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5 Fun Ways to Spend the Day in Grafton, ND

People playing hockey on outdoor ice rink at night

Grafton, ND, is full of fun places to spend the day. Whether you want to spend time inside or outside, there are plenty of options to choose from. Here are five fun ways to spend the day around Grafton, courtesy of Rydell Honda of Grand Forks.

1. Hit the Rink

Image via Flickr by Sharon Mollerus

Grafton has both indoor and outdoor rinks that you can visit for some fun on the ice. If you prefer to stay indoors, try out the public skating at Centennial Center. You can visit the Parks and Recreation page for a full schedule of their available public skating times. There are also hockey games that you can watch while enjoying some tasty concession food. 

If you want to get outside while the weather is still cold, there are two rinks that you can visit. Schumacher Park's Hill Avenue Outdoor Ice Rink is a great place to take your stick and puck for a pick-up game of hockey. The other rink is Leistikow Park's Outdoor Skating Rink, which includes a warming house next to the rink. If you want to play hockey, avoid this one, as sticks and pucks are not allowed.

2. Visit a Leistikow Park

Besides being home to an outdoor rink, Leistikow Park is full of fun things to do in the winter and summer. During the winter, you can hit the cross-country ski trails. They have ski or snowshoe rentals available at the office that let you rent your equipment and then head out for the day. If you don't want to ski, you can always take a walk as well. 

Leistikow Park is also a campground where you can pitch a tent, rent a site for a recreational vehicle, or book a cabin. There are lots of options so you can book in any season. 

During the warmer months, the park is home to a disk golf course and outdoor swimming pool. Visitors can also go fishing or rent water vehicles like paddle boats, canoes, and kayaks. If you enjoy sports, there is a basketball court and tennis courts.

3. Enjoy Dinner and a Show

The Strand Twin Theater is a great place to visit for a fun movie night. They have a different movie that plays on weekends, but be sure to double-check to see what's playing before you go. They are also open during the evenings to pick up concessions as well. 

Local Grafton Restaurants

Before the show, you can visit one of the local restaurants for a tasty dinner. Some of the local restaurants you can visit include Last Chance Bar and Grill, Azteca Mexican Grill, and Granny's Family Restaurant. 

 4. Drive to a State Park

There are a variety of state parks that are a short distance from Grafton, ND. One of the parks nearby is Icelandic State Park. The park has many historical buildings that you can explore while enjoying the trails in the area. 

The park has a variety of activities that you can enjoy in both the winter and summer months. During the colder months, you can snowshoe or cross-country ski. In the warmer months, popular activities include boating, fishing, and swimming.  There are picnic areas available, as well, if you get hungry. 

Gunlogson Nature Preserve

The Gunlogson Nature Preserve is also in the park and is the first dedicated state nature preserve in North Dakota. It is home to many different species of plants, birds, and wildlife that you can see. 

Turtle River State Park

Another state park in the area is the Turtle River State Park. This park lies along the Turtle River. While it shares a variety of similar activities to the Icelandic State Park like cross-country skiing and hiking, it also offers visitors the chance to enjoy mountain biking and sledding. If you enjoy fly-fishing, the river is also full of trout and is a great place to try your hand at catching a fish.

Turtle River State Park is home to over 12 miles of trails along the river, so there are also many places to explore.

If you decide that you want to stay the night, both state parks have campgrounds and cabin rentals available.

5. Visit Grand Forks 

Grand Forks is less than an hour from Grafton, ND.  If you decide to head to Grand Forks, you have many ways you can spend your day. Whether you want to visit an indoor water park and spend the day splashing in the water, go shopping, find a new burger joint, or spend time outside, there is something for everyone in Grand Forks.

Splasher's of the South Seas

If want to spend the day playing in the water, Splasher's of the South Seas is an indoor water park, complete with water slides, a lazy river, and other water experiences. It's a great and fun way to cool off in the summer. And, as a heated water park, you can also stay warm there in the winter months. 

Columbia and Grand Cities Mall

If shopping is more up your alley, the Columbia Mall features a lot of specialty stores, all in one place. Grand Cities Mall is also a great place to visit and has an array of locally owned businesses. 

Grand Forks is also full of opportunities to spend time outside. If you are interested in golf, visiting local parks, or looking for opportunities for outdoor adventures, there is no shortage of fun to be had outside. Be sure to check out the Visiting Grand Forks website for a complete list of available activities. 

Contact Rydell Honda of Grand Forks

Whether you want to stay in Grafton or explore the surrounding area, there are plenty of ways you can spend the day having fun. These are just five of many things that you can do for fun around Grafton. What is something you like to do for fun in the area? We at Rydell Honda of Grand Forks would love to hear from you!

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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. 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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. 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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. 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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. 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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!

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.