Outdoor Fun in Thief River Falls

Feb 25, 2021

If you’re seeking fun in the great outdoors, you can’t go wrong with a visit to Thief River Falls. This town in the northwest of Minnesota is an easy drive from Grand Forks, offering a wealth of opportunities for area folks to enjoy. From winter fun to activities suited to warmer temperatures, Thief River Falls has it all.

Rydell Nissan of Grand Forks put together this guide of outdoor possibilities in Thief River Falls to get you inspired for your next trip out there. Get in your car and get ready to enjoy everything that Thief River Falls has to offer.

Snowmobiling

Two people on snowmobiles on snowy day — Image via Unsplash by spencerdavis

With access to over 500 miles of groomed trails connecting to more than 1,500 miles of trails in northwest Minnesota, Thief River Falls offers the perfect place to start any snowmobiling adventure. This snowmobile hub boasts five different trails that lead out of the city. You’ll have a variety of daily loop rides to choose from here, ranging from 50 to 200 miles, with fuel and food stops available along the trails. That means you’re sure to find the perfect snowmobile opportunity for your needs in Thief River Falls. In fact, snowmobiling has its roots in this region of Minnesota!

You’ll find trails that connect with North Dakota’s trail system at Oslo and Hallock to the west of Thief River Falls. If you go to the north, you’ll connect to Roseau and then on to the Canadian border and east to the Baudette and Warroad trail systems. If you go to the south, you can take trails connecting with Bemidji and Detroit Lakes. No matter which trail you choose, you’ll find a variety of terrain, such as beautiful wilderness trails and river riding. Some trails you might try include:

Goodridge/4G Snowmobile Trails: These trails connect with the Wapiti Trail system, the Fourtown Trail system, and the Riverland Trail System (which includes Trail, Clearwater, Gully, and more).
Riverland North Trail: This groomed trail connects Thief River Falls with Red Lake Falls.
Wapiti Trail: This trail connects with McTrail System and Big Red Lake Bog trails. The path cuts through poplar and willow stands, and offers a picturesque backdrop for frequent wildlife sightings.

Bird-watching

Thief River Falls is situated in northwestern Minnesota, which means it’s in the heart of one of the best bird-watching regions in the entire United States. Bird-watching locations include:

Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge.
Agassiz Valley.
TRF Treatment Ponds, found just outside the Thief River Falls city limits.

You’ll find more than 280 species of birds in the Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge — and that’s just the start. Thief River Falls sits on the Pine to Prairie birding trail. Not only is this the first birding trail in Minnesota, but it also connects with Manitoba to create an international trail. Because the trail is at the juncture of three ecosystems (aspen parkland, boreal forests, and tall-grass prairie), it offers a unique combination of habitats. A huge variety of birds call this area home. That, in turn, makes Thief River Falls a bird-watcher’s paradise.

Hiking and Walking

No matter the season, opportunities for hiking and walking abound around Thief River Falls. The area boasts both the Northland Trails (located next to Northland Community and Technical College) and the Greenwood Trails Recreation Area. The two trail systems offer great hiking. You can even stroll along the River Walk, a scenic 7-mile path, to travel between the two systems.

The Greenwood Trails Recreation Area, which spans 48 acres, includes a wooded trail system. The unpaved trails go along Greenwood Street and the Red Lake River, offering an out-in-nature vibe without leaving city limits. You can hike these trails throughout the year, or visit in the snowy season to give cross-country skiing or snowshoeing a go.

Thief River Falls’ River Walk provides a picturesque walking trail that brings nature and history together as you move from one end of town to the other. Along the way, you can check out 15 different pictographs that show what the view along the river looked like years ago. You’ll make your way through the town while traveling along the Red Lake and Thief Rivers. Highlights include three forest trails, nine parks, and various historical sites like the statue of Chief Meskokonaye, also known as Red Robe, and the Soo Line Railroad Depot.

Fun on the Water

As the name implies, there’s a lot to enjoy on the water in Thief River Falls! From boating to fishing and beyond, the rivers in the Thief River Falls area offer an abundance of water-based activities.

You’ll find excellent fishing throughout the year here. The Red Lake River, for example, is chock full of crappies, northern pike, smallmouth bass, walleyes, and many other species of fish. You can fish from a canoe, a float tube, or just from the bank, and there’s even two boat landings within the city. You can also access the river below the dam or through the city parks, making it incredibly easy to enjoy a day on the water.

Interested in getting out on a boat? You can rent both kayaks and paddleboards to enjoy the river that way. LaFave Park boasts a Kayak Launch Dock, taking the guesswork out of planning your day.

If you’re in the mood for swimming in the summer months, that’s easy in Thief River Falls as well. LaFave Park also has a public swimming beach, which you can access from Crocker Avenue and Taft Street. Kids and adults alike flock to this beach when the weather gets warmer. When you need a break from the water, you’ll also find basketball and volleyball courts, playground equipment, and picnic tables so you can continue the fun outside.

Contact Rydell Nissan

That wraps up Rydell Nissan of Grand Forks’ list of amazing outdoor opportunities in Thief River Falls. You don’t have to travel far from Grand Forks to take advantage of the wide array of outdoor fun. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely day bird-watching in the summer, an action-packed winter snowboarding adventure, or anything in between, Thief River Falls is the place to go. Did we miss one of your favorite activities in Thief River Falls? Contact us so we can add it to our list!