Eight great spots to find Forksful of fitness & fun
It’s easy to get your heart racing several Grand ways in our two Forks. Here are my favorite places to get fit and have fun at the same time.
GO GREEN
Strolling or rolling on our beautifully groomed 20-mile Greenway Trail System is an ideal way to enjoy a sunny day. The Greenway is approximately 2,200 acres of natural open space in the heart of Grand Forks and East Grand Forks. Hop on a bike, strap on the inline skates or simply use your sneakers to propel yourself around. Don’t have any wheels? No worries, the Grand Rides Bike Share program can hook you up! Here are instructions to download the app and access the bicycles online.
GET PICKLED
Pickleball is all the rage right now and O’Leary Park in East Grand Forks is the top outdoor spot to try out some new shots. When the clouds are gray, take it inside to Hyslop Sports Center or the Grand Forks YMCA to play. The Grand Cities Pickleball Club is always looking for new members too!
PADDLE AWAY
Like to try navigating our north-flowing Red River? Just head to Boathouse on the Red every Saturday and Sunday, from 12 to 8 PM, during summer months. This little blue shack located north of Downtown’s Sorlie Bridge offers canoe, kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals by the hour.
TEE TIME
Play a round in our two towns on four great courses. Lincoln Park Golf Course is a 9-hole course with bent grass greens and closely manicured fairways that will provide a superb golfing experience for all levels. When spending a day at Ray Richards Golf Course, you will find nine holes to test your abilities, a driving range and complete pro shop all owned and operated by the University of North Dakota. It’s perfect for those working on their game. Valley Golf Club features a scenic, challenging 18-hole layout which runs along the Red River on the Minnesota side. Considered one of the area’s premier courses, King’s Walk is an 18-hole Arnold Palmer Signature PGA Course. The prairie links style course stretches over 7,200 yards, with four sets of tees to accommodate players of all abilities. The clubhouse includes a pro shop and full-service restaurant/bar.
STRIDE INSIDE
Prefer your workout be free from the elements? Stop by Choice Health & Fitness and put their large indoor walking track to good use. This fabulous 162,000 sq/ft facility also features a 3-lane lap pool, two waterslides, basketball, tennis and racquetball courts, state of the art fitness equipment, 3,500 square feet of group exercise space and much more. Daily guest passes are available upon arrival at the front desk.
STRETCH YOURSELF
Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned yoga pro, the Outdoor Summer Yoga Series is a great way to get your Zen on. Master Yogi Marissa will lead you through all the poses in scenic Flood Memorial Park situated right next to the river (east of Town Square). Donation-based sessions take place every other Saturday at 10 AM. Please bring your own mat.
DOGGONE IT
Looking for a place to take your BFF (best furry friend) for a walk and perhaps help Fido meet some new canine companions? Lincoln Park Dog Park is a perfect place to do just that. This off-leash space is open from 5 AM to 11 PM and has a fenced in area for both small and large dogs. Please have your dog’s license with you, never leave them unattended and make sure to clean up before leaving.
SWING AWAY
If baseball is your favorite sport, Play-IT hits a homerun! In addition to seven top-of-the-line batting cages, this multi-sport complex features court space for basketball, floor hockey and dodgeball, ping-pong, foosball and air hockey tables, plus three TruGolf E6 Simulators. Starting in July, they will also hold monthly cosmic skate nights.
If you would like additional information on any of these eight great to-dos, along with other awesome attractions and events, go to VisitGrandForks.com. We also invite you to follow Visit Greater Grand Forks on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.