Ten important skateboard spots in Grand Forks, North Dakota
1. Grand Forks Skatepark
Located at 1101 47th Ave S, Grand Forks Skatepark is one of the main skateboarding attractions in the city. This public park features a variety of obstacles, making it suitable for skaters of all levels. The park has everything from quarter pipes and half pipes to a variety of rails and ledges. The smooth concrete surface and well-maintained ramps allow for consistent flow, and its spacious layout ensures that skaters have enough room to practice and push their limits. The park is popular with local skateboarders, making it a great place to meet other skaters and learn new tricks. For those seeking a more community-oriented experience, it is highly recommended.
Highlights:
- Quarter pipes, half pipes, and ledges
- Smooth concrete surface
- Open to skaters of all skill levels
- A central location for meeting local skaters
2. Columbia Park
Columbia Park, located near the Grand Forks International Airport at 2300 Columbia Rd, offers a more natural environment for skateboarders. While the park is primarily known for its walking trails and open green spaces, it also has several areas where skaters can enjoy smooth, uninterrupted pavement. The flat surfaces in and around the park’s various paths make it perfect for cruising, slalom, or freestyle skating. The natural landscape adds an extra layer of charm, with the surrounding trees providing shade and making it a peaceful escape for those looking to skate away from the hustle and bustle.
Highlights:
- Smooth, flat pavement perfect for cruising
- Scenic surroundings with trees and green spaces
- Ideal for freestyle and slalom skating
- Great for skaters seeking a relaxed environment
3. University of North Dakota Campus
The University of North Dakota (UND) campus, located at 264 Centennial Dr, is another prime skateboarding spot in Grand Forks. As one of the city’s central hubs, the campus features wide walkways, smooth surfaces, and a variety of ledges and stair sets. Many skateboarders use the campus as a place to work on their tricks, especially around the Memorial Union, the Law School building, and the areas near the UND School of Law. The university’s campus offers a blend of architectural features that cater to street-style skaters, including ledges, stairs, and low rails. It’s also easy to find new spots as the campus layout provides plenty of exploration opportunities.
Highlights:
- Wide walkways and smooth concrete
- A variety of architectural features, including ledges, stairs, and rails
- Popular with local skaters
- Easily accessible with plenty of exploration potential
4. Lindenwood Park
Lindenwood Park is located along the Red River at 1701 3rd St NW and is one of Grand Forks' scenic spots. This park is great for skateboarders who enjoy a blend of both urban and natural environments. While Lindenwood Park has some areas with rougher terrain, it also features smooth, well-maintained paths and paved areas that are ideal for cruising. In addition to these features, the park is home to several benches, rails, and other elements that can be used for tricks. For skaters who prefer a more chill atmosphere, Lindenwood Park is the perfect place to skate along the river and relax in nature.
Highlights:
- Scenic riverfront location
- Smooth paths ideal for cruising
- Opportunities for using benches and rails for tricks
- Relaxed atmosphere in a natural setting
5. The Greenway
Grand Forks’ Greenway is an extensive park system running along the Red River, providing a mix of urban and natural spaces. The Greenway features long stretches of smooth concrete, making it an excellent place for skaters to cruise or practice their tricks. This spot is also known for being a popular meeting place for skateboarders and cyclists. There are plenty of open spaces within the Greenway that provide perfect opportunities for skating. The park’s scenic views and connection to other parts of the city add to its appeal, making it an ideal location for skateboarders looking for variety and ample space to skate.
Highlights:
- Long, smooth paths ideal for cruising
- Beautiful river views and open spaces
- Popular with other skaters and cyclists
- Good location for practicing tricks and longboarding
6. Downtown Grand Forks
Downtown Grand Forks offers a variety of urban skateboarding opportunities. The smooth sidewalks, low ledges, and rails found in this area provide great spots for street skaters to practice tricks. The downtown area is home to several pedestrian-friendly streets, and with its collection of stairs, rails, and benches, it’s an ideal location for skaters to explore. Some of the best spots are near the Grand Forks Public Library, the Grand Forks County Courthouse, and the surrounding plaza areas. The urban feel of downtown combined with the architecture offers endless possibilities for street-style skaters.
