Grand Forks: Nature, Culture and History

Grand Forks combines plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities with art, museums and a historic downtown. The Greenway offers more than 20 miles of multi-use trails and year-round opportunities for outdoor activities in an urban setting. Other special places include the Japanese Garden and an arboretum with 65 unique tree species. If you are considering Grand Forks as a travel destination, you can choose from a variety of experiences centered on nature, culture and local history.

Greenway, Park and Garden

The Greenway is a natural open space covering about 2,200 acres in the center of Grand Forks and East Grand Forks. Its multi-use trails offer room for a variety of outdoor activities; the ability to use them year-round makes the Greenway an option in different travel seasons. The more than 20 miles of trails give you a concrete point of reference when planning outdoor activities during your stay.

At Sertoma Park, bike and walking trails connect to the Greenway. That makes walks and bike rides natural activities to combine with a visit to the park. Sertoma Park is also home to the Japanese Garden, which was presented to the Grand Forks Park District as a gift from Awano, Japan. The garden adds a distinctive cultural element to the active appeal of the trails.

Sertoma Park is also home to Ali’s Boundless Playground, where all children can play, including children with disabilities. The Sertoma Arboretum, meanwhile, contains a collection of 65 unique tree species cultivated by the Grand Forks Park District’s Forestry Department. The garden, playground, tree species and trails showcase different sides of the park, so your interests need not be limited to a single activity.

Art and Local History

The Empire Arts Center is a cultural anchor in historic downtown Grand Forks. Its UND Art Collections Gallery features regional artists alongside artists of national and international renown. This offers a chance to view art from the region alongside work by artists known beyond it. The Empire Arts Center’s Music Box takes place monthly and showcases local musical talent.

Museums also explore a range of time periods and subjects. The Myra Museum features exhibits on the history of Grand Forks, from the Ice Age through the settlement period. All galleries and facilities at the North Dakota Museum of Art are accessible to wheelchair users. If you would like to include art and history in your trip, you will find a variety of ways to explore these subjects; the Museum of Art also offers clear guidance for wheelchair users.

The Grand Forks County Historical Society operates a museum complex as well as a program of public exhibits and events. The historic Thomas Campbell House is also located on its grounds. The Downtown Historic District includes nearly 70 structures and buildings dating from the 1880s through the 1960s. A tour of Historic Downtown Grand Forks illustrates how the river, railroad, transportation routes and retail trade have shaped the downtown area.

Local Offerings and Travel Planning

The Town Square Farmers Market offers handmade goods, fresh flowers and freshly harvested produce. The selection also includes honey, jam, salsa, coffee and homemade baked goods; live music and food truck fare round out the market. This brings a local market experience to your travel plans, alongside nature and culture.

To decide whether Grand Forks is a good fit for your stay, consider the mix you are looking for: the Greenway and Sertoma Park offer outdoor activities, while galleries, museums and Historic Downtown provide insights into art and history. The Farmers Market adds local goods and food to the mix. You can look for a vacation rental in Grand Forks based on which of these aspects of the city is most appealing for your trip.

For the overall travel guide: Grand Forks.