The North Dakota Department of Commerce has launched its latest statewide tourism initiative, “Experience North Dakota Like a Local: Where Creative Cities Meet Legendary Landscapes.” Designed to draw travelers into longer, more immersive visits, the campaign spotlights communities like Grand Forks—blending small-city creativity, outdoor adventure, and local hospitality into one cohesive travel experience.
For Grand Forks, inclusion in this campaign is a chance to strengthen its reputation as both a cultural hub and a gateway to outdoor exploration. With the Red River winding through the city, public art installations along downtown corridors, and a growing music and food scene, the city fits neatly into the campaign’s theme of connecting creativity with natural beauty.
The Greater Grand Forks Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB)—tasked with promoting local tourism, conventions, and events—can now leverage the statewide spotlight to draw visitors from nearby Minnesota and beyond.
“This campaign aligns perfectly with how we’ve been marketing Grand Forks for years,” said Julie Rygg, Executive Director of Visit Greater Grand Forks. “We’re a place where you can enjoy the arts, take in the outdoors, and experience the friendliness that defines North Dakota.”
According to the North Dakota Department of Commerce’s Tourism and Marketing Director, Sara Otte Coleman, the goal is to help travelers “see North Dakota through the eyes of locals—whether that’s enjoying a craft beer downtown, biking the Greenway, or catching live music in a neighborhood park.”
Local businesses in Grand Forks are also enthusiastic. Ryan Nagle, owner of The Ember Coffeehouse downtown, said, “When people come for the art walks or hockey weekends, they end up exploring the rest of town. A campaign like this keeps that local energy going year-round.”
Grand Forks’ inclusion in the Experience North Dakota Like a Local campaign reflects its growing recognition as a destination that blends arts, innovation, and adventure. As fall colors settle over the Red River Valley, the city stands ready to welcome travelers seeking authenticity—just as the campaign promises.
With statewide coordination and community collaboration, Grand Forks has a new platform to show what locals already know: there’s something legendary about living, and visiting, here.
