Grand Forks · Grand Forks County, ND

Road trips from Grand Forks

Scout analyzed 41 Grand Forks places and surfaced the ones that actually fit road trips.

Places analyzed

41

Matches

23

Typical spend

$35

Typical visit

1.5 hr

Scout-verified spots

Turtle River State Park

Outdoors

Turtle River State Park

Turtle River State Park is suitable for a 3-hour outdoor excursion involving hiking or picnicking, costing around $7-10 for park entry. It pairs well with a relaxed morning or afternoon activity, perhaps followed by a meal in a nearby town.

OutdoorsViewsAnimals
$7–$10 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking
Urban Stampede

Food & Drink

Urban Stampede

Urban Stampede is suitable for a quick coffee stop or a relaxed solo work session. Expect to spend 30-60 minutes and $5-15 per person.

FoodShoppingRelaxed
$5–$15 typical45 min visiteasy parking
Lincoln Drive Park

Outdoors

Lincoln Drive Park

Lincoln Drive Park is ideal for a free outdoor outing, offering bike trails and disc golf. Plan for a 1.5 to 3-hour visit, perfect for pairing with a picnic or a nearby casual meal.

OutdoorsSportsViews
$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking
Northern Air Action Park

Arts & Culture

Northern Air Action Park

Northern Air Action Park is a good stop for a family activity, offering go-karting and arcade games. Expect to spend 2-3 hours and around $20-50 per person for an active afternoon.

OutdoorsSportsPlayful
$20–$50 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking
Brick & Barley Bar and Restaurant

Nightlife

Brick & Barley Bar and Restaurant

This bar and grill is suitable for a casual evening meal or drinks with friends, especially if live music is playing. Expect to spend 1.5-2 hours and $20-40 per person on food and a drink.

FoodCocktailsLive music
$20–$40 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking
Sertoma Park

Outdoors

Sertoma Park

Sertoma Park is a free outdoor destination best suited for a 1-2 hour family outing or solo walk, especially when paired with a picnic. It offers Japanese gardens, trails, and a playground, making it a good choice for a relaxed afternoon.

OutdoorsViewsAnimals
$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking
Ralph Engelstad Arena

Sports & Recreation

Ralph Engelstad Arena

This indoor arena is ideal for attending college hockey games or concerts, typically lasting around 3 hours. Expect to spend $30-$150 per person on tickets and concessions for a main event.

SportsLive musicSocial
$30–$150 typical3 hr visiteasy parking
Alerus Center

Arts & Culture

Alerus Center

The Alerus Center is a large event complex suitable for attending concerts, sporting events, or conventions, often pairing with an overnight stay at the attached hotel and water park. Expect a few hours visit and costs ranging from $25 for a basic event ticket up to $150+ for premium seating or multiple activities.

SportsArtsFood
$25–$150 typical3 hr visiteasy parking
The Loft

Nightlife

The Loft

The Loft is a bar and grill suitable for a casual evening out with friends or a low-key date. Expect to spend 1-2 hours and around $20-$50 per person on drinks and pub fare.

FoodCocktailsSports
$20–$50 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking
Starbucks Coffee Company

Food & Drink

Starbucks Coffee Company

This is a reliable stop for a quick coffee and snack, good for a solo break or a casual meet-up. Expect to spend 30 minutes and around $5-15 per person.

FoodShoppingRelaxed
$5–$15 typical45 min visiteasy parking
Splashers of the South Seas

Family

Splashers of the South Seas

Splashers of the South Seas is an indoor water park suitable for a half-day family outing, offering slides and pools. Expect to spend $25-50 per person for entry, making it a good option for active fun during a weekend.

OutdoorsSportsPlayful
$25–$50 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking
Ross Dress for Less

Shopping

Ross Dress for Less

Ross is good for a solo or budget-friendly shopping trip to hunt for discounted brand-name items. Plan for an hour or more to browse, with typical spending around $20-$100 per person.

