If you've ever driven through the flat, wind-swept stretches of eastern North Dakota in the dead of winter, you know the feeling. The sky is a flat grey. The wind chill is biting. You're basically looking for any sign of life that doesn't involve a snow scraper.
Then, you see it.
Rising up near the intersection of I-29 and DeMers Avenue is the Canad Inns Destination Center Grand Forks. It looks like a standard hotel from the outside. But inside? It's a weird, wonderful, tropical-themed fever dream that somehow works perfectly for the Red River Valley.
Honestly, people call it a "hotel," but that’s like calling the Mall of America a "store." It's a self-contained ecosystem. You can check in on a Friday and not breathe outside air until Sunday afternoon. For parents in the region, that’s not just a luxury; it’s a survival strategy.
Splasher’s of the South Seas: The Main Draw
Let’s be real. Nobody is booking a room here just for the thread count of the sheets. They’re coming for Splasher’s of the South Seas.
It is, by all accounts, the largest indoor waterpark in North Dakota. We’re talking 40,000 square feet of humid, chlorine-scented bliss. The centerpiece is the Rarotonga Cannon Bowl—a slide that basically flushes you into a giant bowl before dropping you into a pool. It’s loud. It’s chaotic. Kids love it more than almost anything else in the state.
But it's not all high-adrenaline. The East Australian Current is their version of a lazy river. It’s about 230 feet of slow-drifting relaxation. If you’re a parent, this is where you’ll spend 90% of your time, pretending to supervise while actually just trying to stay afloat.
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One thing you've gotta watch out for: the waterpark isn't always included in the base room rate. It depends on how you book. I've seen plenty of families get to the front desk and realize they have to shell out extra for wristbands. Also, the water can feel a bit chilly some days, especially if the North Dakota wind is howling against the building's exterior.
The Breakdown of the Park
- The Rarotonga: That big cannon bowl slide mentioned earlier.
- Tasman Sea: An activity pool for those who actually want to swim.
- The Coral Sea: A dedicated kiddie area so the toddlers don't get steamrolled by the teenagers.
- Banda Sea: The slide landing pool.
- Malucca Sea: A massive hot tub for the adults (and kids who can sneak in).
Sleeping at Canad Inns Destination Center Grand Forks
The rooms here are... interesting. They have 201 guest rooms, and they vary wildly.
If you're traveling with kids, you basically have to get the Kids' Theme Rooms. They have bunk beds. It sounds simple, but having a "private" space for the kids makes a massive difference in how much sleep you actually get.
On the flip side, they have these "Penthouse on Main" suites. These are actually on the first floor, which feels counterintuitive for a "penthouse," but they’re massive business suites. Some have two bedrooms and their own fitness rooms. It’s kind of a flex for people staying in Grand Forks for long-term projects or UND sports events.
Speaking of UND, the hotel is physically connected to the Alerus Center. This is huge. If you’re in town for a North Dakota football game or a concert, you literally walk through a hallway. No coats. No parking battles. Just a stroll from your room to the stadium.
The Food Situation (Buffets and Beyond)
You won’t go hungry here. You might, however, get overwhelmed by choices.
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Aaltos is the workhorse of the hotel. It’s a garden-style café that does a massive buffet. They serve what I’d call "High-End Comfort Food." Think perogies with kielbasa, meatloaf with mashed potatoes, and fried chicken. It’s the kind of food that sticks to your ribs—perfect for when it's -20°C outside. Their Sunday brunch is a local legend in Grand Forks.
Then there's Tavern United. It’s a "New World Sports Pub" with way more character than a standard hotel bar. They’ve got over a dozen beers on tap and a bunch of pool tables. It’s the unofficial headquarters for UND alumni during homecoming weekends.
If you want something a bit "fancier," there’s 'l Bistro. It’s Mediterranean-themed, which feels a bit surreal when you're in the middle of a North Dakota winter, but the food is solid.
And for the kids? Garbonzo’s Pizza & Arcade. It’s exactly what it sounds like. Loud games, greasy pizza, and enough sugar to keep a ten-year-old vibrating until midnight.
What People Get Wrong
People often think Canad Inns is a US-based chain. It’s not. It’s actually a Manitoba-based powerhouse. This Grand Forks location is their only US outpost. Because of that, you’ll notice some "Canadian-isms" in the service and the food.
Another misconception is that it's just for families. While the waterpark is the loud, splashing heart of the place, the business facilities are actually quite extensive. They have 13 meeting rooms, including the Ambassador Banquet rooms. I've seen everything from corporate retreats to weddings happen here while kids in swim trunks sprint past the doors.
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Is It Worth the Price?
Rates usually hover around $100 to $130 on weekdays, but they can spike significantly during "event" weekends. If there's a big concert at the Alerus Center or a UND graduation, expect to pay a premium.
Some guests complain that the property is starting to show its age. It was built in 2007 and had some refreshes recently, but certain areas—like the elevators and the room heaters—can feel a bit "well-loved."
But honestly? For the convenience of having a waterpark, three restaurants, a casino lounge, and a stadium all under one roof, most people find the value is there.
Actionable Tips for Your Visit
If you’re planning a trip to the Canad Inns Destination Center Grand Forks, don't just wing it. Here is how to actually do it right:
- Check the Waterpark Hours: They aren't open 24/7. Typically, they’re closed Mondays and Tuesdays during the off-season. Always call the front desk to confirm before you tell the kids they’re going swimming.
- The "Waterpark Included" Hack: Check the hotel’s "Play and Stay" packages. Often, booking the room and the park passes separately is much more expensive than the bundled deal.
- Grand Forks Resident Discount: If you actually live in town, show your ID. Residents usually get a discount on Monday–Thursday admission to the waterpark.
- Avoid the Noon Rush: Checkout is at 11:00 AM, but waterpark wristbands are often valid until 12:00 PM or later. This creates a massive bottleneck in the changing rooms right at noon. Try to finish up by 11:00 AM or stay until 1:00 PM to avoid the crowd.
- Park Near the Alerus: If you’re there for an event, use the hotel’s free parking but try to snag a spot near the Alerus connection hallway if you're lugging gear.
The real draw here isn't just the slides or the pizza. It's the fact that in a region where the weather can be actively hostile for six months of the year, this place offers a genuine escape. It's a slice of the tropics in the middle of a frozen plain. That’s why, despite the age or the noise, people keep coming back.