Welcome to Greater GRAND FORKS

Finding Your People and Places

Welcome to Greater Grand Forks! Whether you’re beginning your college journey at the University of North Dakota, newly assigned to Grand Forks Air Force Base, or simply here for a fresh start - you've landed in a place where opportunities to grow personally and professionally are all around. Greater Grand Forks is a place where you can get involved and make a difference - from joining personal and professional groups (like Greater Grand Forks Young Professionals or UND Young Professionals) to volunteering (such as with groups like The Big Event or Blue Zones Project).

Attending UND sporting events is more than a pastime; it's an opportunity to support dedicated athletes, connect with the community, and be part of a meaningful tradition. Whether it’s a homerun at Albrecht Field, a record-breaking run at a cross country or track meet, a buzzer-beater in The Betty, or a game-winning goal at Bronson Field - every sport contributes to the UND legacy. Check out FightingHawks.com for more information, including all of the sports you can support and dates/locations.

For those chasing heart rate or simply peace of mind, Greater Grand Forks offers fun ways to get moving across all four seasons.

Located in the heart of Grand Forks, ND, and East Grand Forks, MN, the Greenway offers several year-round outdoor experiences. It is an ideal location for running, cycling, and cross-country skiing. There are accessible trailheads, restrooms, parking, and picnic areas. Additionally, organizations host events such as the Red River Runners Annual RRRGF Turkey Trot 5k Prediction Run - which is a great way to kick off Thanksgiving Day, get some exercise, support the community, and possibly win a pie.

Grand Rides is a free community bike share program - making it easy to hop on a bike and go - whether commuting to class, heading downtown for coffee, or simply enjoying some sunshine. Thanks to partners such as Altru Health Systems, City of Grand Forks, UND Student Government, City of East Grand Forks, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Visit Grand Forks; the Downtown Development Association manages 60 bikes across the Grand Forks and East Grand Forks areas. More info and season updates are available on the DDA’s official site at DowntownForks.com/GrandRides.

Looking to cool off after a run or bike ride on the Greenway, or warm up with comforting beverages that match the cold weather? Grand Forks has plenty of options - from Sonic slushies (which are half off when ordered through the app) to custom hand-crafted drinks offered at drink shops and stands around town, such as 7 Brew, Meg-A-Latte Coffee House, and SU Nutrition.

For those craving freshly baked pastries with a cozy café vibe or late-night comfort food that hits the spot, Bernie’s in East Grand Forks, Minnesota, and Boss Pizza and Chicken in Grand Forks, North Dakota are two local favorites on either side of the river.

Part bakery, part café, Bernie’s is the kind of place that makes you want to slow down, savor the moment, and treat yourself to something sweet (or savory). Bernie’s is owned by local farmer Nick Hagen and his wife, Food Network host Molly Yeh. The café menu is available all day, plus a rotating selection of baked goods featuring fresh milled wheat from the Hagen farm. In addition to Yeh’s many accomplishments and endeavors, she also serves her community in roles such as being a keynote speaker at the GGFYP’s 2025 Annual Launch event.

Open late and always ready to satisfy your cravings, Boss Pizza and Chicken offers unique pizza topping combinations, signature broasted chicken meals, appetizers, wings, pasta, sandwiches, desserts and more. Boss delivers (literally and figuratively).

In Greater Grand Forks, young professionals are starting businesses, shaping policy, and building community. Whether you’re here for a few years or planning to stick around and plant roots - you’re going to find good people, exciting opportunities, and plenty of room to grow. So be yourself, take chances, try new things, and get involved. (And don’t forget to take time to find joy in the small things and pride in the local spirit.)

Author

Jonathan Blankenship II

University of North Dakota Student Body Presiden

Jonathan Blankenship is a student at the University of North Dakota; and honored to be serving as the Student Body President. He is majoring in Commercial Aviation and Unmanned Aircraft Systems, and minoring in Leadership, Entrepreneurship, and Communications. Jonathan is a proud military dependent of retired Air Force veterans. He was born in Texas, graduated from high school in Montana, and has had the pleasure of representing North Dakota at the Henry Clay Center College Student Congress in Washington, D.C. Jonathan shares his advice to newcomers and fellow young professionals - keeping in mind the importance of taking time for oneself, friends, and family - and the things that make our community special.