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Many students at the University of North Dakota who live outside of Grand Forks end up spending their summer breaks in town, which may seem like an obstacle for many. While Grand Forks might not be the most extravagant place to celebrate a break from school, there are a handful of activities that college students can take part in to help make the break a bit more enjoyable.
Downtown Grand Forks is a hotspot for fun things to do, especially this summer. On Wednesdays, there will be food trucks parked downtown for people to visit. Farmers markets will often pop up during the summer and fall as well. Coffee shops like Urban Stampede and Ember Coffeehouse are great downtown cafés to stop at, especially if you are in summer classes and are needing a new environment to study in. If you enjoy the movies, River Cinema is always showing new films, which means you are usually always bound to find one that appeals to you.
If you are seeking out ways to get active, taking a walk on the Greenway is always a good idea, especially with the warm weather. If you are willing to spend some money, Northern Air Action Park makes for a fun day with friends. The park offers indoor karting, trampolines, arcade games and more. If you enjoy fitness classes, Lotus Yoga and Zen River offer group yoga classes, and with classes catering to different experience levels, anyone can participate.
Anyone who has taken a walk down University Avenue has likely seen Bird scooters sitting alongside the sidewalks. Bird scooters are electric scooters that can be activated for use with their downloadable app. They are not only found on campus, but you can typically find them at parks around town as well. They can be used as an alternate transportation option or simply as a fun activity.
While being on campus during the school year might not always be the most enjoyable experience thanks to classes, the summer offers more stress-free opportunities. The North Dakota Museum of Art is open to the public, and new exhibitions are featured every few months. If you are looking for more art-related activities, the Empire Arts Center that is located downtown often shows different films, hosts different performances and is opening their arts gallery to the public.
Sometimes, simple and laidback activities are the best. Having a picnic at University Park is a low-budget, easy thing to do that can provide for a fun hangout with friends or a peaceful self-care activity to do on your own. Walking around the historical neighborhoods located along Reeves Drive and Belmont Road offers a peaceful walk outside with some sightseeing included.
While summer in Grand Forks may sound lackluster, there are several hidden gems around town that provide for enjoyable experiences. If you are willing to get a bit creative with how to spend your time, staying in town can be a memorable and enjoyable few months.
Ava Stockstad is a Dakota Student General Reporter. She can be reached at [email protected].
