The Best Architectural Landmarks Around Grafton, ND

September 16, 2021 · 5 min read

Older style wood desk and chair in a 19th century home

North Dakota has a rich history and legacy of the Old West and is home to many historical and significant architectural landmarks. For those looking to explore some of the area's best landmarks and see various architectural styles within their backyard, here are some of the best architectural landmarks to check out around Grafton, North Dakota.

Stutsman County Courthouse

Image via Flickr by smaedli via CC BY 2.0

For those looking to explore Gothic-Revival Style architecture, check out the Stutsman County Courthouse located in Jamestown. About a 3-hour drive from Grafton, this historic location is one of North Dakota's oldest surviving courthouses. It's known for its unique and significant architectural style, featuring a pressed metal interior that covers the interior walls and ceilings. It was designed by Wisconsin architect Henry C. Koch and was built in 1883. Construction on the building was completed in less than a year.

The Stutsman County Courthouse is also significant historically. It has roots dating back to the 1880s statehood movement and is the only remaining North Dakota building still directly related to statehood activities. The state's constitutional convention delegates were elected in this building, and meetings related to the division of North and South Dakota into separate territories were also held in the building. The courthouse is considered the birthplace of the statehood for North Dakota.

The historic courthouse is open to visitors of the public. Visitors can tour the historic rooms, including the courtroom, the basement jail, and the county offices. Guests can also learn about historic office technology used in the courthouse and learn about American citizenship. Restoration of the building is ongoing, and visitors can see historic preservation in action when visiting the Stutsman County Courthouse.

Former Governors' Mansion State Historic Site

Located in North Dakota's state capital city of Bismarck, the Former Governor's Mansion is a unique example of Victorian and other architectural styles. The site boasts a significant two and one-half story restored Victorian house and a carriage house that were both constructed in 1884. It features unique room exhibits that showcase the restoration process, as well as different architectural style changes.

Between 1893 to 1960, the site was home to several North Dakota governors, and it housed 20 different chief executives throughout that time. Originally built in 1884, it was intended as a private residence for Asa Fisher, a businessman and register of the Bismarck Land Officer. Fisher eventually sold the house to the state in 1893, when it became the residence for the sitting North Dakota governor.

Extensive restoration has been completed to the house to operate the location as a museum. The appearance is said to replicate what it might have looked like in 1893. Visitors can tour this house and view the different rooms, including pieces of furniture that several governors used throughout the years. It is also available for rent for business meetings, receptions, weddings, and more.

Historic Elmwood House

Located in northeast Grafton, the Historic Elmwood House is a gorgeous turn-of-the-century Victorian house that sits on a beautiful 20-acre patch of land. The home is on the National Register of Historic Places and features stunning wood details common elements of Victorian-era architecture. Some details include a maple fireplace, oak banisters and front doors, and pine woodwork painted throughout the house to resemble oak or maple.

The surrounding land around the house is beautifully nestled in an oxbow of the Park River, and seven of the 20 acres are protected by the Natural Area Registry as a river bottom forest. Another 10 are no longer considered a natural area since they are former fields. However, the area still contains plants and wildflowers, along with animal life.

Elmwood was built by North Dakota's second Attorney General, C.A.M. Spencer in 1895, and has been previously known as the Williamson House. It was restored to be a gathering place for the community and is available today for rent for meetings, special events, weddings, and other gatherings.

Soldiers' Monument and Walsh County Courthouse

The Walsh County Courthouse in Grafton is a unique building with Art Deco styling. Built in 1886 and designed by F. C. Croser, the Walsh County Courthouse is significant to North Dakota's architectural history. The building is a great representation of a diverse collection of materials, including metals, woods, and marble, and exhibits high artistic quality. The courthouse is named in honor of George H. Walsh, a politician, and newspaperman from Grand Forks.

For those looking to see part of North Dakota's history, check out the beautiful tribute to the brave men of Company C of the First Dakota Regiment, known as the Soldiers' Monument, at the Walsh County Courthouse. Not too long after the building was constructed, the Soldiers' Monument was built in 1900. A tribute to the men of Company C of the First Dakota Regiment, this monument was meant to honor their participation in the Philippine Insurrection campaign. On the monument is a quote from General Lawton, "You can't stampede the First North Dakota."

