Six summertime spots to find Forksful of fitness & fun
In our two Forks, discovering ways to get your heart pumping is as easy as a walk in the park! Here are my favorite places and ways to get fit, while having tons of fun at the same time.
TRAIL MIX.
Strolling, rolling, biking and hiking on our beautifully groomed 20-mile Greenway Trail System is an ideal way to enjoy a sunny day. The Greenway is approximately 2,200 acres of natural open space in the heart of Grand Forks and East Grand Forks. Hop on a bike, strap on the inline skates or simply use your sneakers to propel yourself around. Don’t have any wheels? No worries, the Grand Rides Bike Share program can hook you up! For info on how to Download the app and access the bicycles online.
PICKLEBALLIN IT.
Pickleball is all the rage right now! Along with being easy to learn, it’s fun for all ages and ability levels. Four great spots to try out some new shots are Symington Park, Abbott Sports Complex and Optimist Park in Grand Forks and O’Leary Park on the Eastside. When the clouds are gray, take it inside to Choice Health & Fitness or the Grand Forks YMCA to play.
PADDLE AWAY.
Like to try navigating our north-flowing Red River? Just head to Boathouse on the Red every Saturday and Sunday, from 12 to 8 PM, during summer months. This little blue shack located north of Downtown’s Sorlie Bridge offers canoe, kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals by the hour. Find more information online.
TEE OFF.
Play a round in our two towns on four great courses. Lincoln Park Golf Course is a 9-hole course with bent grass greens and closely manicured fairways that will provide a superb golfing experience for all levels. When spending a day at Ray Richards Golf Course, you will find nine holes to test your abilities, a driving range and complete pro shop all owned and operated by the University of North Dakota. It’s perfect for those working on their game. Valley Golf Club features a scenic, challenging 18-hole layout which runs along the Red River on the Minnesota side. Considered one of the area’s premier courses, King’s Walk is an 18-hole Arnold Palmer Signature PGA Course. The prairie links style course stretches over 7,200 yards, with four sets of tees to accommodate players of all abilities. The clubhouse includes a pro shop and full-service restaurant/bar.
STRETCH YOURSELF.
Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned pro, the Outdoor Summer Yoga Series is a great way to get your Zen on. Master Yogi Marissa will lead you through all the poses in scenic Flood Memorial Park situated right next to the river (east of Town Square). Donation-based sessions take place every other Saturday at 10 AM. Please bring your own mat.
LACE UP.
Looking for an opportunity to compete and meet some sweet new peeps? Greater Grand Forks has lots of great fitness events coming up this summer: Law Enforcement 10-78 5K (August 10); Rollin’ on the River Inline Marathon (August 17); Jog Your Memory 5K & Fun Run (August 17); Grand Forks 10 10M, 10K & 5K Run (August 23 & 24); Home Run 5K (September 7).
If you would like additional information on any of these fabulous fitness to-dos, 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.