A Cozy 3-Day Winter Getaway to Walhalla, North Dakota

Walhalla, North Dakota might not be the first place that comes to mind when you’re craving a winter reset, but that’s exactly why it works so well. Just 5 miles from the Canadian border, this charming little town is surrounded by wide‑open landscapes, quiet roads, and friendly people. I recently spent three days exploring Walhalla and nearby Grand Forks, and it turned out to be the perfect mix of cozy lodging and winter adventure. Read on for a three‑day, three‑part guide to planning your own Walhalla getaway!

This blog post is sponsored by North Dakota Tourism. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Getting There from the Twin Cities

Getting to Walhalla from the Twin Cities is surprisingly easy. If you love road trips, it’s an easy six hour drive. If you prefer something faster, you can take a 50 minute flight into either Grand Forks or Fargo, rent a car, and make the scenic drive north. Traveling to Walhalla feels like part of the adventure going from snow covered fields to the rolling, wooded hills of the Pembina Gorge.

Day 1: Cozy Comfort at Frost Fire Lofts

We kicked off our trip by checking into The Lofts at Frost Fire Park, and honestly, this was the perfect place to land after a travel day. Frost Fire is best known as a ski hill, but The Lofts themselves are a destination of their own. These three rental homes are modern, spacious, and thoughtfully designed, with plenty of room to spread out and relax. There are tons of windows to watch the snowfall. It’s also ski-in ski-out which makes it super convenient. My favorite part was the private hot tub, where we could sit and watch all the skiers go by.

Frost Fire also offers on-site dining at Howatt Hangar with delicious burgers, hot cocoa and fun cocktails. In downtown Walhalla, you’ll find a cozy coffee shop called The Cure. Highly recommend grabbing coffee and breakfast sandwiches here before hitting the slopes. The Lofts also have a full kitchen if you prefer to cook your own meals.

Day 2: One Majestic Place & Icelandic State Park

Day two is all about leaning into the quiet and losing the crowds. Stay overnight at One Majestic Place, a peaceful, private cabin surrounded by nature. This is the kind of place where you cook your own meals, linger over coffee in the morning, and don’t feel any pressure to be anywhere at all. The full kitchen makes it easy to settle in for the day, and one of my favorite parts was simply walking the property, taking in the stillness, and spotting wildlife along the way. It’s slow travel in the best sense. There’s also an indoor hot tub, which made for a fun way to rest and watch the snowfall. Be sure to bring your own shampoo and conditioner though as none is supplied and the closest store is about 25 minutes away and closes at 6pm.

Just a short drive down the road is Icelandic State Park, one of North Dakota’s most underrated gems. At the state park you can try kick sledding or rent Hok skis, both of which are beginner‑friendly and a fun way to experience the snowy landscape.

Day 3: Exploring Grand Forks

On your final day, I recommend you spend time exploring Grand Forks before heading back to the Twin Cities. Grand Forks has just enough going on to feel lively without being overwhelming.

Spend time hopping between coffee shops, browsing local boutiques, and grabbing lunch. Grand Forks has a surprisingly solid food and shopping scene, especially if you love supporting local businesses. Some of my favorites include Urban Stampede, Ely’s Ivy, Rhombus Guys Pizza, North Dakota Museum of Art (free), Pretty B Clothing, Badman Design, and The Silo Boutique.

Why Walhalla Is Worth the Trip

This three‑day Walhalla, North Dakota itinerary is ideal if you’re craving a winter getaway that’s equal parts cozy, quiet, and genuinely refreshing. Between the comfort of Frost Fire, the serenity of One Majestic Place, outdoor fun at Icelandic State Park, and a final stop in Grand Forks, it’s a reminder that you don’t have to go far—or fast—to travel well.

If you’re planning more North Dakota adventures, you might also enjoy my guides to Fargo, Devils Lake, and Dickinson, all of which offer their own unique take on Midwest travel. Also be sure to visit the ND Tourism website for easy itinerary planning. Together, they make a strong case for putting North Dakota on your year‑round travel list!