Bagg Bonanza Farm

For those looking for a day trip to explore the surrounding historical landmarks and architecture North Dakota offers, the Bagg Bonanza Farm is great fun and educational option. Located in Richland County, it is only about a 2.5-hour drive from Grafton. Registered as a National Historical Landmark in 2005, the Bagg Bonanza Farm is one of the last remaining bonanza farms in the U.S. The Bagg Farm is also on the National Register of Historic Places and part of the State Historic Sites Registry.

The fully restored main house has 21 bedrooms and sits on 15 acres of beautiful land. The Bagg Bonanza Farm is open for tours seasonally from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Visitors can learn about bonanza farm life and all that was involved. Guests will appreciate learning about past generations that lived in the area and helped shape the Red River Valley from a faraway outpost into a settled and prosperous farming community.

The Bagg Bonanza Farm offers fun seasonal events, such as Fourth of July celebrations and a pumpkin patch in the fall. You can also host weddings, reunions, business meetings, and more at this historic location.

There you have it. Rydell Honda of Grand Forks shared a list of the best architectural landmarks around Grafton. If we missed your favorite piece of architecture, reach out to us to let us know! We'd love to explore more architecture around Grafton and add it to our list.

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Dec 23, 2021 in Local Tips

5 Best Bakeries Near Grand Forks

Are you looking to satisfy your sweet tooth? Whether you're looking for an early morning bagel, a stunning two-tiered cake for your wedding, or something to satisfy an immediate craving, Grand Forks, North Dakota, has plenty of bakeries to choose from. This area is home to just about any type of bakery you can imagine, so let your cravings be your guide as you check out one of these five bakeries near Grand Forks. more Bully Brew Coffee Image via Flickr by OriginalJo | CC by 2.0 With several locations scattered around the Grand Forks area, Bully Brew Coffee is an excellent place to grab a delicious pastry. Sandi Luck started her first business in 2005 thanks to her great-grandmother, who stated that conversations are better with coffee. She opened four coffee kiosks, selling them in 2008, and opening a small coffee venue in a local nursing home just a few years later. This venue became Bully Brew Coffee. Head in to enjoy freshly roasted coffee and numerous homemade bakery items. Its flagship macarons are a gluten-free confection that comes in various flavors and is guaranteed to tickle your tastebuds. Other can't-miss items include banana bread, caramel rolls, muffins, cookies, and bars. If you're looking for something a little more filling, consider sticking around for lunch and trying one of their grilled panini sandwiches or bagel sandwiches. French Taste Open Wednesday through Sunday, French Taste came about when Parisian owner Warren Sai sought to spread the awareness of French cuisine through crepes and culture. He opened the doors to this establishment in 2018 after spending years sharing his delicious wares on food trucks and in pop-up shops. Today you can order one of his more-than-two-dozen crepes, which are available in savory and sweet varieties. Try the strawberry-banana Nutella or the blueberry caramel for something a little sweet. Try some tasty options, including pepperoni pizza, Philly cheesesteak, and beef with nacho cheese. Other food choices include macarons and a variety of hot and cold beverages. Lb Cakes, LLC Over the years, owner Lindsay Benson has turned her hobby of baking specialty cakes and cupcakes into a business through Lb Cakes, LLC. She works full-time at the University of North Dakota, but she has transformed her cake-making into a