Grand Forks is a great spot for a quick family getaway from Winnipeg. This American city offers Canadians different shopping and different restaurants than what are available in Manitoba. Grand Forks, North Dakota also offers a chance to get away to somewhere different, yet it is only a couple of hours from Winnipeg, which makes a nice quick trip if traveling with kids.
Hotels in Grand Forks
Grand Forks has an abundance of hotels to choose from, but they often book up quickly due to graduations, holidays, long weekends and such. Reserve a hotel room if possible. There are hotels near Columbia Mall, the Alerus Center, and others located around town and in East Grand Forks. Many offer continental breakfasts, swimming pools, kiddie pools and a few offer indoor water parks. Check here for full listing of accommodations in Grand Forks.
Where to Eat in Grand Forks
Grand Forks is host to many chain restaurants like Texas Roadhouse, Grizzly's, Space Aliens and Paradiso to name a few. When eating at McDonald's for example, check out the menu items, for differences. At American Thanksgiving there is pumpkin pie and for St. Patrick's Day Shamrock shakes are available. So whether staying in Grand Forks or stopping to eat on the way to Fargo, fast food, buffets and full service restaurants are dining options.
Where to Shop in Grand Forks
There is shopping available in both Grand Forks and East Grand Forks. There are malls, strip malls and stand alone shops. Grand Forks offers stores that are different from those in Manitoba, like SuperTarget, Kohl's and J.C Penny. Those that are part of the same chain like Old Navy, Pay Less and Tractor Supply are worth checking out because available merchandise is often quite different.
- Barnes and Noble book store has a location at the University of North Dakota at 775 Hamline Street, and if traveling with children it has a very nice kids section
- East Grand Forks offers Cabela's, which is a hunting and outdoor goods store offering clothing for the entire family, barbeque accessories, toys, and many unique items available as well as large wildlife displays
- There are a number of smaller stores offering scrapbooking supplies, or antiques for example
- The grocery store chains are different from those offered in Manitoba, so definitely worth a look through the aisles and each store chain offers different merchandise
- If shopping for alcohol check out the liquor shops in Grand Forks, like Happy Harry's or some of the smaller ones for beverages as well as mixes that are not available in Manitoba
Things to do in Grand Forks
Often when going to Grand Forks it is for something specific like a concert or Christmas shopping. If time permits, Grand Forks does have some family friendly events worth checking out:
- For example, at the end of November to the end of December there is Christmas in the Park, which is a light display put on by various groups, on Lincoln Park Drive, to help the Local Lions Club Charities
- For New Years Eve there is an annual Celebrate the Night event
- July 4th there are firework displays
- There are many ongoing events such as local concerts and art shows
If thinking about heading to Grand Forks, even if this is a return visit, check out the Visit Grand Forks website. This city has so much to offer, such as a large number of hotels with different types of swimming pool options, many dining choices in family friendly restaurants, lots of places to shop and entertainment events for families throughout the year, it is possible to find even more to enjoy in this city.
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