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.

NORTH DAKOTA MUSEUM OF ART: UNCOVER A CULTURAL HIDEAWAY

The North Dakota Museum of Art is one of the most peaceful places to spend a rainy afternoon. Located on the beautiful University of North Dakota campus, it’s known for contemporary exhibitions that rotate often enough to make every visit feel new. The building itself is a quiet refuge with its high ceilings, soft lighting and galleries that invite you to slow down. If you’re the type who likes to pair art with a meal that’s a culinary masterpiece, the small café inside is a cozy bonus.

NORTH DAKOTA MUSEUM OF ART

NORTHERN AIR ACTION PARK: JUMP FOR JOY

When the weather says “stay inside” but your body says “nope,” Northern Air Action Park is the answer. Trampolines, dodgeball, laser tag, arcade games and the region’s largest indoor karting track – it’s basically an indoor playground for all ages. Of course, children love it but so do grownups because they can either join the chaos or savor the rare miracle of kids burning energy without turning the house into a disaster zone. Northern Air also offers a great way for 21+ guests to unwind, featuring multiple axe‑throwing lanes paired with a selection of adult beverages.

NORTHERN AIR ACTION PARK

RED RAY LANES: STRIKE UP THE FUN

Rain or shine, any day is a great day to get bowled over in Forks! Red Ray Lanes keeps the tradition alive with league nights, open bowling and that nostalgic bowling‑alley atmosphere that feels unchanged in the best way. Throw a few strikes and perhaps a gutter ball or two while enjoying some snack bar treats – it’s exactly what you want on a gray day.

RED RAY LANES

GRAND FORKS ESCAPE ROOM: BEAT THE CLOCK

If you’re in the mood for a challenge, Grand Forks Escape Room is a fantastic way to turn a gloomy day into a high‑energy adventure. Each room has its own theme and difficulty level and you’ll have 60 minutes to solve puzzles, decode clues and escape. It’s especially fun for friends, coworkers or families who like a little friendly chaos.

SCHEELS: STOP, SHOP & PLAY

Scheels is far more than a sporting goods store – it’s a full indoor playground for all ages. On a rainy day, you can challenge friends to a round at the mini bowling alley, test your skills on the five‑sport simulator, or try your aim in the interactive shooting gallery. Between the games, the UND gear and the endless aisles of outdoor, home and lifestyle products, it’s the kind of place where you can easily lose track of time in the best way.

SCHEELS

CANAD INNS DESTINATION CENTRE: ENJOY ONE SPLASHING GOOD TIME

When the sky is gray but you’re craving a tropical escape, the Canad Inns water park, Splasher's of the South Seas, delivers. With twisting slides, a lazy river, splash zones and plenty of warm water, it’s the perfect antidote to dreary weather. Kids can burn energy for hours and adults can enjoy that rare moment of relaxation that comes from knowing everyone is entertained and contained.

SPLASHER'S OF THE SOUTH SEAS AT CANAD INNS DESTINATION CENTRE

WIDMAN'S, ANNIES CHOCOLATES, DHI SWEET STREET & BERNIE'S: SWEETEN THE STORM

When the weather pushes you indoors, our two Forks have plenty of sweet spots ready to lift your mood. Beloved since the 1940s, Widman’s Candy Shop is the kind of place that pulls you in with nostalgia and sends you out grinning. Their handmade treats set the mood but it’s the legendary Chippers – those chocolate‑covered potato chips locals guard like treasure – that turn first‑timers into lifelong fans. For small‑batch indulgence, Annie’s Chocolates serves up handcrafted truffles and caramels that feel like pure comfort in bite-size form. If you’re craving fresh‑baked goodness, DHI Sweet Street delivers donuts, muffins, cookies, cupcakes and more, all warm and ready to brighten your day. And for a nationally loved twist on local flavor, Bernie’s, Molly Yeh’s bakery‑driven restaurant, offers cookies, croissants, breads, bars and other fresh‑from‑the‑oven creations that make stopping in feel like a treat all its own.

BERNIE'S

TOUR THE RALPH ENGELSTAD ARENA: EXPLORE UND HOCKEY'S TAJ MAHAL

Even if you’re not a hockey die‑hard, touring the Ralph Engelstad Arena is a must. Known as one of the finest college hockey facilities in the world, The Ralph is packed with marble floors, granite countertops, cherry wood seats and enough UND pride to fill a small planet. Weekday tours begin at 1:30 PM and take you deep behind the scenes – from locker rooms and training facilities to the rink itself – offering a richer appreciation for the region’s legendary hockey culture.

RALPH ENGELSTAD ARENA

GREATER GRAND FORKS LIBRARIES: TURN THE PAGE ON RAINY DAYS

Rainy days and libraries go together like coffee and cozy sweaters. The Grand Forks Public Library offers a welcoming space to curl up with a new book, explore digital resources or enjoy one of their many programs for all ages. Kids can dive into story time or hands‑on activities, while adults browse shelves, work in quiet corners or discover something unexpected. Just across the river, the East Grand Forks Campbell Library brings its own charm to a rainy afternoon. With a strong community feel, engaging events and plenty of comfortable spaces to settle in, it’s a perfect spot to spend a few hours. Whether picking up a stack of weekend reads or letting the little ones explore the children’s area, it’s a calm, creative escape from the weather.

RIVER CINEMA 15: TAKE A THEATRICAL ESCAPE

Few things beat the comfort of a movie theater on a rainy day and River Cinema 15 in East Grand Forks delivers with heated reclining seats, a great snack lineup, adult beverages and a steady rotation of new releases. Whether you’re into blockbusters, family films or indie picks, it’s the perfect way to settle in, enjoy some buttery popcorn and forget the weather entirely.

RIVER CINEMA 15

CHOICE HEALTH & FITNESS: DON'T SWEAT THE WEATHER

If you’re the type who refuses to let rain derail your movement goals, Choice Health & Fitness is your rainy‑day sanctuary. From group fitness classes to indoor tennis courts, a walking track and a full aquatics center, there’s no shortage of ways to stay active. It’s also a great place to bring the whole family – kids can splash or play while adults get in a workout that doesn’t involve chasing anyone around the living room.

CHOICE HEALTH & FITNESS

And that’s the magic of a less-than-grand kind of day in Forks: once you start exploring, you realize there’s no shortage of cozy corners, creative spaces and delicious discoveries waiting inside. Rainy days around here aren’t a setback…they’re a setup for something greater, an open door to explore, play, learn, relax and dive into the kind of indoor experiences that make this region unforgettable.