From Campus Pride to Forks’ Fun Side: A Parent‑Student Guide to UND

A campus visit to the University of North Dakota is already exciting on its own but what often surprises families is just how much there is to explore in Greater Grand Forks. The community blends small‑city warmth with a growing arts, food and outdoor scene—making it easy to turn a college tour into a memorable getaway.

EXPOLORING UND & THE SURROUNDING COMMUNITY

The heart of UND stretches along the University Avenue Corridor, the main spine of campus lined with academic buildings, green spaces and the everyday rhythm of student life. Just off the corridor, the Quad and other open areas offer popular gathering spots where families can get a feel for the campus atmosphere—whether they’re stepping into the iconic Chester Fritz Library, checking out the impressive new Memorial Union or taking in the energy of the legendary Ralph Engelstad Arena. UND’s campus is pedestrian-friendly, tree‑lined and full of places to linger, making it easy for parents to picture where their student might study, relax or meet friends.

Once the official tour wraps up, the broader community helps answer the questions families naturally have: What would my student do on weekends? Where would we go for dinner when we visit? What’s the vibe of the town? Greater Grand Forks offers plenty of ways to explore those answers—from scenic outdoor spaces to local restaurants, coffee shops and cultural spots—giving parents a fuller sense of what life here is really like.

OUTDOOR SPACES THAT SHOW OFF FORKS' SCENIC SIDE

Grand Forks is known for its green spaces and riverfront trails, which give visitors a sense of the calm, open lifestyle students enjoy.

GREENWAY TRAIL SYSTEM

20+ miles of paved paths along the river for walking, biking, inline skating, cross-country skiing or just taking in the scenery. It’s one of the best ways to see the city’s natural side.

SERTOMA PARK

Known for its Japanese gardens, meditation area, playgrounds and trails, it’s a peaceful spot for a walk or picnic.

LINCOLN DRIVE PARK

A go‑to spot for biking, disc golf, horseshoes and fishing, surrounded by open green space that’s great for unwinding.

SHERLOCK PARK

A favorite for younger siblings thanks to its large adventure playground and community-built charm.

UNIVERSITY PARK

A tree‑filled neighborhood favorite mere steps from campus with walking paths, open green space, beautiful floral gardens and a relaxed, community feel.

These spots help families imagine weekend study breaks, morning runs or a peaceful place to decompress.

GREENWAY TRAIL SYSTEM

ARTS, CULTURE & LOCAL HISTORY

If you want to understand the spirit of the region, its museums and historic districts offer a great window into the community.

NORTH DAKOTA MUSEUM OF ART(on UND’s campus)

A museum rooted in contemporary art but enriched by diverse regional exhibitions, complemented by a café serving flavorful dishes and a thoughtfully stocked gift shop, making it a perfect addition to any campus tour.

GRAND FORKS COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY

A collection of restored buildings and exhibits that tell the story of early settlers and the region’s agricultural roots.

DOWNTOWN GRAND FORKS HISTORIC DISTRICT

A walkable area filled with celebrated architecture, grand public art and a variety of businesses. It’s a great place to grab coffee, browse unique boutiques or get a feel for the community vibe. Be sure to download the Talking Trails Downtown Walking Tour app so you can learn about Grand Forks’ rich history while strolling through this scenic stretch of Downtown.

These stops help families picture what life beyond campus looks like—something many students value when choosing a college town.

NORTH DAKOTA MUSEUM OF ART

FUN ACTIVITIES FOR FAMILIES & FUTURE STUDENTS

Whether you’re looking for something active or something relaxed, there’s a little bit of everything.

NORTHERN AIR ACTION PARK

Trampolines, laser tag, go‑karts, arcade games and more. Great for teens and younger siblings who need to burn off energy.

SPLASHERS OF THE SOUTH SEAS

An expansive indoor waterpark attached to Canad Inns that’s especially fun for families visiting during colder months.

GRAND FORKS ESCAPE ROOM

A creative way to spend an hour together and test your teamwork.

RIVER CINEMA 15

Sink into a heated luxury recliner and catch the latest hit flick at this cozy movie theater in East Grand Forks.

DOWNTOWN AXE

Offers a playful, group‑friendly experience—perfect for parents and anyone 21+ who want to try something new while spending time in the city.

These spots add a little adventure to your visit and help break up the more informational parts of the trip.

NORTHERN AIR ACTION PARK

LOCAL DINING THAT GIVES A TASTE OF FORKS

Food is one of the best ways to get to know a place and our two towns have a surprisingly diverse lineup.

BLUE MOOSE BAR & GRILL

Nestled on the East Grand Forks Boardwalk, this local favorite blends rustic cabin vibes with hearty comfort‑food staples that feel instantly welcoming.

THE RED PEPPER

A Grand Forks icon known for their crave‑worthy grinders, tacos and late‑night comfort classics that generations of locals and students swear by.

CHARRAS

This popular Southside restaurante serves up authentic Mexican cuisine in a friendly, festive atmosphere.

THE SPUD JR.

With a menu inspired by the flavors and stories of former local restaurants and bars that shaped the community —and home to one of the best weekend brunches in town—The Spud offers something satisfying for all ages and tastes.

HARRY'S STEAKHOUSE

An upscale Downtown option for families wanting a five-star dining experience.

BERNIE'S

Owned by cookbook author and Food Network star Molly Yeh, Bernie’s serves elevated comfort food with a warm, hometown feel.

THE TOASTED FROG

Known for creative dishes and martinis, this 21+ bustling eatery is perfect for parents’ night out.

RHOMBUS GUYS

Rhombus Guys is a funky, three‑level pizzeria beloved by UND students for their creative gourmet pies, award‑winning crust and cool (seasonal) rooftop views over Downtown.

