Park River, North Dakota, is a small town in northeast North Dakota that’s full of beautiful parks, recreation spots, and quaint places to eat and shop. About an hour from Grand Forks, this is a great place to visit during the summer for a small getaway alone or with family. Here are some reasons to add Park River to your list of weekend getaway spots.
Homme Dam Recreation Area
As you plan your summer getaway to Park River, be sure to include the Homme Dam Recreation Area. During the warm summer months, this play is perfect for outdoor fun, adventure, and relaxation, whatever your cup of tea. The area is open from May through November for camping, hiking, fishing, swimming, and much more. Campsites are available for $15 to $35 per night depending on the type you choose (no electric, with electric, and with electric and water are all available). You can also rent campsites by the month for a longer time to enjoy the area.
Get out on the water in a kayak or paddle boat and explore the peaceful Homme Lake and South Branch Park River for only $10 per hour for the first three hours and an additional $5 per hour after that. Relax on the beach or get in the water at the swimming area or cast a line at the nearby fishing pier. Homme Dam Recreation Area also offers hot showers, a playground, picnic areas, a bike and walking path, and volleyball courts. Campsite reservations and more information are available on the Homme Dam website.
Hillcrest Golf Club
Hillcrest Golf Club offers a par 35, nine-hole regulation golf course that features 2,500 yards of golf. You can visit their website or call to check on tee times and fees. It’s always a good idea to check in before your visit to make sure there’s a spot available for you and your crew to enjoy a game. The course is open daily and memberships are available for frequent visitors.
Stop by the snack shop or the bar after some time out on the green and enjoy something yummy. Don’t forget to visit the pro shop before you leave.
Lyric Theatre
Built and in 1915, Lyric Theatre is a charming old movie theater on Briggs Avenue South in Park River. If you’re visiting the town during the summer, you might come across a rainy day or an evening with no plans. Catch a movie at Lyric Theatre and enjoy yummy snacks, deals on candy and popcorn, and a charming atmosphere. Keep up with Lyric Theatre’s social media accounts to see which movies are showing and available specials on food.
You can even get pick-up popcorn to enjoy back at the campsite or motel during your stay. Grab a box to go after your movie and take a stroll along Briggs Avenue. There are lots of local places to grab a late bite to eat, shop, and just enjoy the small-town culture on this street.
Hahn’s Bakery
Another great spot on Briggs Avenue, Hahn’s Bakery, previously known as Welch’s Bakery, serves up fresh pastries and pizza. Just a few doors down from the theater, this is a good place to grab something tasty before or after a movie. Try some of their made-from-scratch baked goods whether you’re craving something sweet or savory. Locals love the crunch donuts and the garlic herb rolls. Everything is made fresh, so their offerings are always changing but always mouth-watering.
Alexander House Motel
If you’d rather stay in a motel than camp at the Homme Dam Recreation Area, consider the Alexander House Motel. Right in the heart of Park River, this motel is a favorite local spot for a great steak and good drinks. You’ll find affordable rooms for rent, an on-site bar, and a welcoming steakhouse restaurant when you visit the Alexander House Motel.
Enjoy a relaxing dinner when you choose from their menu loaded with tempting options like eight different steak dishes including a whiskey-marinated sirloin, fried shrimp, and Chicken Kiev. If you have kids along for the visit, the Alexander House Motel restaurant has options like chicken nuggets, mini corn dogs, and grilled cheese.
Gramma Jo’s Kitchen
No matter where you decide to stay in Park River, you’re going to need a good breakfast and lunch spot. Gramma Jo’s Kitchen is a must for all visitors in the area. Known for its great service and hometown cooking, this small restaurant offers up plenty of traditional American plates like loaded burgers with fried onion rings, Philly cheesesteak sandwiches, and a chicken strip salad.
Come by for hot coffee, fresh baked goods, and hash browns for breakfast. Start your day with fried eggs, toast, and ham, or keep it light healthy with a bran muffin. You can’t stop at a local, small-town diner such as Gramma Jo’s Kitchen without grabbing a slice of pie. They offer freshly-made apple, pumpkin, blueberry, and strawberry-rhubarb.
Ardoch Wildlife Refuge
Just outside of Park River, along Route 81 near the town of Warsaw, the Ardoch Wildlife Refuge is also worth checking out during your summer visit to Park City. This would be a good place to stop on the way to or from Park City from Grand Forks, since it’s along the route. Walk through the refuge or fish in one of the designated areas. Head out onto Lake Ardoch for a peaceful time on the water and you might even catch a few. Keep the rules and regulations for fishing in wildlife refuges during your visit.
Contact Rydell Outlet
So, there you have it, Rydell Outlet Center’s list of reasons to visit Park River in the summer. Contact us to let us know if we missed a major area attraction and maybe we’ll have to add it to the list. Plan a time to take your family, friends, or someone special up to this peaceful, quaint town for a little summer getaway. You’re sure to make some great memories and have a relaxing time.
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