Hotels in Grand Forks, North Dakota

Grand Forks Introduction

Grand Forks is named for its picturesque location at the confluence of the Red and Red Lake rivers—a piece of geographical good fortune that has made this friendly city a popular center for adventure sports such as canoeing and tubing. Grand Forks is also home to the historic University of North Dakota, which counts a prestigious art museum and performing-arts auditorium among the many landmarks on its charming campus. From the tranquil Japanese garden of Sertoma Park to the Arnold Palmer-designed King’s Walk Golf Course, Grand Forks offers vacationers a restorative combination of culture, recreation, and all-round good living.

Hotels in Grand Forks

Thanks in part to the city’s thriving university, hotels in Grand Forks are well used to catering to travelers, and offer good-value rooms and suites all year round. Budget-friendly motels cater for dollar-lite students, tried-and-tested national chains provide reliable comforts for visiting academics, and smart townhouses offer the little touches of luxury that make a romantic getaway extra special. Look for the cheapest Grand Forks hotel deals outside the university semesters and take advantage of wider availability across the whole range of accommodation. It pays to shop around for last-minute bargains, leaving you with plenty of spending cash.

Where to stay

The majority of hotels in Grand Forks are within convenient reach of Interstate 29, the main north–south axis running through the city center. Here you’ll find a wide selection of familiar brands, so all you have to do is choose your favorite. Stay north of downtown to be close to the university campus, or book a hotel further south along I-29 and discover the bright window displays of Columbia Mall just a short stroll from your door. If you go for a scenic suite in an East Grand Forks establishment, you can enjoy tranquil strolls along the Red River valley or stimulating bike rides through the trails of Central Park.

Things to see

Soak up the scenic beauty of the Red River valley on a walk or cycle through the Greater Grand Forks Greenway. This verdant expanse of parkland comprises 20 miles of nature trails resplendent with wildflowers and native trees, as well as fishing areas and wildlife observation points. Wander through the Near Southside Historic District to discover an abundance of buildings dating from the coming of the railroad in 1880, many of them the work of North Dakota’s most celebrated architect, Joseph Bell DeRemer. DeRemer was also responsible for the original President’s House on the campus of the University of North Dakota, considered one of the finest examples of Colonial Revival architecture in the state. Stroll through the historic campus to admire its towering library, visit the prestigious collection of the North Dakota Museum of Art, or attend a performance at the Chester Fritz Auditorium, a striking landmark from the 1960s.

How to get to Grand Forks

Grand Forks International Airport is one of the busiest for its size in the country thanks to its links with the University of North Dakota’s School of Aerospace Sciences. Domestic passenger routes include a frequent nonstop service to Minneapolis-Saint Paul, which opens up a wide range of onward international connections. Grand Forks is also a stop on Amtrak’s Empire Builder line, while by road it's easily accessible from Interstate 29 and U.S. Routes 2 and 81. Travel in Grand Forks and the surrounding districts is supplied by the Cities Area Transit (CAT) network of public buses.