6 picks for FORKSful of winter fun

Just because cooler weather is upon us, doesn’t mean you need to hibernate. Greater Grand Forks has lots of options for keeping folks of any age moving and grooving. Here are suggestions to help replace the winter blues with some cool to-dos!

Hockey, hockey, hockey! Oiy, oiy, oiy!

Around these parts, game night at Ralph Engelstad Arena is a must-experience event. Home to championship University of North Dakota Hockey, watch future NHL stars skate, check, shoot and score while the crowd roars with excitement! In between periods, explore this magnificent $150+ million, 400,00 square foot, five-story arena. Between periods, make sure to grab a snack and beverage at one of the numerous concession areas serving up lots of delicious eats and drinks. Upcoming Series: January 17/18 vs. Western Michigan; February 7/8 vs. Colorado College; February 21/22 vs. Minnesota Duluth; March 7/8 vs. Omaha.

Stop, shop, dine and unwind

When the weather is chilly and wintry skies turn gray, spend your Sunday Funday indoors at Scheels. While at this FORKS megastore, the whole family will find good buys, great eats and GRAND times galore! Their 120,000 square foot location in Columbia Mall features boutiques ranging from running gear and the latest fashion sportswear to spectacular hunting and fishing shops, plus a great selection of UND logo wear. Situated inside Scheels, Ginna’s Café offers freshly made sandwiches, salads, soups and 24 flavors of homemade fudge. Special attractions include a nostalgic shooting gallery, Big Buck Hunter simulator, mini bowling alley and 5-sport simulator (basketball, soccer, hockey, baseball and football) where customers can test their skills.

Fun under the sundogs

Located Downtown on the corner of DeMers Avenue and 3rd Street, Town Square Ice Rink is the perfect place to attempt your best flying camel spin, enjoy a pick-up hockey game or try your hand at broomball. The scenic Greenway Trail System features 20 miles of groomed paths offering four seasons of fun. During winter months, it supplies perfect places for sledding, skating, skiing, snowshoeing and ice fishing. Sponsored annually by the Grand Forks Park District, Greenway Snow Day incorporates most of these cool outdoor activities, plus horse-drawn sleigh rides and cardboard sled races. This year’s free family friendly happening takes place on February 1, from 10 AM to 4 PM, in Lincoln Drive Park. Complimentary equipment is available on a first come, first served basis. When it’s time to warm up, chill out at Half Brothers Brewery with one of their awesome ales or grab a caffeine infused brew at Urban Stampede Coffeehouse.

Play around

The whole fam bam can find their jam at Northern Air Action Park! North Dakota’s top indoor trampoline park, this large complex contains a 10,000 square foot jump area complete with numerous trampolines, two dodgeball courts, a foam pit and dunk station. Northern Air also has a 30+ game arcade, laser tag, Hologate Virtual Reality and the region’s largest multi-level indoor karting track. Those 21 and over will enjoy the axe throwing area, complete with adult beverages and food. Afterward, round up your posse and mosey on over to Pizza Ranch for some tasty grub plus more games and good times in their large arcade.

Give a round of applause

While at the iconic Chester Fritz Performing Arts Center, watch the curtain go up on an array of national and international touring productions including several Broadway shows. Party like it’s 1977, on February 10, 2025, when the ABBAFAB tribute show overtakes the Fritz stage! That’s followed by Rhythm of the Dance on March 12 and “Chicago the Musical” March 30. Before or after the show, make sure to walk the hallways and check out all the signed performance posters of famous past entertainers who have appeared here over numerous decades.

Plan a grand getaway

Plan a grand getaway. Looking for a unique date night idea or fun time out with all your friends? Grab your partner(s) in crime and make a great escape...to the Grand Forks Escape Room! This awesome physical adventure game makes players use elements of the room to solve a series of puzzles and get out within a set time limit. Book a spot now at online and then get ready to try tackling one of their latest themes: "O'Malley's Revenge", "Oz Has Alice", "The Haunting" or "Trapped in the 80s". End the evening by rewarding (or consoling) yourselves with some fabulous food and a bevy of beverages at nearby Brick & Barley, Joe Black’s or The Hub Pub.

More information about these and countless other activities, events, restaurants, stores and more may be found online. We also invite you to follow Visit Greater Grand Forks on Facebook and Instagram.

PLAN YOUR OWN ADVENTURE

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