Seven spots to find Forksful of fall fun

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Cooler weather is here but never fear. You’re sure to fall in love with all the grand autumn to-dos in our Forks!

Here are just some of my favorite ways to embrace the shorter days.

BE AMAIZED

Bring the whole family out for a day of fun 'n games at Valley Corn Maize! In addition to the 10-Acre Corn Maze and Kids Straw Maze, other attractions include a giant corn box, straw climbing pyramid for children and adults, corn cannons and a grain-train to ride on. They also sell snacks and beverages. Some of their special annual events include Hometown Heroes Weekend (September 23 & 24), Touch a Tractor Weekend (October 7 & 8), Canines in the Corn (October 14 & 15) and Flashlight Dash Night (October 22). Valley Corn Maize is open from September 16 through October 22. Hours are 4 to 7 PM on Friday, 10 AM to 7 PM on Saturday and 1 to 6 PM on Sunday. Admission is $11 per person, with kids 36” & under free. Valley Corn Maize is located 5 ½ miles east of East Grand Forks, just off the Hwy 2 curve. Find additional info at ValleyCornMaize.com.

HIT THE TRAIL

Bust out the bikes and start peddling toward the river! The Greenway of Greater Grand Forks features 20 miles of groomed trails and 2,220 scenic acres of outdoor space for cycling, walking, inline skating, golfing, fishing, wildlife observing and more. One top spot to access the trail system is Riverside Park, with the end destination being near Restaurant Row/The Boardwalk in Downtown East Grand Forks. It’s a perfect place to relax and refuel with a delicious dinner and some cool cocktails on The Blue Moose Bar & Grill deck overlooking the Red River. No wheels, no worries; Grand Rides Bike Share offers rentals to be found all around town.

GO GREEN

Fall around these parts means the start of University of North Dakota Athletics and our Fighting Hawks always deliver lots of Division I excitement! With several national championships under their belts, these premier programs draw talented athletes from around the country and globe, many of whom go on to play professional sports. UND also serves up some of the best venues around in which to take it all in. Our nationally ranked University of North Dakota Fighting Football team will have home field advantage at the Alerus Center against the following opponents:

October 7 at 1 PM vs. Western Illinois (Homecoming)
October 14 at 1 PM vs. North Dakota State (Hall of Fame)
October 28 at 1 PM vs. Indiana State (Military Appreciation)
November 18 at 1 PM vs. Illinois State (Senior Day)

Don't forget to come out a couple hours early to partake in some tailgating food and fun in the Alerus Center south parking lot!

OH MY GHOURD

Located just west of Grand Forks, Nelson’s Pumpkin Patch is a mere 20-mile drive to one great time. Some of their awesome offerings include a preschool straw maze, 11-acre corn maze, tractor hayrides, farm animal petting zoo, trike track, corn cannon, games, concessions and much more. If you’re feeling brave, the Gruesome Canary Haunted House is wicked good! Nelson’s is open through October 31, from 3 to 7 PM during the week and 11 AM to 6 PM on weekends. Entry is $13 per person, with children under 3 free. Their address is 2448 20th Avenue NE, Emerado, ND. Take the Grand Forks Air Force Base exit off Highway 2, then go 1½ miles north + a ¼ mile east.

STOCKING UP

Before you know it, the holiday season will be here and one great place to find unique gifts galore is the 2023 Grand Forks Harvest Showcase! Taking place November 3 & 4, at the Alerus Center, this annual event draws shoppers from around the region. While here, you’ll find an abundance of original Pride of Dakota products including gourmet food, art, books, jewelry, sporting goods, apparel, home décor and much more. Admission is free. Hours are 3 to 8 PM on Friday and 9 AM to 5 PM on Saturday.

LEAF PEEPING

Pick up lunch from your favorite Forks sandwich shop, then take a short trip to Turtle River State Park! This 784-acre wooded park was named for the mud and snapper turtles once found in abundance in the streams. Located just 20 miles west on Highway 2, Turtle River features 12 miles of trails carved through beautiful forested hills, a trout-stocked stream, scenic waterfall and several spots ideal for picnicking. Make sure to wear some comfy hiking boots or walking shoes, so you can fully explore all the picturesque pathways.

THE GREAT PUMPKIN

Situated on the south end of East Grand Forks, Patch on the Point at Paradise Stables is our community’s newest fall family fun attraction. Along with offering free horse-drawn wagon rides and $5 pony rides, this sweet spot now features one of the area’s largest pumpkin patches. Spend a day exploring all their cool to-dos: a petting zoo, adventure trail, lawn games, 100-foot super slide, tricycle/pedal GoKart track and plenty of pumpkins ripe for the picking. Special Saturday events currently scheduled include magician John Horpedahl (September 23), Journey Home Animal Rescue Adoption Event (September 30), French Bulldog Yoga (October 1) and Central High School Drumline (October 20). Patch on the Point is open through October 22, 5:30 to 7:30 PM on Thursdays & Fridays, 11 AM to 7 PM on Saturdays and 11 AM to 5 PM on Sundays. The entrance fee is $7 per person and free for little ones under 2 years of age. Make sure to bring along a few extra bucks, so everyone can enjoy some of the yummy food truck fare. Patch on the Point is located at 20753 440th Avenue SW.

Photo credit: Patch on the Point

If you’d like additional information on any of these activities, along with other awesome attractions and events, go to VisitGrandForks.com. We also invite you to follow Visit Greater Grand Forks on Facebook and Instagram.