ShoppingRelaxed
$20–$100 typical1 hr visiteasy parking
Parrot's Cay Tavern & Grill

Nightlife

Parrot's Cay Tavern & Grill

Parrot's Cay is a lively spot for casual Cajun-style food and a wide beer selection, great for unwinding after work or a weekend outing. Expect to spend 1.5-2 hours and $15-35 per person for food and drinks.

FoodCocktailsSports
$15–$35 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking
Sherlock Park

Outdoors

Sherlock Park

Sherlock Park is ideal for a free family outing, especially for younger kids to enjoy the adventure playground. Plan for a 1-2 hour visit, best combined with a picnic or other outdoor activities in good weather.

OutdoorsPlayfulRelaxed
$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking
Rhombus Guys

Food & Drink

Rhombus Guys

This is a good spot for a casual meal of pizza and beer, suitable for families or a relaxed date. Expect to spend 1-1.5 hours and around $15-30 per person.

FoodCocktailsRelaxed
$15–$30 typical1.3 hr visiteasy parking
The Toasted Frog

Food & Drink

The Toasted Frog

The Toasted Frog is suitable for an evening meal or drinks, offering American fare and martinis in a lively setting. Plan for about 1.5 hours and a cost of $30-70 per person.

FoodCocktailsRelaxed
$30–$70 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking
Texas Roadhouse

Food & Drink

Texas Roadhouse

Texas Roadhouse is a lively, affordable chain steakhouse for a casual family dinner or celebration. Expect to spend 1-1.5 hours and around $20-40 per person for an entree and drinks.

FoodShoppingRelaxed
$20–$40 typical1.3 hr visiteasy parking
Caribou Coffee

Food & Drink

Caribou Coffee

A typical coffee shop chain suitable for a quick stop for a drink or light breakfast. Expect to spend $5-15 per person for a visit of about 30 minutes.

FoodShoppingRelaxed
$5–$15 typical45 min visiteasy parking
Blue Moose Bar & Grill

Nightlife

Blue Moose Bar & Grill

Blue Moose Bar & Grill is a good spot for a casual meal or drinks, offering a diverse menu from burgers to seafood. Expect to spend 1.5-2 hours and $15-$40 per person.

FoodCocktailsRelaxed
$15–$40 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking
Red River State Recreation Area

Outdoors

Red River State Recreation Area

Red River State Recreation Area is a good spot for an outdoor adventure like biking, fishing, or boating, perfect for a several-hour visit. Entry may be free or require a state park pass/daily fee, so plan for minimal costs.

OutdoorsSportsViews
$0–$10 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking
Half Brothers Brewing Co.

Food & Drink

Half Brothers Brewing Co.

Half Brothers Brewing Co. is a good spot for a casual evening out with friends or a relaxed date, offering food and drinks. Expect to spend 1.5-2 hours and $20-50 per person.

FoodCocktailsLive music
$20–$50 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking
Joe Black's Bar & Grill

Nightlife

Joe Black's Bar & Grill

Joe Black's is a classic bar and grill best for a casual evening out with friends, especially to watch sports. Expect to spend 1-2 hours and around $15-$35 per person for drinks and pub food.

FoodCocktailsSports
$15–$35 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking
University of North Dakota, Education Northwest

Arts & Culture

University of North Dakota, Education Northwest

Visiting the University of North Dakota campus offers a free, relaxed experience for a solo walk or educational stroll. Plan for an hour or two to explore the grounds and historic buildings, suitable for an unhurried visit.

HistoryOutdoorsEducational
$0 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Worth the splurge

When the night needs to land.

What Scout found

  • 23 of the 41 analyzed Grand Forks places fit road trips.
  • 39% of matches are outdoor or partly outdoor.
  • 74% have easy parking.
  • Dominant moods: Relaxed, Social, Playful, Adventurous, Scenic, Quiet.

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