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Grand Forks, North Dakota
Population: 49,321
Located in Grand Forks County
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.
Grand Forks has so much to offer when it comes to recreation.
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.
Canoeists on the Red River travel through the heart of the Valley. The 304-mile Red River passes bountiful farmland checkered with bottomland forest and tall grass prairies. Canoe rentals are available through the University of North Dakota Lifetime Sports Center. A canoe package includes a 17-foot aluminum canoe, two oars, two lifejackets, vehicle tie down kit and two seat cushions for $20 a day. Additional seat cushions and lifejackets available for a fee.
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.
The Red River State Recreation Area is one of the newest state recreation areas being developed in Minnesota. After the 1997 flood, 300 houses were removed in East Grand Forks leaving 2,200 acres of green space in the flood plain next to the Red River. The land was then donated to the state to use as parkland. The park is currently under construction with hopes of eventually having a campground that can facilitate 300 campers. The DNR also would like to incorporate some history into each campsite by naming them after the families that lived in the homes in that area. Along with the camping area, the site will include biking and hiking trails, fishing access, habitat improvement, pedestrian bridges over the river, historic sites and a visitor center featuring flood plain history and interpretive programs.
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.
The whole family will enjoy a day at L
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