5 Best Outdoor Summer Trips from Grand Forks, ND

If you’re looking for some fun day trips while living in Grand Forks, ND, you’ve come to the right place! Here’s a round-up of some of the best places to explore, all within a few hours drive from Grand Forks/East Grand Forks. Here are some of the best outdoor activities:

5) White Horse Hill National Game Preserve

Located in St. Michael, ND (100 Miles from Grand Forks, ND)

Want to get up close with nature? Then a trip to White Horse Hill National Game Preserve is essential! This 1,674 acre preserve was initially established as a national park in 1904 and later transferred as part of the National Wildlife Refuge System in 1931. The preserve protects more than 100 species of wildlife (including elk, black-tailed praire dogs, and bison), making it perfect for wildlife watching, taking a leisurely hike among the trees, or driving the loop around the preserve. 

Pair this reserve with an afternoon on Devil's Lake fishing, or test your luck at Spirit Lake Casino, and you have yourself a great day trip from home!

4) Turtle River State Park

Located by Arvilla, ND (20 miles from Grand Forks, ND)

Looking for a quick outdoor adventure less than 30 minutes from Grand Forks/East Grand Forks? Look no further than Turtle River State Park! This 2,000 acre park has plenty to offer - from fishing turtle river, hiking or biking 12 miles of looped trails, this park is great for a morning or afternoon trip to get out of town.

3) Voyageurs View Tubing

Located in Red Lake Falls, MN (40 miles from Grand Forks, ND)

Head to Red Lake Falls Voyageurs Tubing Adventure for an unforgettable journey! This tubing excursion gives you the perfect opportunity to explore nature, relax and make lasting memories with friends and family.

The voyage begins at a dropoff point 4 miles up river. You can hop on your tube, kayak, or canoe (rentals available) and start your adventure down the scenic meandering river. During your journey, you'll get to see the beautiful rolling hills of Minnesota and lush foliage that line the shoreline. Halfway through, make sure you have your favorite beverage to enjoy with others at the sandbar. You end the 4 mile trip at Voyageurs View Campground where you can relax with a picnic or drive a few miles away for a meal in Red Lake Falls.

2) Itasca State Park

Located North of Park Rapids, MN (120 miles from Grand Forks, ND)

Itasca State Park is an unforgettable nature experience. Located a little over 2 hours from Grand Forks/ East Grand Forks, it is the source of the Mississippi River and home to some of the best hiking, biking, camping, and fishing around Eastern ND and Northwestern MN.

Itasca State Park offers over 32,000 acres of wildlife with 49 miles of hiking trails, 16 miles of biking trails (bike rentals are available), miles of shoreline for fishing walleye or bass, and many campgrounds to choose from if you would like to stay the night (Keep in mind, Minnesota's oldest state park requires a reservation long in advance!). You also have the opportunity to walk throught the headwaters of the Mississippi River, learn about the diverse geology of the area,  or dine at Douglas Lodge after a day full of action. 

Itasca State Park is one of my favorite locations on this list!

1) Pembina Gorge

Located by Walhalla, ND (100 miles from Grand Forks, ND)

Visiting Pembina Gorge State Recreational Area is a great way to get out of the hustle and bustle of everyday life. With over 5,000 acres of diverse terrain, there's something for everyone to enjoy! The park has an abundance of hiking trails ranging from easy strolls through the trees to more challenging climbs up rocky bluffs. Enjoy a horse-ride along crystal-clear Pembina River or take a refreshing dip in the summer months by renting a kayak for a summer paddle!

You can explore the area on foot, bicycle, 4-wheeler, or horseback. There are camping sites available as well, so you can stay overnight and really get away from it all. Birdwatching is popular, and you may even spot a few deer if you're lucky.

No matter what your activity of choice is, Pembina Gorge State Recreational Area is sure to provide hours of fun for all ages. Enjoy the views from the bluffs, take breathtaking photos along the trails, or just relax by the river. Whatever it is that brings you here, Pembina Gorge is sure to be a memorable outdoor experience!

There it is, the 5 easiest day-trips from Grand Forks, ND and East Grand Forks, MN that will make your summer full of memories.