Highlights:
- Smooth sidewalks and urban obstacles
- Ledges, stairs, and rails around the downtown area
- Great for street skating and exploring new spots
- Pedestrian-friendly environment
7. Choice Health & Fitness Parking Lot
Located at 4401 S 11th St, the Choice Health & Fitness parking lot has become a local favorite for skateboarders looking for a smooth surface to practice tricks. While it's not a traditional skatepark, the large parking lot provides plenty of space for skaters to carve, cruise, and work on technical maneuvers. The lot is typically less crowded than other areas, offering skaters the opportunity to focus on their skills without distractions. It’s especially popular for practicing transitions, sliding, and grinding, as there are some low obstacles around the perimeter of the lot that skaters can use creatively.
Highlights:
- Large, smooth parking lot with plenty of space
- Low obstacles for grinding and sliding
- Less crowded than other skate spots
- Ideal for practicing technical skills
8. Hickson Park
Hickson Park, located at 5111 S 19th St, is another hidden gem for skateboarders in Grand Forks. This small, community park offers some paved pathways and open areas where skaters can practice their tricks. While the park is not as heavily frequented by skateboarders as some other spots, it still provides a quiet environment to work on new moves. The nearby flat areas are perfect for slalom skating, while the park’s benches and low rails offer additional obstacles to incorporate into tricks. Hickson Park is a peaceful location where skaters can escape the more crowded spots and enjoy a session in solitude.
Highlights:
- Quiet, peaceful park with minimal crowds
- Flat areas for slalom and cruising
- Benches and low rails for tricks
- Great for skaters seeking a calm environment
9. Alerus Center Parking Lot
The Alerus Center parking lot, located at 1200 S 42nd St, is another prime skateboarding location for those looking for wide, open spaces. The parking lot has smooth concrete and enough room for skaters to set up long runs, perform tricks, or simply cruise around. As with other parking lots, the lack of pedestrian traffic makes it a relatively safe place for practicing. The obstacles around the perimeter, such as benches and curbs, provide skaters with a variety of options to incorporate into their routines. The large, empty lot is often less busy during off-hours, making it an ideal location for dedicated skaters.
Highlights:
- Large parking lot with smooth concrete
- Perimeter obstacles for skating
- Less crowded during off-hours
- Ideal for practicing long runs and technical tricks
10. North Dakota Museum of Art Courtyard
The North Dakota Museum of Art, located at 2610 E 5th St, offers a unique environment for skateboarders. The museum’s courtyard is a hidden gem, featuring a series of benches, ledges, and other urban features that make it a perfect spot for street-style skaters. The concrete layout provides smooth surfaces for tricks and allows for creative line skating. While not a traditional skatepark, the museum’s public courtyard offers a clean, well-maintained space for practicing ollies, grinds, and slides. This location is also ideal for those who enjoy combining skateboarding with an appreciation of art and culture.
Highlights:
- Urban courtyard with ledges, benches, and smooth concrete
- A mix of artistic and architectural features
- Ideal for street-style skating and trick lines
- A unique location that combines art with skateboarding
Skateboarding is tribal and most locals are welcoming, but if you're new to a spot, or just passing through, have respect for the locals. Listen. Be smart. Have fun.
A human being
Art can change the world – and everybody is an artist. Those who scribble stickmen. Those who paint chapel ceilings. Those who tattoo biceps. Those who are careful with pigment on canvas. Those who create fantasy characters. Those who paint pet portraits. Those who yarn bomb. Those who write poems on crappy old cardboard.
My art lives on the bottom of skateboard decks. It's designed for you to destroy. For you, the rider, my art may come second to the deck’s ability to perform – and that’s awesome. To me, art comes first. Always.
It’s how I think. It’s who I am. It’s what I am.
A machine
This article has been created with the help of artificial intelligence platforms ChatGPT and Bard. If there are inaccuracies or there are opportunities for improvement, please let me know.
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