Grand Forks is the third-largest city in North Dakota and the county seat of Grand Forks County. Grand Forks, along with its twin city of East Grand Forks, Minnesota, forms the center of the Grand Forks, ND-MN Metropolitan Statistical Area, which is often called Greater Grand Forksor The Grand Cities.
Historically dependent on local agriculture, the city's economy now encompasses higher education, defense, health care, manufacturing, food processing, and scientific research. Grand Forks is served by Grand Forks International Airport and Grand Forks Air Force Base, while the city's University of North Dakota is the oldest institution of higher education in the state. The Alerus Center and Ralph Engelstad Arena host athletic and other events, while the North Dakota Museum of Art and Chester Fritz Auditorium are the city's largest cultural venues.
Greater Grand Forks is a community where friends share stories from the front porch, children sell lemonade on the street corner and sports fans join to cheer on local teams. It is a community with diverse shopping opportunities, unique restaurants, live theatre and its own symphony. It's a community that boasts two new shopping centers and many other signs of growth. It's a community that welcomes new neighbors every day. And it's a place you can call home. Those who live here already have discovered the many things that make Greater Grand Forks a "grand" place to live!
Grand Forks and East Grand Forks boast strong public and private schools. The Grand Forks Public School District offers 12 elementary schools, three middle schools, two high schools, an adult education center and an alternative school for students 16 and over. Across the river in East Grand Forks, fully accredited public and private schools enroll over 2,000 students. Each school curriculum includes standard subjects as well as non-traditional subjects and remedial reading programs. High School students are offered a wide variety of electives to enhance their learning experience. Advanced placement and post secondary courses are also available.
Considered the finest in the state of North Dakota, the special education department provides service to all disabled children ages three to 21. A majority of the students enrolled in special education are taught in classrooms with non-disabled peers. The district also offers a variety of opportunities to all students in elementary, middle and high schools to participate in extracurricular activities.
With a list of more than 300 species, Grand Forks makes an ideal base for a birding trip to the Red River Valley. Nearby prairies offer chances to see native grassland species including the greater prairie chicken, the gray partridge and the short-eared owl. Birding can be enjoyed year round, from spring migration to the waterfowl journey south in the fall. Winter birding offers its own charm with species that include the snowy owl, snow buntings and the commons redpoll. There are numerous birding sites surrounding the Greater Grand\ Forks area including Turtle River State Park, Kellys Slough National Wildlife Refuge, Prairie Chicken Management Area and Oak Ville Prairie.
North Dakota and Minnesota rank among the greatest hunting areas in the country. Whether your after white-tailed deer, waterfowl, antelope, moose, coyote or prairie dogs, a short drive from Greater Grand Forks will get you to prime hunting areas.
North Dakota and Minnesota rank among the greatest hunting areas in the country. Whether your after white-tailed deer, waterfowl, antelope, moose, coyote or prairie dogs, a short drive from Greater Grand Forks will get you to prime hunting areas.
Turtle River State Park is just 22 miles west of Grand Forks on U.S. Highway 2. Situated along the heavily wooded Turtle River Valley, this 784-acre park is a contrast to the open, agriculture lands that dominate eastern North Dakota. The river was named for the mud and snapper turtles once found in abundance in the streams. Today the entire park is a natural sanctuary, harboring an abundance of plant and animal life, including deer and occasionally a wandering moose. The wetland area is a haven for birds and migratory waterfowl. The park features 125 modern and primitive camp sites, a woodland lodge and group cabins, a mountain bike trail, self-guided nature trails, fishing for rainbow trout and special programs presented in an outdoor amphitheater. Winter activities include cross-country skiing, sledding and more.
Greater Grand Forks has over 19 miles of bicycle trails, with more being planned and paved every year. The Grand Forks Rural Bicycle Loop is a 100-mile paved route beginning and ending in Grand Forks. The loop includes Highway 2 and the cities of Mekinock, Emerado and Mayville, The North Star Trail planted in the thick woods of Turtle River State Park is a 10-mile scenic loop, which combines rolling hills, flatlands and stream crossings.
The Red River Valley of the North is internationally known for its trophy-sized channel catfish. The river and its tributaries possess a high-quality fishery in which research crews have documented more than 50 species, including channel catfish, northern pike, saugers, walleyes, small mouth bass, lake sturgeon, and carp. Nearby hot spots for anglers in the area include the Red River, the Red Lake River and Turtle River State Park. The recommended bait are sucker minnows, night crawlers and seasonal frogs. Recommended tackle is a 25 lb. test line, strong bait casting reel and a heavy-duty bass outfit.
Enjoy the day outdoors while the snow glistens beneath your feet. With more than eight miles of groomed ski trails in Greater Grand Forks, you can delight in our winter wonderland. Trails are located at Lincoln Golf Course and run along the Red River. Turtle River State Park also offers a variety of groomed classical and skating style trails.
Housing Cost
Estimated median house or condo value in 2007: $145,650
Mean prices in 2007: All housing units: $157,986; Detached houses: $174,100; Townhouses or other attached units: $185,120; In 3-to-4-unit structures: $104,540; In 5-or-more-unit structures: $95,455; Mobile homes: $24,278.
Demographics
Population in July 2008: 51,313. Grand Forks covers 19.2 square miles. It sits at an elevation of 834 feet above sea level. Zip codes: 58201, 58202, 58203, 58206, 58207, 58208. Area code: 701.
Weather
Grand Forks, ND climate is mild during summer when temperatures tend to be in the 60's and extremely cold during winter when temperatures tend to be in the 0's.
The warmest month of the year is July with an average maximum temperature of 80.70 degrees Fahrenheit, while the coldest month of the year is January with an average minimum temperature of -4.00 degrees Fahrenheit.
Temperature variations between night and day tend to be moderate during summer with a difference that can reach 24 degrees Fahrenheit, and fairly limited during winter with an average difference of 19 degrees Fahrenheit.
The annual average precipitation at Grand Forks is 19.35 Inches. Rainfall in is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year. The wettest month of the year is June with an average rainfall of 2.98 Inches.
Information provided by idcide.com and city data.com
ls to participate in extracurricular activities.