successful venture. Each order is unique and designed specifically for the customer and celebration. Her cakes are available in eight flavors, including the following: Chocolate. This option has chocolate cake with chocolate pudding. Pair this cake with chocolate or vanilla buttercream. Cookies and cream. This vanilla cake is mixed with Oreo cookies and topped with cookies and cream frosting. Funfetti. With this vanilla cake, sprinkles are mixed into the batter. A vanilla buttercream works well with this flavor. Lemon. This vanilla cake is mixed with lemon pudding. Add lemon buttercream for a true lemon taste. Marble. With this cake, it's a 60% vanilla cake mixed with a 40% chocolate cake. Consider topping it with chocolate or vanilla buttercream. Red velvet. A classic cocoa-flavored cake, red velvet is mixed with red food coloring and buttermilk. Top it with a cream cheese frosting. Vanilla. This is white cake with vanilla extract and is best with chocolate or vanilla buttercream. White almond wedding cake. It's a white cake with a hint of vanilla and almond extract. This flavor is her best-selling option, and she recommends pairing it with almond chocolate buttercream. She also offers gourmet cupcakes in several additional flavors, such as pumpkin spice, peanut butter, and mint chocolate. To fulfill your order, she needs at least 72 hours' notice but recommends reaching out at least two weeks in advance for themed or elaborate designs. Oh, for Heaven's Cakes! Owner Keri Lainhart studied interior design in London, England, and Las Vegas, eventually converting her attention to detail to making perfect cakes. She specializes in custom weddings, quinceanera, and large event cakes at Oh, for Heaven's Cakes! One of her favorite offerings is a honeymoon cake, a single tier of cake in your favorite flavor all boxed up so you can enjoy it after the wedding festivities have ended. To create a memorable cake, she listens to your story and asks many questions. She recommends that customers order at least four to six months in advance. Each cake tier has two layers of cake available in almond, chocolate, lemon, marble, red velvet, spice, and vanilla. Next, she fills the two layers with the filling flavors offered in blackberry, chocolate, cream cheese, huckleberry, raspberry, strawberry, and vanilla. Finally, she adds buttercream to the cake's exterior, with vanilla or chocolate as the two smoothest options. To help you decide which flavors to select, opt for a tasting to-go box, including six of the most popular flavors and six frostings. This allows you to mix and match all your favorite flavors. Sweet Treats by Liberty At Sweet Treats by Liberty, each treat is made fresh to order by using the newest and best-quality ingredients. Choose among a variety of hot cocoa bombs made out of Merkens chocolate. One of the bakery's top-selling options is the candy cane hot cocoa bomb, filled with its special candy cane hot cocoa and mini marshmallows, topped with white chocolate and crushed candy canes. Another popular choice is the s'more's hot cocoa bomb, filled with a unique hot cocoa mix and mini marshmallows. It's topped with milk chocolate and several mini marshmallows. Try the six-count variety pack if you're having difficulty deciding which hot cocoa bomb to purchase. You'll get to sample the bakery's hazelnut, candy cane, Oreo, salted caramel, s'mores, and white chocolate hot cocoa bombs. They're all perfect for enjoying in an 8- to 10-ounce cup of hot milk. Is your mouth watering yet, yearning for a delicious and mouth-watering treat? If so, and you find yourself in the Grand Forks area, make sure you check out one of these five bakeries highlighted by Rydell Honda of Grand Forks. If you're already familiar with the area and believe we missed a favorite bakery of yours, make sure you let us know so we can add it to our list.

