Grand Forks offers different perspectives on nature and urban history: the Greenway and the trails in Sertoma Park are ideal for outdoor activities, while galleries, museums and the historic downtown put art and history in the spotlight. To plan your trip, you can first decide which themes you want to shape your stay—or how you’d like to combine several of them.
Greenway and Gardens
The Greenway is a roughly 2,200-acre natural open space in the heart of Grand Forks and East Grand Forks. It includes more than 20 miles of multi-use trails. The area offers opportunities for outdoor activities in an urban setting year-round. In Sertoma Park, cycling and walking trails connect to the Greenway. By keeping both names in mind as you plan, you can find different ways to include nature and exercise in your stay.
Sertoma Park is also home to Ali’s Boundless Playground, where all children can play, including children with disabilities. The park is also home to the Japanese Garden, which Awano in Japan donated to the Grand Forks Park District. The Sertoma Arboretum adds another botanical highlight: its collection includes 65 unique tree species cultivated by the Grand Forks Park District’s Forestry Department. The garden, playground and arboretum each offer a distinct focus within the theme of nature.
Art and Museums
The UND Art Collections Gallery is located in the Empire Arts Center. It exhibits regional artists alongside artists of national and international renown. The Empire Arts Center is also a cultural anchor in historic downtown Grand Forks. The monthly Music Box adds a program showcasing local musical talent. If you’re planning to attend an event, check the date before your trip.
At the Myra Museum, exhibits take visitors through the history of Grand Forks, from the Ice Age to the settlement period. The Grand Forks County Historical Society offers another way to explore regional history: it operates a museum complex and a program of public exhibits and events. The society’s grounds include the historic Thomas Campbell House. All galleries and facilities at the North Dakota Museum of Art are accessible to wheelchair users; check current visitor information before your visit.
Historic Downtown and Trip Planning
The Downtown Historic District includes nearly 70 structures and buildings dating from the 1880s to the 1960s. A tour of Historic Downtown Grand Forks illustrates how the river, railroad, transportation routes and retail shaped the area. The district’s buildings and the tour’s themes offer different perspectives: one draws attention to the built heritage, while the other focuses on the forces that played a role in the city’s history.
The seasonal Town Square Farmers Market may also be worth considering when planning your trip. Depending on the market date, offerings may include handmade goods, fresh flowers, freshly harvested produce, honey, jam, salsa, coffee, homemade baked goods, live music and food truck fare. The selection varies from one date to another, so check the market schedule if you’d like to include it in your stay.
The different offerings can help you decide which themes you’d like to combine during your stay. Start by choosing the kind of travel experience you’re looking for.
For the main travel overview: Grand Forks.
