Top Things to Do in Grand Forks, North Dakota

The center brings in music performances and other special events.

This lake between Minot and Grand Forks is the largest natural body of water in North Dakota, covering more than 160,000 acres with hundreds of miles of shoreline. Expect fantastic fishing, especially for perch.

Prairie views enhance play on the 18 holes designed by Arnold Palmer to echo the feel of courses in Scotland and Ireland.

On the University of North Dakota campus, the state's official art museum focuses on contemporary art from around the world.

The arena is known for its granite floors and ultra-comfy seats. University of North Dakota hockey games regularly sell out, and national shows stop here. 

Splash in the Turtle River or hike its shores 22 miles west of Grand Forks.

Quirky choices like smoked salmon with feta and olives top the pizzas. Try craft beer with upscale pub grub inside a former opera house. There's a location in Fargo as well.

Eclectic best describes the menu at The Toasted Frog—one section is devoted just to lavosh. Try Havarti pickles. Bismarck and Fargo have branches, too.

Explore "a world of chocolate" and try chocolate-covered potato chips at a store that opened in 1949. The chocolate love also shines at the Fargo location.

Casino time at this hotel, connected to the Alerus Center, pleases grown-ups; the indoor water park, Splasher's of the South Seas, thrills kids. Aaltos—one of four on-site restaurants—has a well-stocked breakfast buffet. 

Connected to UND via skywalk, the stay offers reliably comfortable lodging with a heated pool and an on-site restaurant.

For more information: visitgrandforks.com