Dec 09, 2021 in Local Tips

6 Fun Indoor Day Trips Near Thompson, ND

Planning an indoor day trip in the Thompson area? You have several places to choose from, including an indoor water park, aviation museum, and concert venue. Whether you'd like to relax and enjoy a quiet afternoon or want to let the kids expend some energy, you're sure to find the perfect spot nearby. more Splashers of the South Seas Image via Flickr by Phalinn Ooi | CC by 2.0 Splashers of the South Seas, located at the Canad Inns Destination Center in Grand Forks, is North Dakota's largest indoor water park. A local favorite since 2007, this 40,000-square-foot space features a variety of pools and slides as well as a lazy river, adults-only hot tub, and kiddie play area. Grab a snack or a meal at the Great Barrier Reef Concession Stand or at Garbonzo's Pizza and Arcade while you're there. The water park is open to the public seven days a week. Day passes start at $13.95 for ages 5-12 and $23.95 for ages 13 and up. Kids four and under get in free with a paying adult, and private cabana rentals are available for an additional fee. If you decide to extend your day trip into an overnight getaway, note that hotel guests have access to extended water park hours and discounted tickets. Since water park hours fluctuate throughout the year, please check the website for more information when making your plans. North Dakota Museum of Art For a leisurely day trip experience, visit the North Dakota Museum of Art, located on the University of North Dakota's campus in Grand Forks. This private, not-for-profit institution features rotating regional, national, and international exhibits and is nationally recognized for its human rights exhibitions. Art classes for both adults and children are offered throughout the year, and free art education packs are available for all guests to take home with them. The museum is open Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Saturday and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free, but a $5 donation for adults is suggested. A cafe and a gift shop are located in the museum, so take a few minutes to browse or have a cup of coffee while you're there. Skate City If you're looking for a place where the kids can burn some energy or if you'd like to get in some fun exercise, try Skate City in Fargo. It houses the largest skating floor in North Dakota as well as a concession stand and arcade. Hours and prices vary according to the date and time you visit, so check the website for more information. Fargo Air Museum Interested in aviation? Stop by the Fargo Air Museum where you can explore two hangers filled with aircraft and interactive displays. The museum houses a full-scale replica of a Wright Brothers Flyer as well as a modern MQ-1 Predator unmanned drone. According to the website, 90% of the aircraft on display are in flying condition. The museum is pet-friendly, so feel free to bring your four-legged friends with you. Tickets are $10 for adults and $6 for children ages 5-12. Children four and under are free, while students, members of the military, and seniors get in for $8. Museum volunteers provide guided tours upon request for groups of five or more. Reservations are required for guided tours; call 701-293-8043 to schedule. If you prefer to explore at your own pace, take a self-guided audio tour. The museum is open Tuesday-Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is closed on Mondays. Fargodome - Gate City Bank Theater and Field Want to plan your day trip around a show or a game? Check out the Fargodome. The Gate City Bank Theater, located inside the Fargodome, hosts a number of different events, such as concerts, trade shows, and off-Broadway plays, throughout the year. Past performers have included Luke Bryan, Justin Timberlake, Carrie Underwood, Taylor Swift, and many others. The theater seats up to 25,000 people for full arena concerts. If you'd rather catch a sporting event, visit on a fall weekend and watch the North Dakota State Bisons play on the Gate City Bank Field. The football arena seats almost 19,000 people and boasts one of the largest video board systems in college football. Combined, the video boards encompass 8,500 square feet and use more than 8 million LED lights. A visit to the Fargodome might take a little more planning than other day-trip activities, but you may find it well worth the time and effort. Look through the upcoming events on the website to find an event that sounds fun. Several restaurants are located nearby, making it easy to grab lunch or dinner before or after your event. Sky Zone Trampoline Park Check out Sky Zone Trampoline Park in Fargo for high-flying fun. Work on your parkour skills, join a dodgeball game, or just enjoy freestyle jump on the wall-to-wall trampolines that stretch across the facility. The Air Court is the perfect spot for a game of basketball, soccer, or dodgeball, while the Battle Beam provides guests with a fun space to test their coordination and balance. For a unique experience, visit on Saturday nights from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. during Sky Zone's weekly Glow event, when the lights go off and lasers and black lights come on. Tickets for Glow are $25. For regular park hours, prices range from $14.99 for one hour to $24.99 for two. Tickets are available for purchase online or at the door. Sky Zone is open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily with extended hours on Thursday and Saturday mornings from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. for children six and under. We hope this list of indoor day trip ideas in the Thompson area helps you plan your next outing. If we left off one of your favorite places, please let us know so we can add it. Just give us a call or send us an email at Rydell Honda of Grand Forks. We would love to hear from you!