These restaurants give visitors a real taste of the community‑driven dining culture that UND students enjoy all year long, turning every meal into part of the Forks experience.

HARRY'S STEAKHOUSE

COFFEE SHOPS WHERE STUDENTS ACTUALLY STUDY

If you want to see where UND students spend their downtime—or get some work done—these spots are great stops.

BULLY BREW COFFEE

Fueling both sides of the river with bold, locally roasted coffee—crafted in North Dakota’s only roasting house—and the kind of cozy, come‑as‑you‑are vibe that pairs perfectly with their epic caramel rolls.

THE EMBER COFFEEHOUSE

Brings a warm, community‑focused energy to Downtown with two inviting levels perfect for gathering, studying or settling in with a craft coffee.

URBAN STAMPEDE

One of the oldest coffeehouses in North Dakota, with a quirky, artsy feel and the best bagels in town.

SWEETWATERS COFFEE & TEA

Offers students a bright, comfortable spot to study, meet up with friends and recharge with globally inspired drinks.

BOARD ROOM

Situated in the heart of the UND campus, Board Room pairs its airy, modern vibe with standout coffee, house‑baked pastries and a great selection of charcuterie.

Stopping at a popular local coffee shop is one of the easiest ways to get a sense of the student lifestyle.

URBAN STAMPEDE

WHY EXPLORING FORKS MATTERS DURE A CAMPUS VISIT

A university experience is shaped not just by the campus itself but by the community around it. Greater Grand Forks offers:

  • A safe, friendly environment
  • Plenty of outdoor recreation
  • A growing Downtown with local stores, restaurants and coffee shops galore
  • Activities for all ages and interests
  • A sports culture that runs deep—especially Fighting Hawks Athletics, where game days unite the entire region and UND Hockey at The Ralph delivers one of the most electric, unforgettable atmospheres in college sports
  • A vibrant local arts scene adds its own energy with music, theater and creative events happening throughout the year
  • A pace of life that mixes easygoing calm with the spark of possibility around every corner

As families finish exploring campus and the community around it, parents leave with a deep sense of reassurance about where their student is headed, confident they’ll be joining a warm and supportive environment. Current students walk away feeling connected, grounded and proud to be part of UND, while prospective students start imagining the coffee shops they’ll claim, the weekend hangouts they’ll love and the parks where they’ll take a study break.

CREATE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE

Big Fun for Little Ones: Forksful of Budget‑Friendly Adventures

Finding fun things to do with kids doesn’t have to drain your wallet — especially in Greater Grand Forks, where family‑friendly adventures are practically everywhere you look. Whether your crew loves exploring the outdoors, getting creative, or burning off energy indoors, the Grand Forks/East Grand Forks area is packed with budget‑friendly gems. Here’s your go‑to guide for making memories without breaking the bank.

Home Turf, High Fun: Spring Break Staycationing in Forks

A spring break staycation in Greater Grand Forks can feel every bit as fun and refreshing as a trip out of town—especially when you mix local favorites with a few creative twists. This blog-style guide gives families a variety of ways to play, explore, unwind and make memories right here at home.

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.

Feeling Grand in Forks: Your Blue Zones Escape

Grand Forks has been quietly building something remarkable—something that’s reshaping daily life for residents and offering a refreshing, health‑centered experience for anyone passing through. The Blue Zones Project, a community‑wide well‑being initiative inspired by places around the world where people live the longest, healthiest lives, has taken root here and is already transforming the city’s culture and environment.

Northern Air Action Park

If you’re looking for a place in Grand Forks where excitement lives around every corner, Northern Air Action Park is the spot locals and visitors rave about. This massive indoor entertainment center has evolved far beyond a simple trampoline park—today, it’s a full-blown action playground packed with high-speed thrills, immersive games and family‑friendly adventures.

Boutique bliss with a Wild Bergamot twist

If you’re looking for a boutique that blends rustic charm with artisan flair, Wild Bergamot is a hidden gem worth discovering. Located at 3750 32nd Avenue South, this locally owned shop is more than just a place to browse – it’s a celebration of creativity, sustainability and the spirit of Grand Forks. The layout is cozy and inviting, encouraging you to take your time and explore.

Homegrown Goodness: Where to Find Uniquely Forks Products

Nestled in the heart of the Red River Valley, Greater Grand Forks isn’t just a community of college pride and prairie sunsets; it’s a quietly flourishing hub of culinary creativity, agricultural expertise and entrepreneurial drive. From gourmet treats and craft beverages to handmade spa essentials and stylish apparel, the region turns out an impressive variety of goods that reach far beyond state lines. If you’re hungry for local flavor, here’s a taste of what our Forks bring to the table.

Chasing the Northern Lights: Best Regional Spots to Catch the Aurora

There’s something magical about watching the sky come alive with dancing waves of green, purple and red. If you're hoping to witness the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis), you don't have to travel to Iceland or Alaska. Northeastern North Dakota just so happens to be one of the best-kept secrets for aurora chasers in the continental United States!

Downtown Grand Forks self-guided walking tour: Take a legeNDary expedition to the past

Have you ever wandered the streets of Downtown Grand Forks and wondered about the stories behind its historic buildings, public art, and riverfront landmarks? The Downtown Talking Trail Walking Tour is your passport to the past, a self-guided audio experience that brings the city’s rich history and vibrant culture to life!

Downtown East Grand Forks self-guided walking tour: Enjoy a MiNny stroll through history

Nestled along the banks of the Red River, East Grand Forks offers more than scenic views and cozy eateries – it’s a town steeped in stories waiting to be discovered. The Downtown East Grand Forks Walking Tour is your passport to the past, blending history, architecture, and local lore into a delightful 1.1-mile stroll through the heart of the city.