Car Rental - Grand Forks

 

Rent a car in Grand Forks, North Dakota, to explore a quietly creative city that sits on the banks of the Red River and straddles the border with Minnesota. Much of the city, which is home to the University of North Dakota, was rebuilt in the late 1990s.

Our pick-up point for car rental can be found at Grand Forks International Airport. This is situated just west of the city, around 15 minutes from the center and 10 minutes from the university.

If you’re looking for business car rental, then you might like a stylish sedan or cabriolet. A spacious SUV or hatchback could also be the perfect holiday car rental for family vacations or road trips around the Upper Midwest.

Collect your rental car from Grand Forks to explore South Dakota or head up towards remote and stunning state forests close to the Canadian border.  

Grand Forks Locations

A Quick Guide to Grand Forks

River Cities Speedway

River Cities Speedway

2300 Gateway Drive, ND, 58203

Swap your Grand Forks rental car for something faster at this dirt racetrack which has been crowned one of the best in the country. Alongside hosting popular events such as the World of Outlaws Sprint Cars, there are races here every Friday night during the summer.  

North Dakota Museum of Art

North Dakota Museum of Art

261 Centennial Drive, ND, 58202

This contemporary art museum houses regional, national, and international art but is best known for its human rights exhibitions. You can also see a recreation of New York artist Barton Benes’ apartment, including his collection of African art. Download the Passport Parking app and you’ll be able to park your Grand Forks rental car in front of the museum .

Sertoma Park

Sertoma Park

3300 11th Avenue South, ND, 58201

Wander around the tranquil Japanese Gardens of Sertoma Park, looking out for the three lanterns made from granite rock and stopping in the meditation area. There’s also a great playground for little ones and trails to follow on foot or by bike, and a parking lot for your Grand Forks car rental 

SpringHill Suites by Marriott Grand Forks

2837 South 42nd Street, ND, 58201

Meetings rooms, high-speed internet, in-room work desks, computers and printers all make this hotel ideal for those here on business. After a busy day, unwind in the hot tub, swim a few laps of the pool or head to the gym. The Ralph Engelstad Arena and the Alerus Center are both nearby, and with complimentary on-site parking, you can walk there knowing you have somewhere to leave your Grand Forks rental car .

Hilton Garden Inn Grand Forks-UND

4301 James Ray Drive, ND, 58203

If you’re in the city to visit the university, this hotel is a great choice. It’s located just one block away and is connected by a skywalk to the UND Aerospace campus.

Start the day with full breakfast in the on-site restaurant and end it at the pool before sinking into your comfortable bed. Free parking is also included for your rental car from Grand Forks .

Staybridge Suites Grand Forks

1175 South 42nd Street South, ND, 58201

The rooms at this hotel feature kitchens with refrigerators and stovetops but, if you don’t plan on self-catering, it’s just a short drive in your holiday rental car from the city’s restaurants too.

There’s a 24-hour business center, conference space and meeting rooms. When work is done, it’s good to know that there’s also a pool and fitness center to relax in. 

Rhombus Guys

312 Kittson Avenue, ND, 58201

Once a smoothie stand set up by the teenage owners, Rhombus Guys is now one of the most popular restaurants in the city.

On the menu you’ll find pizzas such as the award-winning ‘T-Rex’, with toppings including pepperoni, sausage and Canadian bacon. Top tier sandwiches and salads are available too. It’s a great place to unwind after a long day’s sightseeing in your Grand Forks rental car.

The Toasted Frog

124 North 3rd Street, ND, 58203

Dishes at this restaurant are described as American fare with global influences. Alongside appetizers such as fried calamari and buffalo wings, you’ll find wood-fired sandwiches including prime rib melt and portobello mushroom melt. That’s not all that’s wood-fired – the delectable s’mores are too.

Sky’s Restaurant

322 Demers Avenue, ND, 58201

Take in views of Downtown from the second floor of Edgewood Corporate Plaza at this fine-dining eatery which has been named as the most romantic restaurant in North Dakota.

For brunch there’s smoked salmon eggs Benedict and crème brulée French toast. For dinner, try New York strip, rack of lamb or seared scallops.

Driving In and Around Grand Forks

  • County Ramp (56721) is close to the Red River and the greenway that runs along it which includes Central Park and Lafave Park. 
  • UND Parking Services (58202) is a metered parking lot at the University of North Dakota – leave your Grand Forks rental car here if you’re planning a visit to the North Dakota Museum of Art.
  • Free on-street parking (58201) is available near to the Alerus Center. It’s also close to Sertoma Park and the Japanese Gardens. With car rental in Grand Forks, it’s easy to hop between attractions.
  • Interstate 29 (I-29) travels from north to south through the west of the city, continuing down to Kansas City and up towards the border with Canada.
  • US Route 2 (US 2) runs east to west in the north of Grand Forks, continuing into Minnesota and, in the opposite direction, across to the Montana state line. Hop in your rental car and embark on a Grand Forks road trip.
  • North Dakota Highway 297 (ND 297) connects to the I-29 in the west and takes you through the center of the city towards the east side.

How to Get From the Car Rental Center at Grand Forks International Airport to Ralph Engelstad Arena

It takes a little more than 10 minutes to drive the six miles from the car rental lot at Grand Forks International Airport to Ralph Engelstad Arena:
 

  1. Leave the Grand Forks International Airport car rental parking lot via Airport Drive.
  2. Turn left on to the US 2 East and keep following this road.
  3. Just after the river, turn right on to Ralph Engelstad Arena Drive.
  4. Turn right on to 10th Avenue North and then take the first left which will take you to the arena.
     

How to Get From the Car Rental Center at Grand Forks International Airport to Alerus Center

Alerus Center is just a 10-minute drive away when you rent a car from Grand Forks International Airport. Head straight out of the airport and stay on this road before turning left on to Demers Avenue. Turn right to join South 42nd Street, which takes you right up to the indoor arena and convention center.