A Greater Grand Forks Getaway: Travel Tips to Explore Hidden Gems

Chocolate covered potato chips, ice hockey, art and history, discover Darley Newman’s expert tips for diving into the local culture, food, and the arts scene in Greater Grand Forks.

On my third trip to North Dakota, I traveled to Grand Forks, North Dakota, only about an hour drive from Fargo. This is an interesting city, as you can be in Grand Forks in North Dakota and stroll across the river and land in Minnesota! From chocolate covered potato chips to ice hockey, in Greater Grand Forks you’ll find a vibrant college town mixed with a cozy Midwestern atmosphere. From where to find the best culinary experiences to local activities that will make you feel like part of the community, here are my expert travel tips for your next getaway to Greater Grand Forks.

TIP #1: Try Chippers

No trip to Greater Grand Forks is complete without trying Chippers at Widman’s Candy Shop. Invented at Widman’s, this chocolate covered potato chip dessert draws in tourists and locals to this generations-old, family owned candy store. This was my first time trying Chippers and I have to say they are addicting!

TIP#2: Eat, Shop, and See public art in Downtown Grand Forks

Planning a morning or afternoon in Downtown Grand Forks is a great way to explore the local culture and get to know the community. Start your adventure in Downtown Grand Forks by walking to explore the public art scene. With over 165 works on display around town, there’s so much local artistry in this city to uncover.

After exploring the public art, stop inside The Silo Boutique to window shop or find something special to take home. If you haven’t already, head to Widman’s Candy Shop to try their famous Chipper’s. Then, step into Urban Stampede to grab a cup of coffee. Housed in a National Historic Register building, this is the local study and hangout spot for University of North Dakota students. Sitting on one of the stools at Urban Stampede’s coffee bar and chatting with one of their regulars is a wonderful way to connect with the Grand Forks community.

TIP #3: Attend a Local Hockey Game

Grand Forks is home to the University of North Dakota’s hockey team, where in-season you can catch a game, or take a tour of the Ralph Engelstad Arena. For $12 per adult and $6 per child, you can go behind the scenes to learn about the interesting features and details that create an unforgettable fan experience. I recommend both touring the arena and watching a game so that you can feel like a true North Dakota hockey fan. Check out my tour of the Ralph Engelstad Arena here!

TIP #4: Dine at Food Network Host Molly Yeh’s Bernie’s in East Grand Forks

Just like my culinary quest in Fargo-Moorhead, I was on the lookout for the best spots to enjoy a Midwestern meal. I found just that at Food Network host Molly Yeh’s Bernie’s restaurant in East Grand Forks. Housed in a historic building that was once Whitey’s Wonderbar, this Greater Grand Forks gem serves Midwestern and Scandinavian dishes inspired by the region’s history. At Bernie’s you can grab some delectable baked goods or dine in like I did. Stop by for breakfast, lunch or a happy hour cocktail.

TIP #5: Visit the North Dakota Museum of Art

The North Dakota Museum of Art is a wonderful place to learn about contemporary arts of the Northern Plains and beyond. Located on the University of North Dakota campus, the museum houses three exhibition galleries that showcase regional, national and international works on a rotating basis. Full of unique works to uncover, you don’t want to miss this stop.

Learn more about traveling to the Grand Forks/East Grand Forks area on VistiGrandForks.com.

For more expert travel tips from Darley Newman, listen and subscribe to the “Travels with Darley” podcast on iHeart, Apple Podcasts, Amazon, Spotify, Podchaser, Podcast Addict, Jiosavvn, Castbox, Audible, and watch the tv series on your local PBS station, Create TV, and for free on Go Traveler!

CREATE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE

FORKSful of festive holiday fun

Not really in the spirit of the season yet? I know what will put the jingle in everyone’s bells and the jolly in their holly, as well! If you’re searching for activities to create a festive frame of mind, Greater Grand Forks is definitely the place. We have seasonal celebrations, concerts and sparkling events galore sure to get you feeling very merry.

7 spots to unwind and find FORKSful of Zen

Life is moving at a crazy rate; so, we all need to find some time to relax and unwind. While there are numerous FORKSful of fun, fast-paced things to do between our two grand towns, it’s important to take a breath and tap into your inner Zen every now and then. Below are my top seven spots to workout and/or work on myself.

10 eateries dishing up FORKSful of flavor

For those who love dining out, Greater Grand Forks offers an abundance of palate-pleasing ways to help you get your fix! Throughout our two towns, there are numerous eateries serving up delicious dishes and desserts and while hard to narrow it down, here are my top ten spots.

12 grand new spots to explore more in Forks

Think you’ve experienced all our two towns have to offer? Well, we’ve got some grand news to report! Below are a dozen businesses that have recently opened and/or updated. We invite everyone to come join us for a cool little getaway packed with Forksful of flavor, finds and fun!

7 FORKS local coffee hot spots

Move over Seattle and Portland, our two FORKS have lots of GRAND brews from which to choose! Scattered about town, there are a variety of java joints (some locally owned, some national chains) ready to pour you up a cup of deliciousness.

11 spots to find FORKSful of flavor & a shuttle to the Ralph for hockey night

Only 24 hours in Grand Forks? Do it Downtown!

From mouthwatering meals to sumptuous stays, plus soul-satisfying retail therapy and even a little art mixed in for good measure, Grand Forks always delivers. But what if you only have 24 short hours to explore this river city? That’s not a problem. Do it downtown! One of our favorite Canadians (and we have plenty) shows us how it’s done.