Nov 24, 2021 in Local Tips

5 Best Pizza Spots in Grand Forks

Grand Forks has a plethora of pizza locations that can satisfy your craving for a flavorful slice, but some stand out above the rest. If you're looking for the best pizza locations in the city, we have the lineup you're looking for. Check out these local hot spots for unique pies, fresh homemade ingredients, and outstanding quality. The options are so diverse you could have a pizza night every day of the week and never eat the same thing twice. more Rhombus Guys Pizza 312 Kittson Avenue, Grand Forks Rhombus Guys Pizza has served customers faithfully for more than a decade. Business Insider called it the Best Pizza in the State. It's not only a local favorite but a top choice among visitors as well. Try the award-winning T-Rex pizza topped with pepperoni, sausage, Canadian bacon, bacon, beef, and mozzarella. The Midwesterner is the T-Rex plus green peppers, onions, and a side of ranch. If you're looking for something unique, the Taco pizza is a great pick, featuring beef, black olives, and onions. After the pizza comes out of the oven, it gets topped with tortilla chips, tomato, lettuce, and cheddar cheese. Sour cream and salsa come on the side. Rhombus Guys offers several distinctive gourmet pie options that are sure to leave an impression. The Thai Chicken pizza comes with chicken, onions, red peppers, mozzarella, Thai peanut sauce, and a cilantro garnish. On the Blue Heaven, you'll find slices of New York strip, bacon, tomato, red peppers, cheddar, mozzarella, and blue cheese with a blue cheese cream sauce. From the Louisiana Saturday Night with shrimp and Cajun marinade to the Happy Pig with honey barbecue and pulled pork, you'll find creative pizza choices to suit any taste. Popolino's Pizza 2600 Demers Ave #108, Grand Forks Popolino's Pizza is a longtime staple of the Grand Forks area, serving customers since 1990. The menu includes all the classics, as well as a few innovative options such as the Hot Wing pizza with grilled garlic chicken and hot wing sauce or the Beef Tostada with taco sauce and taco meat. You can also create your own pizza from more than a dozen toppings. Round out your meal with sides like breadsticks, cheesy bread, cinnamon bread, or wings for a satisfying dinner that keeps you out of your kitchen. Popolino's runs specials every day of the week so you can always find a great deal, whether you're enjoying a weekend of family fun or grabbing a bite after weeknight soccer practice. You can also join the pizzeria's loyalty program and earn rewards the more you order. After just five visits, you'll get a free 2-liter, and 20 visits earn you $10 off a regular pizza. SlapShot Pizza & Fat Albert's Subs Image via Unsplash by @kiboka 2215 Gateway Drive STE A, Grand Forks SlapShot Pizza has been in business for more than two decades. Every day, the staff makes pizza dough, pizza sauce, and Chocolate Butterscotch Special K Bars from scratch. You can build your own pizza with either a regular crust or a chewy Brooklyn-style crust seasoned with garlic butter, Italian spices, and cheeses. SlapShot also offers a selection of specialty pizzas, including the Playmaker cheeseburger pizza and the Chicken Cordon Bleu pizza with Alfredo sauce in place of marinara. If you're looking for a low-carb option, you can order a crustless pizza that features sauce, cheese, and your chosen toppings in a 9-inch dish. SlapShot's EndZones are fun takes on calzones served in four wedges. You can also order Fat Albert's salads or subs. Round out your meal with appetizers such as breadsticks, cheese sticks, mozzarella sticks, or jalapeno poppers. For dessert, add an order of cinnamon and sugar dessert sticks, Special K bars, or monster cookies. Brick & Barley 9 North 3rd Street, Grand Forks Brick & Barley is an upscale pub where you can find a varied menu of food and drinks. The restaurant is closed Monday and Tuesday but stays open till 2 a.m. Wednesday through Sunday, making it an ideal choice for a late-night bite. The pizza menu includes eight signature 14-inch pizzas with intriguing combinations. For something truly unique, try the Pickle topped with a house-made remoulade sauce, pickles, and mozzarella cheese. The Beast is packed with flavor, featuring pepperoni, Italian sausage, bacon, chicken, taco beef, and Italian seasoning. Cheese lovers will adore The Prime with mozzarella, parmesan, gorgonzola, and provolone as well as pepperoni, Italian sausage, and mushrooms. If your party can't agree on pizza, you'll find plenty of other options on the menu, including burgers, sandwiches, pasta, and an impressive selection of appetizers like wings, cheese curds, pretzel sticks, crab cakes, and more. Brick & Barley also has an extensive drink menu with beer, cocktails, wine, and specialty martinis. The Toasted Frog 124 North 3rd Street, Grand Forks The Toasted Frog is much more than a pizza joint, but you'll be hard-pressed to order anything else after reading reviews like, "The best pizza I've had after living 7 years in Italy." Anytime you can find pizza on a menu alongside gourmet dishes such as filet mignon, wood-fired prime rib melt, an elk burger, you can bet it will be good. The Toasted Frog features nine wood-fired pizzas. You can keep it simple with pepperoni, sausage, or classic Margherita pizza, or try one of the restaurant's more creative options. If you're in the mood for something different, the Gorgonzola and Beef Tips pizza features beef tips marinated in balsamic and brown sugar, roasted red peppers, caramelized onions, fresh basil, and garlic-infused olive oil. The Roma-Sonoma comes piled with artichokes, grilled chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh mozzarella. Barbecue lovers can blend two favorites with the BBQ Pork pizza topped with pulled pork, caramelized onions, mozzarella, and chipotle barbecue sauce. Did we include your favorite pizza joint on the list? If we missed a top spot for pizza in the Grand Forks area, contact our team at Rydell Honda of Grand Forks and let us know. We love having great recommendations to pass along to our customers when they drive off the lot.