Chocolate covered potato chips, ice hockey, art and history, discover Darley Newman’s expert tips for diving into the local culture, food, and the arts scene in Greater Grand Forks.
On my third trip to North Dakota, I traveled to Grand Forks, North Dakota, only about an hour drive from Fargo. This is an interesting city, as you can be in Grand Forks in North Dakota and stroll across the river and land in Minnesota! From chocolate covered potato chips to ice hockey, in Greater Grand Forks you’ll find a vibrant college town mixed with a cozy Midwestern atmosphere. From where to find the best culinary experiences to local activities that will make you feel like part of the community, here are my expert travel tips for your next getaway to Greater Grand Forks.
Tip 1: Try Chippers
No trip to Greater Grand Forks is complete without trying Chippers at Widman’s Candy Shop. Invented at Widman’s, this chocolate covered potato chip dessert draws in tourists and locals to this generations-old, family owned candy store. This was my first time trying Chippers and I have to say they are addicting!
@darleynewman Chocolate covered chips? Let’s try chippers at Widman’s, a generations old family candy shop in Grand Forks, North Dakota. My first time trying this sweet and salty dessert and I can’t get enough 🍫😋 @Prairie Public . . . . . #ndtwd #food #foodie #travel #traveltiktok #grandforks #northdakota #sweet #salty #chippers #chocolate #chips #familyowned #familybusiness #local #candy #shoplocalbussinesses ♬ Happiness – Audiodeity
Planning a morning or afternoon in Downtown Grand Forks is a great way to explore the local culture and get to know the community. Start your adventure in Downtown Grand Forks by walking to explore the public art scene. With over 165 works on display around town, there’s so much local artistry in this city to uncover.
After exploring the public art, stop inside The Silo Boutique to window shop or find something special to take home. If you haven’t already, head to Widman’s Candy Shop to try their famous Chipper’s. Then, step into Urban Stampede to grab a cup of coffee. Housed in a National Historic Register building, this is the local study and hangout spot for University of North Dakota students. Sitting on one of the stools at Urban Stampede’s coffee bar and chatting with one of their regulars is a wonderful way to connect with the Grand Forks community.
@darleynewman Visited Grand Forks? I got a coffee ☕️ buzz at Urban Stampede and explored Grand Forks, North Dakota, located across from East Grand Forks, Minnesota! Chocolate, art, shopping and historic places to lounge 🛍️🍫🌟 What’s your fall coffee order? 🍁☕️ . . . . . #ndtwd #grandforks #travel #northdakota #northdakotalegendary #traveltips #dayinthelife #art #tour #shop #shoplocal #candy #chippers #chocolate #food #coffee #coffeelover #localcoffee #community ♬ Closer (Instrumental) – Saweetie
Tip 3: Attend a Local Hockey Game
Grand Forks is home to the University of North Dakota’s hockey team, where in-season you can catch a game, or take a tour of the Ralph Engelstad Arena. For $12 per adult and $6 per child, you can go behind the scenes to learn about the interesting features and details that create an unforgettable fan experience. I recommend both touring the arena and watching a game so that you can feel like a true North Dakota hockey fan. Check out my tour of the Ralph Engelstad Arena here!
@darleynewman UND did some major scoorriinngg! And the energy was awesome! 👏 I’d travel back to Grand Forks just to attend another hockey game. Soooo much fun! Who’s your team? . . . . . . . . #ndtwd #NorthDakota #BeNDLegendary #grandforks #hockey #undhockey #und #northdakotalife #travel #travelswithdarley #hockeygame #hockeytime #hockeylife #northdakotagirl #sports #traveltips #bostonuniversity @UND Hockey @Alicia Jolliffe ♬ Chelsea Dagger – The Fratellis
Tip 4: Dine at Food Network Host Molly Yeh’s Bernie’s in East Grand Forks
Just like my culinary quest in Fargo-Moorhead, I was on the lookout for the best spots to enjoy a Midwestern meal. I found just that at Food Network host Molly Yeh’s Bernie’s restaurant in East Grand Forks. Housed in a historic building that was once Whitey’s Wonderbar, this Greater Grand Forks gem serves Midwestern and Scandinavian dishes inspired by the region’s history. At Bernie’s you can grab some delectable baked goods or dine in like I did. Stop by for breakfast, lunch or a happy hour cocktail.
@darleynewman Brunch at Food Network host Molly Yeh’s Bernie’s in East Grand Forks 🍳🥐 Housed in a historic building that was once Whitney’s Wonderbar, this Greater Grand Forks gem serves Midwestern and Scandinavian inspired breakfast & lunch options, along with cocktails and products to stock your kitchen 😋 What’s your go to brunch order? 🥞🧇 Let me know in the comments!👇🌟 . . . . . #ndtwd #eastgrandforks #minnesota #brunch #brunchtime #food #foodie #travel #traveltips #hiddengem #bakery #cocktails #midwestern #scandinavian #comfortfood #foodnetwork #mollyyeh #northdakota ♬ Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!(Edit) – Scotty & Wilcox
Tip 5: Visit the North Dakota Museum of Art
The North Dakota Museum of Art is a wonderful place to learn about contemporary arts of the Northern Plains and beyond. Located on the University of North Dakota campus, the museum houses three exhibition galleries that showcase regional, national and international works on a rotating basis. Full of unique works to uncover, you don’t want to miss this stop.
More North Dakota Travel Resources
Learn more about traveling to the Grand Forks/East Grand Forks area on the Visit Greater Grand Forks website. Combine it with a road trip to Fargo, North Dakota. Learn more about Fargo travels from Visit Fargo-Moorhead.
Stay tuned for more North Dakota travel tips on a brand new season of Travels with Darley coming to you in January 2025. Watch a preview of “North Dakota Fargo & Beyond on Youtube! This episode will be on PBS stations and streaming, including in North Dakota on Prairie Public.
