4 Fun Things to Do in Thompson

Are you looking for some exciting and engaging activities for you and your family to enjoy in the Thompson, ND area? At Rydell Chevrolet Buick GMC, we’ve featured four of our favorite family-friendly activities. There’s something for everyone here, from mountain biking to exploring local museums to splashing around in a lazy river. Keep reading to learn more about these four fun-filled local pastimes.

Splasher’s of the South Seas

Splasher’s of the South Seas is a 40,000-square-foot indoor water park located in Grand Forks, North Dakota. Complete with water slides, creatively shaped lazy rivers, refreshing pools, relaxing hot tubs, and safe kiddie pools, you and your family will be sure to have an amazing afternoon or weekend together. Enjoy a thrilling ride down The Rarotonga, the cannon bowl slide. The youngest in your family can splash around in the kiddie pool, The Tasman Sea. Float along in the lazy river, The East Australian Current, or soak in the adults-only Malucca Sea Adult Hot Tub. The premier attraction is The Kids Play Area with its giant Waterfall Bucket.

Along with the engaging water pools and activities, you can also visit The Great Barrier Reef concession stand to stave off any hungry kids or thirsty adults. Rent a large cabana, small cabana, or private nook for extra privacy for you and your family. Celebrate your child’s birthday with one of the Party Packages, which includes admission for up to 12 people, a cabana rental, arcade tokens, a large cheese or pepperoni pizza, french fries or veggie tray, cupcakes, fountain soda, and all paper products.

Full-day admission is $23.95 for ages 4 and up, and $13.95 for children ages 1 to 3. Evening passes are $16.95 for ages 4 and up, and $9.95 for children ages 1 to 3. You can also purchase annual passes that begin at $129.95 or family passes that begin at $399.95 for four people.

Turtle River State Park

Located in Arvilla, North Dakota, the Turtle River State Park is home to several year-round recreational activities like camping, picnicking, hiking, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, and sledding. Treat your family to a weekend of camping in the modern campground or spend an afternoon mountain biking with friends through tree-covered trails and winding creeks and waterfalls. The park also features picnic shelters, a playground, showers and toilets, a warming house, and a visitor center.

For the camping enthusiasts, Turtle River State Park features both modern and primitive campsites. The modern campsites include both electricity and water, while the primitive campsites are secluded with shaded picnic areas. You can also choose one of the Woodland Cabins, which are perfect for large groups. Sleep up to six people in these bunk bed-style cabins that feature their own private showers and toilets.

Mountain bike and hike to your heart’s content through the many trails in the park. Shorter trails, like the Fisher Loop and Coneflower Loop, which are less than 1 mile, are perfect for families with small children. Mountain bike through Raven Ravine, a mostly wooded trail that features a water crossing, or Hollows Trail, which meanders over hillsides and along the river corridor. If cold weather sports are more your style, then you can access any of the groomed trails for cross-country skiing or snowshoeing.

Bonanzaville, USA 

Bonanzaville, USA, is known as North Dakota’s must-see historic attraction. Located in West Fargo, North Dakota, this interactive museum is dedicated to the education, enlightenment, and enrichment of those who visit Bonanzaville. Explore their historical village and museum for hours of engaging fun and excitement. There are several unique experiences that will inspire people of all ages to learn about the early pioneers of North Dakota.

Pioneer Village features several historical buildings, such as farmhouses, various shops, banks, and more. Bjerklie Drug Store was built in 1887 in the city of Gilby. View its original ice cream and soda fountain as well as many of its original furnishings. Dobrinz School, constructed in 1895, was the first school to be built in Mapleton Township. It is a typical one-room schoolhouse of that era and was designed to teach students from to. Dobrinz schoolhouse was one of the first three buildings to be moved to Bonanzaville.

The main museum has a variety of exhibits on display. The Company B Rides Free exhibit looks at the story of Company B of the First North Dakota Volunteer Infantry during the Spanish-American War. 100 Years of Women’s Suffrage is displayed in honor of the 100th anniversary of women’s suffrage in 2020. A History of Red River Valley Bonanza Farms shares the history of Bonanza Farms and how it inspired the name of the museum. Main Street, North Dakota presents artifacts from various historical businesses across North Dakota, such as a dentist’s office, beauty parlor, post office, and more.

Adult tickets are $12 each, senior/college student tickets are $10 each, and tickets for children ages 6 to 16 are $6 each. Children under the age of 5 and military personnel with ID are free.

Thunder Road

Located in Fargo, North Dakota, Thunder Road is a local amusement park with loads of fun and entertainment for the entire family. The 1,000-foot go-kart track is the main attraction with 36 karts and nine winding turns. There are also two unique 18-hole miniature golf courses that feature ponds, rivers, waterfalls, and a volcano. The six-stall batting cage has both slow-pitch softball and various baseball pitches. Play video games in the arcade, have fun riding on bumper cars, or play laser tag in the 5,000-square-foot multilevel arena.

Prices vary for each activity, but most of them can be enjoyed for under $10 per person.

Contact Rydell Chevrolet of Grand Forks

Now that you’ve read about four fun and exciting activities in Thompson, North Dakota, which one will you choose first? Are there any other parks, museums, or activities you enjoy? Feel free to contact us and let us know. We’d be more than happy to add them to the list above. We hope this guide has inspired you to spend some enjoyable and stress-free time with family and friends and make memories together that will last a lifetime.

Tags: Bonanzaville, Thunder Road, Turtle River State Park
Posted in Local Tips | Comments Off on 4 Fun Things to Do in Thompson