The history of Grand Forks is similar to that of other cities in the region. Trappers and traders were the first visitors and settlers after the Native Americans. The place was dubbed Les Grandes Fourches ("The Grand Forks") by French fur traders in the late 18th century. It flourished with the introduction of the Great Northern Railway in 1880 and the arrival of steamboat traffic in 1870. Later, the place grew as a trading and agricultural center for a fertile wheat-growing region, attracting Norwegian immigration. Unfortunately, floodwaters from the Red River wreaked havoc on Grand Forks and East Grand Forks in 1997, forcing nearly all city people to flee.

If you're passing through Grand Forks or are visiting for a more extended period, don't worry: there will be enough to do during your stay. Here are the top things to do in Grand Forks, from arts, culture, and history to outdoor activities and hockey.

Visit the North Dakota Museum of Art
The museum is at the hub of Grand Forks. The North Dakota Museum of Art hosts some special shows spotlighting regional artists. The Museum, which features everything from modern Native American life to Chinese vases, encourages visitors to broaden their views and perceptions of art.

You'll be surrounded by contemporary art created by Native American and international artists here, making the real estate market in Grand Forks more appealing. This museum also features a lovely peony and sculpture garden.

Take a trip to Splasher's of South Seas Water Park
Want to spend time with the family? This is the place. An indoor water park is one of those beautiful things to do in Grand Forks when the weather turns chilly, as it happens in North Dakota. Splashers of the South Seas Water Park, with over 40,000 square feet of water-based fun featuring slides, a lazy pool, and a kids-only dedicated section, provides everything your family needs to have some indoor fun.

Explore the Japanese Gardens
You may enjoy not only the park's playground, pathways, and scenery but also a gorgeous Japanese garden when you visit Sertoma Park in Grand Forks. A peaceful stroll through the garden and park may be what you need to unwind and clear your mind. Take a walk across a footbridge that spans the park's waterway and see the ducks and other wildlife that call it home.

Ralph Engelstad Arena
Take some time to enjoy hockey, one of North Dakota's most famous ice sports! The "Fighting Hawks," who play in one of the best hockey arenas in the world, Ralph Englestad Arena or "The Ralph," have a "perfect record" for good times and remain one of the top things to do in Grand Forks.

Empire Arts Center
The arts and cultural centers are lucrative in the real estate market in Grand Forks, ND. The Empire Arts Center in North Dakota, in particular, is thriving with contemporary plays and musicals. It is the state's only professional theater company that puts on a complete season of shows. In addition, the place has produced eight seasons of sports that have enthralled and excited thousands of North Dakotans since 2012. So if there's a show on while you're there, it's still one of the best things to do in Grand Forks.