Grand Forks is a beautiful town and is also one of the best cities for people to reside in North Dakota. It’s a safe and affordable city for people who love the thrill of city life surrounded by small towns and farms. There are also great schools for children of all ages that feature exceptional teachers and outstanding educational opportunities.
The city also features plenty of summer activities that can keep both children and adults engaged and entertained. From inside activities to outdoor adventures, summers in Grand Forks are never dull. Read on to find several activities you, your friends, or your family can do during the summer in and around Grand Forks.
Butterfly Garden and Native Prairie Grassland
1827 Bygland Road
The Butterfly Garden and Native Prairie Grassland is a 25,000-square-foot area that’s one of the best places you can visit in Grand Forks in the summer, especially if you love nature. It’s specifically designed to attract several species of butterflies. There’s also a 30-acre site of native prairie grassland on the property where you can see various wildflowers and grasses. It also provides excellent opportunities for birdwatching and spending a relaxing afternoon. You can also arrange a tour of the area by calling ahead.
Albatross Indoor Golf Club
2950 10th Ave. N
Another fun activity in the Grand Forks area is enjoying a day full of golf at the Albatross Indoor Golf Club. The club has four golf simulators that give you the chance to virtually play courses from all over the world, such as Pebble Beach. You can also get a practice session in their simulated driving range. It’s an innovative way to get some exercise in and enjoy yourself in any season.
The club also offers food, snacks, and pizza, as well as alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, for a complete culinary experience. It’s open to people of all ages and allows you the opportunity to get lessons from PGA teaching professionals.
Boathouse on the Red
101 Riverboat Road
If you enjoy the outdoors and particularly like participating in water-based activities, Boathouse on the Red, a boat rental operation, is a great place to check out. Take advantage of all the Red River has to offer by taking a boat out on the water and enjoying other recreational activities such as seasonal kayaking, paddleboarding, and canoe rentals.
AMC Grand Forks 10
2306 32nd Ave. S
Another great summer spot for friends and family members is the AMC Grand Forks 10. This indoor spot allows you to watch your favorite movies and enjoy their delicious menu items such as nachos and pretzel bites. You can watch the best summer blockbusters and take advantage of deals, such as their annual refillable popcorn buckets, for a great value.
The Greenway
The Greenway, which is around 2,200 acres of natural space, contains over 300 species of birds, making this area ideal for a birding trip. You can go birding anytime during the year. Summer is a good time for birding, as the warm temperatures attract various species of birds that migrate from the north. Nearby prairies also give you a chance to see native grassland bird species such as the short-eared owl, the gray partridge, and the greater prairie chicken.
Muddy Waters Clay Center
2014 13th Ave. N
The summer season presents several opportunities to learn a new skill. One way you can accomplish this is by taking a class at the Muddy Waters Clay Center and learning how to make ceramic arts. This spot is a nonprofit organization that promotes the education, creation, and enjoyment of art. There are classrooms, studios, firing spaces, and a gallery where you can perfect your skills.
Red River BMX
6950 Gateway Drive
Bicycle Motocross (BMX) is a sport that thrill seekers can enjoy, especially in the summer months. The Red River BMX (RRBMX) is a place where you can explore this sport and learn how to ride motorbikes. It provides a safe and fun outlet for riders of all skill levels to complete and learn more BMX. Races also take place with more experienced rides on Tuesday nights from May through August.
East Grand Forks Campbell Library
422 4th St. NW
With a wide array of great literary works and a reading program for children, the Campbell Library is an excellent place to spend some downtime in the summer. The library is also home to revolving art exhibits featuring local and regional artists. Enjoy a day or two exploring the different art exhibits in the library or use some reading time to escape from the heat of summer days.
Empire Arts Center & Empire Theater Company
415 DeMers Avenue
Another great summer option in the Grand Forks area is taking in unique, contemporary, and thought-provoking live theater at the Empire Theater Company. Built in 1919, the theater hosts plays, movies, musicals, and multiple other events. It also houses rotating exhibits of the permanent art collection from the University of North Dakota. It includes works by Roy Lichtenstein, Andy Warhol, and Salvador Dali. Visiting the arts center and theater company is an exciting experience for all ages.
North Valley Baseball Academy
1605 Central Ave. NW
The North Valley Baseball Academy offers indoor baseball and softball training programs throughout the year. You can get private or group lessons and receive standardized skills training for all levels of expertise. This academy also features five batting cages, a HitTrax baseball simulator, and pitching and hitting stations. This is a great activity for those wanting to remain physically active in the summer and learn how to play a new sport or improve your existing skills.
Rydell Skatepark
703 S. 4th St.
The Rydell Skatepark in Kannowski Park gives any skateboarder, bicyclist, roller skater, and other extreme sports enthusiasts a safe place to gather and practice their skills. Skaters of all levels can enjoy themselves in the park, which features a Tri-Tiered manual pad, HSS grind rail, pool coping, a waterfall, and much more. It’s a great place for those who love getting outdoors in the summer.
Red Ray Lanes
2105 S. Washington St.
Another fun summer activity for the entire family is to go bowling at Red Ray Lanes. This bowling alley features 24 lanes and is a great place for birthday parties, work gatherings, and more. The lanes are open each day of the week and are a great place for some competitive fun.
No matter what your favorite activity is, the Grand Forks area has something for everyone. There are tons of activities that allow you to get out of the house and enjoy the city with your friends and family. If you want a new car to get around to the great activities Grand Forks has to offer, contact Rydell to rent, lease, or buy affordable cars.
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