Springing Back to Life on the Greenway: Forks’ Favorite Playground

Spring on the Greenway of Greater Grand Forks is one of those seasonal shifts that feels like a collective exhale. As the snowpack melts and the Red and Red Lake Rivers open up, the entire 2,200‑acre corridor transforms from a quiet, white‑blanketed stretch into a vibrant playground of color, sound and motion. Suddenly the trails fill with birders scanning the treetops, cyclists eager for dry pavement, inline skaters chasing that first smooth glide, walkers soaking in the fresh air and anglers lining the riverbanks. If you’ve been waiting to feel the sun on your face again, spring on the Greenway is your season.

BIRDING: WHERE OUR FEATHERED FRIENDS FLY

Spring migration along the Red River is nothing short of spectacular. As the ice breaks and the cottonwoods leaf out, the Greenway becomes a flyway for dozens of species:

Warblers flitting through budding branches
Great blue herons returning to their rookeries
Bald eagles soaring low over the river
Ducks and geese crowding the oxbows and wetlands

Bring your binoculars to Riverside Park, Lincoln Drive Park, Griggs Park Trailhead or the quiet stretches near the Northside. Early mornings are magic complete with cool air, golden light and the chorus of birds waking up the riverbanks.

BIKE RIDING: PEDALING PERFECTION FOUND HERE

The Greenway’s paved trails are among the smoothest and most scenic in the region and spring is when cyclists reclaim them. With more than 20 miles of connected paths, you can:

Cruise from downtown Grand Forks to East Grand Forks
Loop through parks, golf courses and river overlooks
Connect to city bike lanes for longer rides

Spring rides are all about rediscovering speed and sunshine after months of winter hibernation. Expect to share the trail with joggers, families and fellow cyclists shaking off the rust. No wheels? No problem! Grand Rides Bike Share makes it easy to explore the Greenway without owning a bike. With stations located near key trail access points, you can unlock a bike in seconds and enjoy a smooth, scenic ride along the river. For more information, go to DowntownForks.com.

INLINE SKATING: GLIDING THROUGH THE GREENWAY

Inline skaters know the joy of that first dry, debris‑free stretch of pavement. The Greenway’s wide, well‑maintained paths make it one of the best skating spots in the region.

Favorite paths include:

The smooth loop around Lincoln Drive Park
The long, uninterrupted riverside path near downtown
The shaded sections near Riverside Park

Spring skating is fast, fun and full of that “I forgot how much I love this” energy that comes rushing back the moment you start rolling again. Keep the good vibes going by gearing up locally – inline skaters can snag fresh wheels and protective gear at Scheels, perfect for cruising the Greenway with a little extra spring swagger.

FISHING: REEL IN THE FUN

As soon as the river opens, anglers line the banks. The Red River is famous for its channel catfish but spring also brings:

Northern pike
Walleye
Sauger
Goldeye

Favorite fishing spots include:

Below the Point Bridge
Near the Riverside Dam area
LaFave Park
The quiet bends north of downtown

You can also tap into the local expertise that makes spring fishing on the Red River even more fun. Catfishing guides in Greater Grand Forks offer half‑day and full‑day trips, complete with gear, tip, and plenty of stories, making it easy for beginners and seasoned anglers alike to reel in those famous Red River channel cats. The main local guide services are:

Brad Durick Outdoors (RedRiverCatfish.com) is a well‑known Red River catfish guide based in Grand Forks. They offer guided trips targeting trophy channel cats.
Nodak Charters (NodakCharters.com) is another highly rated local guide service operating on the Red River near Grand Forks, offering catfishing trips for all experience levels.

RELAXING: PARK IT FOR ONE GRAND TIME

Spring on the Greenway isn’t just about getting your heart rate up. It’s also the perfect time to slow things down and enjoy the simple pleasure of being outside again. Whether lounging with a book, sharing snacks with friends or just soaking in the warm breeze, these parks make it easy to unwind and savor the season. Pack a picnic, grab a blanket and settle into one of the area’s best riverside hangouts:

Riverside Park offers river views, open green space, picnic areas and direct access to the Greenway trail system. It’s great for relaxing, walking and scenic picnics.
Griggs Park Trailhead is a beautiful park just off the Greenway Trail in East Grand Forks with lots of space, many tables and grills, a picnic shelter with power and a brand new playground.
Kannowski Park is home to the Rydell Skate Park and also features playground equipment, open lawns, shade trees and easy access to nearby Greenway paths. It’s a convenient spot for families and casual picnics close to downtown.
Flood Memorial Park is located along the river in the downtown corridor. It offers memorial features, river overlooks and quiet green space ideal for reflective walks or low‑key picnicking.
Lincoln Drive Park is a spacious, amenity‑rich park along the river featuring picnic shelters, a playground, disc golf course, dog park, open green space and easy access to the Greenway. It’s great for relaxed afternoons, family outings and riverside picnicking.

Spring on the Greenway doesn’t just show up… it pops back to life. The river stretches its legs, the wildlife starts showing off again and suddenly everyone remembers how good it feels to be outside. Every trail, overlook and riverbank turns into an open invitation to move, explore and soak up the season. If you’re in Greater Grand Forks, consider this a friendly nudge: grab a bike, lace up some skates, pack your best fishing rod, slip on those comfy walking shoes or toss a picnic basket in the mix. The Greenway is calling and it’s in a really good mood.