia Cookies, where warm, gooey treats roll out of the oven late into the night. Craving a classic chocolate chunk, a decadent deluxe cookie or a build‑your‑own ice cream sandwich? It’s the perfect stop to keep the delicious fun going.
For even more ideas, events, restaurants and winter happenings, explore VisitGrandForks.com and follow Visit Greater Grand Forks on Facebook and Instagram.
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