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Grand Forks is a city of about 59,000 people where the Red River and the Red Lake River meet in eastern North Dakota, across from East Grand Forks, Minnesota. French fur traders called the spot Les Grandes Fourches, and the city grew in the 1870s with steamboats and the railroad. It is home to the University of North Dakota, the state's oldest university.
In 1997 a devastating flood and fire destroyed much of downtown, and the city rebuilt with a large greenway along both rivers that is now one of its best features, with miles of trails, parks and campgrounds. The restored downtown has historic brick buildings, local restaurants and the Empire Arts Center in a 1919 theater.
UND's campus is known for its aerospace program and the Ralph Engelstad Arena, a lavish hockey venue home to the Fighting Hawks. The North Dakota Museum of Art, the Myra Museum and the historic county courthouse are worth visiting, and the Alerus Center hosts concerts and football.
A long riverside park and trail system created after the 1997 flood along the Red River and Red Lake River, shared by Grand Forks and East Grand Forks. It has more than 20 miles of paved trails, picnic spots, disc golf and boat launches. Rent a bike in summer, or try cross-country skiing in winter.
The state's oldest university, founded in 1883, with a campus of brick buildings, the English Coulee stream, and well known aviation and aerospace programs. Visitors can walk the grounds and see the art museum and sports venues. The campus is especially attractive in fall when the trees change color.
A Beaux-Arts courthouse completed in 1913 with a large copper dome, marble interiors and murals, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is still in use as a working courthouse. Visitors can view the outside and the dome from downtown streets; inside access depends on court business hours.
A grand hockey arena for the UND Fighting Hawks, built in 2001 with granite, cherry wood, brass and marble, and often called one of the finest college hockey venues in the country. Games draw loud, packed crowds in winter. Tours can be arranged when there is no event, and tickets for big games sell fast.
A large indoor arena and convention center used for UND football, big concerts, trade shows and events, with a domed roof that keeps games warm through cold prairie autumns. It is one of the largest venues in the state. Check the event calendar, and allow time for parking before major games and shows.
A large performing arts hall on the UND campus with about 2,300 seats, hosting Broadway tours, orchestras, comedians and big touring concerts. Its size makes it the main venue for touring shows in the region. Check the season listings and park in the campus lots nearby on show nights.
A restored 1919 theater in downtown Grand Forks that reopened after the 1997 flood as a performing arts center, hosting plays, concerts, dance, film screenings and art shows in its gallery. It is a small, friendly venue. Combine an evening show with dinner at one of the downtown restaurants.
The official art museum of the state, on the UND campus in a former gym, presenting contemporary art exhibitions from around the world along with regional artists. It also hosts concerts and an autumn art auction. Admission is free or by donation, and there is a small cafe inside.
The Grand Forks County Historical Society's site with a local history museum, the 1879 Campbell House log home, an old post office and a one-room schoolhouse. It tells the story of pioneer life in the Red River Valley. The grounds are open in summer; check the season dates and hours before visiting.
The rebuilt historic downtown near the Red River, with brick buildings housing restaurants, bars, coffee shops and local stores, plus the riverfront Greenway steps away. It holds summer markets and events. It is compact and walkable, and the bridges lead over the river to East Grand Forks.
A small public plaza in the heart of downtown Grand Forks that hosts the weekly farmers market in summer, outdoor concerts and community events and holiday celebrations. It has benches and a stage area. Come on market day for local produce, baked goods and crafts, then explore downtown on foot.
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