Discover FORKSful of uniquely GRAND fun this fall

Chillier temps are almost here but never fear. You’re sure to fall in love with all the awesome autumn to-dos in Greater Grand Forks! Here is just a sampling of cool ways to embrace the shorter days.

Here are just some of my favorite ways to embrace the shorter days.

Amaizing Times

Bring the whole family out for a day of fun 'n games at Valley Corn Maize! In addition to the “Snoopy 4 Prez” themed 15-Acre Corn Maze and Kids Straw Maze, other attractions include a giant bubble station, spider web, corn box, large tic-tac-toe, tetherball, rat rollers and a grain-train to ride on. They also sell snacks and beverages. U Pick Flowers will be available for purchase, plus the sunflowers and zinnias will be blooming for any photo ops!

Special annual events include:

Hometown Heroes Weekend - September 7-8 & September 28-29
Touch a Tractor Weekend - September 14-15
Canines in the Corn - October 5-6
Flashlight Dash Night - October 20

Valley Corn Maize is open from September 7 through October 20. Hours are 10 AM to 6 PM on Saturday and 1 to 6 PM on Sunday. Admission is $11 per person, with kids 36” & under free. Valley Corn Maize is located 5 ½ miles east of East Grand Forks, just off the Highway 2 curve.

Hop on the Trail

Bust out the bikes and start peddling toward the river! The Greenway of Greater Grand Forks features 20 miles of groomed trails and 2,220 scenic acres of outdoor space for cycling, walking, inline skating, golfing, fishing, wildlife observing and more. One top spot to access the trail system is Riverside Park, with the end destination being near Restaurant Row/The Boardwalk in Downtown East Grand Forks. It’s a perfect place to refuel with some delicious Midwestern dishes and a creative cocktail or two at either The Blue Moose Bar & Grill or Bernie’s – both of which have lovely outdoor seating areas overlooking the Red River. No wheels, no worries; Grand Rides Bike Share offers rentals to be found all around town.

Stand Up & Cheer for ND

Fall around these parts means the start of University of North Dakota Athletics and our Fighting Hawks always deliver lots of Division I excitement! With several national championships under their belts, these premier programs draw talented athletes from around the country and globe, many of whom go on to play professional sports. UND also serves up some of the best venues around in which to take it all in.

Our nationally ranked University of North Dakota Fighting Football team will have home field advantage at the Alerus Center against the following opponents:

September 21 at 1 PM vs. San Diego
September 28 at 1 PM vs. Murray State (Homecoming)
October 19 at 1 PM vs. Northern Iowa (Family Day)
November 9 at 1 PM vs. South Dakota State (Military Appreciation)
November 16 at 12 PM vs. South Dakota (Senior Day)

Don't forget to come out a couple hours early to partake in some tailgating food and fun in the Alerus Center south parking lot!

Alerus Center

The Great Pumpkin

Situated on the south end of East Grand Forks, Patch on the Point at Paradise Stables is our community’s newest fall family fun attraction. Along with offering free horse-drawn wagon rides and $6 pony rides, this sweet spot now features one of the area’s largest pumpkin patches. Spend a day exploring all their cool to-dos: a petting zoo, adventure trail, lawn games, 100-foot super slide, tricycle/pedal GoKart track and plenty of pumpkins ripe for the picking.

Special Saturday events currently scheduled include:

2nd Annual Craft & Vendor Show - September 21-22
Magician John Horpedahl - September 28
Polk County 4H Horse Drill Team Performance - October 5
Just 4 Kix Halloween Dance Show - October 12
Turtle Mountain Animal Rescue Adoption Event - October 19
Hocus Pocus Outdoor Big Screen Movie - October 26

Patch on the Point

Patch on the Point is open September 21 through October 27, 5:30 to 7:30 PM on Thursdays & Fridays, 11 AM to 7 PM on Saturdays and 11 AM to 5 PM on Sundays. The entrance fee is $8 per person and free for little ones under 2 years of age. Make sure to bring along a few extra bucks, so everyone can enjoy some of the yummy food truck fare. Patch on the Point is located at 20753440th Avenue SW.

Colorful Leaf Peeping

Pick up lunch from your favorite Forks sandwich shop, then take a short trip to Turtle River State Park! This 784-acre wooded park was named for the mud and snapper turtles once found in abundance in the streams. Located just 20 miles west on Highway 2, Turtle River features 12 miles of trails carved through beautiful forested hills, a trout-stocked stream, scenic waterfall and several spots ideal for picnicking. Make sure to wear some comfy hiking boots or walking shoes, so you can fully explore all the picturesque pathways.

CaptionTurtle River State Park

Oh My Ghourd

Located just west of Grand Forks, Nelson’s Pumpkin Patch is a mere 20-mile drive to one great time. Some of their awesome offerings include a preschool straw maze, 11-acre corn maze, tractor hayrides, farm animal petting zoo, trike track, corn cannon, games, concessions and much more. If you’re feeling brave, the Gruesome Canary Haunted House is wicked good! Nelson’s is open through October 27, from 3 to 7 PM during the week and 11 AM to 6 PM on weekends. Entry is $15 per person, with children under 3 free. Their address is 2448 20th Avenue NE, Emerado, ND. Take the Grand Forks Air Force Base exit off Highway 2, then go 1½ miles north + a ¼ mile east.

Stocking Up

Before you know it, the holiday season will be here and one great place to find unique gifts galore is the 2024 Grand Forks Pride of Dakota Show! Taking place November 22-23, at the Alerus Center, this annual event draws shoppers from around the region. While here, you’ll find an abundance of made in Dakota products including gourmet food, art, books, jewelry, sporting goods, apparel, home décor and much more. Admission is free. Hours are 12 to 8 PM on Friday and 9 AM to 5 PM on Saturday. The one and only Santa Claus will be on hand Friday from 1 to 8 PM and Saturday from 10 AM to 4 PM!

Strolling Around Downtown

Our popular Downtown District is one cool spot to shop, stroll, sip and savor away the day! For those who like to find unique buys, there are a variety of locally owned stores and boutiques to choose from including The Silo Boutique, RH Standard, Badman Design, Bleu Goods Boutique, Pretty b. and Widman’s Candy (home of the famous chocolate covered potato chips known as Chippers). Relax and take a break at one of several great bars, breweries and dining establishments lining both 3rd Street and DeMers Avenue. While perusing around, you will discover many photo op worthy public art stops: Loon Park, Town Square Grand Forks mural, Memorial Park Flood Obelisk, BIG Blue Head and Pillsbury Park.

If you’d like additional information on any of these activities, along with other awesome attractions and events, go to VisitGrandForks.com. We also invite you to follow Visit Greater Grand Forks on Facebook and Instagram.