Fun Ways to Spend the Day in Thief River Falls

Nov 24, 2021

Just 50 miles east of Grand Forks is the charming town of Thief River Falls, Minnesota. The area offers many outdoor recreation opportunities and plenty of fun family activities. Whether you live in Thief River Falls or you’re just visiting, check out the Rydell Nissan of Grand Forks team’s list of fun things to do.

Go Bird Watching at Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge

Agassiz Natural Wildlife Refuge Image via Flickr by Joe Passe CC BY-SA by 2.0

Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge is one of the nation’s top destinations for wildlife viewing and bird watching. The 61,500-acre wildlife refuge, established in 1937, is home to sandhill cranes, black terns, yellow-headed blackbirds, night herons, and five species of grebes. Most years, as many as 250 pairs of Canadian geese and 7,500 pairs of ducks nest at Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge, and the refuge hosts one of the largest colonies of Franklin’s gulls.

Within the refuge, you’ll find the 4,000-acre Agassiz Wilderness Area, which is home to more than 300 resident and migratory bird species. In addition, you can find over 50 species of mammals (including two packs of eastern gray wolves), 12 species of amphibians, and nine species of reptiles.

Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge, considered a Globally Important Bird Area, is rich with wetlands, marshes, and shorelines. So pack a lunch, bring your binoculars, and make a day of bird-watching. You can access the refuge from its headquarters at 22996 290th Street Northeast, in Middle River.

Feel Like a Settler at Peder Engelstad Pioneer Village

Experience what pioneer life in Minnesota was like in the 1800s when you visit Peder Engelstad Pioneer Village. As you explore the 19 buildings scattered throughout the pioneer village, look for artifacts, farm tools and equipment, and interactive displays that tell stories of how the people of Pennington County lived and survived.

The kids will get a kick out of seeing the old train, barbershop, and log cabins. As you step into the white church, you’ll feel a sense of reverence to the many pioneers and settlers that once attended its services. Peder Engelstad Pioneer Village is open from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend, and it’s located at 825 Oakland Park Road in Thief River Falls.

Have a Meal at the Hive Bar & Grill

While you can find plenty of restaurants to enjoy in Thief River Falls, the Hive Bar & Grill is a local favorite. With an extensive menu, including a kids menu, everyone in the family can find something to satisfy their palate at the Hive Bar & Grill.

Appetizers range from boneless chicken wings with a variety of dipping sauces to deep-fried pickles. Grab a salad, wrap, or sandwich for a light lunch, or indulge in a specialty burger like the south-of-the-border-inspired Queso Burger. If you’re looking for local fare, enjoy the Midwest walleye dinner, whiskey-marinated sirloin steak, or the grilled salmon dinner. Enjoy dining at this beloved grill located at 1582 Highway 59 SE.

Play Games at Falls Stay N Play

So much more than a travel stop, Falls Stay N Play offers camping with hot showers and a laundry facility, a picnic shelter, a deli, and games for the entire family. After traveling, stretch your legs playing mini-golf on the 18-hole course filled with fun and challenging obstacles.

If you like to race around a go-kart track, you’re in luck. Falls Stay N Play offers a 1,100-foot gas-powered go-kart track that’s sure to give a thrill. Whether you’re just passing through or staying at Falls Stay N Play, set aside time to check out the arcade room and play all your favorite arcade and video games. The facility is located at 17107 U.S. Highway 59 Northeast, and many of its features and attractions are open 24/7.

Play Poker at Seven Clans Casino

As soon as you step inside the Seven Clans Casino, you’ll feel the warmth of the lodge-like interior and friendly staff. The casino’s Thief River Falls location has delighted guests and visitors for more than 30 years.

When you come for gaming, you won’t be disappointed by the more than 650 gaming machines on the casino floor. You can also try your hand at the four live blackjack tables that make you feel like you’re in Las Vegas. Plan on staying for a few days at the Seven Clans Casino Hotel that offers luxury accommodations with a touch of rustic Northwoods appeal. With over 152 nonsmoking rooms to choose from, you can find the right accommodation to fit your needs.

Of course, you won’t go hungry staying at the Seven Clans Casino. Enjoy top-notch food at the River Road Cafe or the Triple Sevens Walk-Up Eatery. If you decide to stay for a few days, everyone in the family can have a blast at the casino’s water park. This 40,000-square-foot indoor water park has something fun for everyone in the family. The Seven Clans Casino is located at 20595 Center Street East, in Thief River Falls.

Enjoy Leaf Peeping at Old Mill State Park

When you visit Old Mill State Park, you can learn about the history of the Thief River Falls area while enjoying the colorful fall leaf-peeping opportunities. Stop by the old flour mill and log cabin by the Middle River to see how the early homesteaders from the 1880s made flour from locally grown wheat.

The Old Mill State Park is also a great place to bird-watch, and if you’d like to spend a few days seeing the leaves turn colors, you can camp at the state park campground. Other attractions include a swimming area, wildlife viewing opportunities, a swinging bridge, interpretive displays, and picnic areas. Old Mill State Park is located at 33489 240th Avenue Northwest, in Argyle.

There you have Rydell Nissan of Grand Forks’ six fun things to do while visiting Thief River Falls. What was your favorite activity or place to visit? What did the kids like doing best? If we missed a unique location or activity in Thief River Falls, please let us know, and we can add it to our list.