Grand Forks

Grand Forks is a city in the U.S. state of North Dakota. It is the third-largest city in the state and the county seat of Grand Forks County.

History

Grand Forks was founded in 1870 by steamboat captain Alexander Griggs and incorporated on February 22, 1881. The city's name is derived from its location at the fork of the Red River and the Red Lake River.

Geography

Grand Forks is located on the western banks of the Red River of the North in an area known as the Red River Valley. The city is prone to flooding and was struck by a severe flood in 1997, which destroyed homes and businesses.

Economy

The economy of Grand Forks is diverse, with a healthy mix of education, defense, health care, manufacturing, and food processing. University of North Dakota, located in the city, is the oldest and largest institution of higher education in the state.

Culture

Grand Forks is home to several cultural institutions including the North Dakota Museum of Art, the Greater Grand Forks Symphony Orchestra, and the Empire Arts Center. The city also hosts the annual Grand Forks International Baseball Tournament.

Education

Education in Grand Forks is provided by the Grand Forks Public Schools district, which operates several elementary, middle, and high schools. The city is also home to the University of North Dakota.

Transportation

Grand Forks is served by Grand Forks International Airport and Amtrak, with a station on the Empire Builder route. The city also has a public bus system, operated by Cities Area Transit.

Notable people

Several notable individuals hail from Grand Forks, including author Chuck Klosterman, astronaut Karen L. Nyberg, and NHL player Jonathan Toews.

See also

• List of cities in North Dakota
• Red River Valley

Also see

► Healthcare providers in North Dakota

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