NorthernGridGames

At Northern Grid Games, we believe the best moments happen when people put down their phones and gather around a table. Founded in Norwood Young America, Minnesota, we're a husband-and-wife team on a mission to capture the excitement, creativity, and togetherness of the outdoor lifestyle and turn it into handmade tabletop games the whole family can enjoy.

How It Started
Northern Grid Games began with a simple question: what if you could bring the thrill of the big catch indoors?

As lifelong fans of the outdoors and the unique culture of ice fishing, we saw a chance to create something more than just a game — we wanted to create a connection. A way to relive the anticipation of a flag popping on a frozen lake, the friendly competition between anglers, and the stories that get told long after the fish are cleaned. That idea became The Ultimate Ice Fishing Game, our flagship title featuring dedicated Minnesota and Wisconsin editions that bring the strategy of the hardwater season to life on your tabletop.

But one game was never the whole plan.

Beyond the Ice
The outdoors isn't just about winter — it's campfires on summer evenings, the smell of marshmallows toasting, and the sound of loons across the lake. That's where The Sweetest Catch comes in.

Our newest game trades frozen lakes for a glowing campfire and challenges players to race each other building the perfect s'more. With a built-in LED campfire, magnetic marshmallows, and the same handcrafted quality as our ice fishing line, The Sweetest Catch captures a completely different side of the outdoor experience — one that's warm, sweet, and just as competitive.

It also represents where Northern Grid Games is headed. We started with ice fishing, but our vision has always been bigger: celebrating the traditions and simple joys that bring people together outdoors, no matter the season.

Built by Hand in Minnesota
Every Northern Grid game is designed, assembled, and shipped by us — right here in Minnesota. We don't outsource to factories or cut corners with mass production. Each component is inspected by hand and packed with care.

That means when you open a Northern Grid game, you're holding something that was made by the same two people who dreamed it up. And we think that matters.

What We Do
We specialize in niche, handmade tabletop games that celebrate the traditions of outdoor life.

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The Ice Fishing Series
Our flagship games bring the strategy of the hardwater season to life, with dedicated Minnesota and Wisconsin editions.

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The Sweetest Catch
A campfire s'more-building race with a glowing LED fire pit, magnetic pieces, and all the warmth of a summer night.

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Head-to-Head Fun
Designed as focused 2-player experiences — perfect for a competitive night in with a friend or family member.

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Handmade Quality
Every component is designed and assembled by us. No factories, no shortcuts — just Minnesota-tough craftsmanship.

We're Just Getting Started
From frozen lakes to summer campfires — and we're not stopping there. We've got new games in the works that celebrate even more of the traditions and seasons that make life up north so special. Stay tuned.

Dan & Sarah Hildreth
Northern Grid Games
Co-Founders · Norwood Young America, MN