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About Grand Forks

Grand Forks, ND, is in the northern part of the state, near the Canadian border. It is located 311 miles from Minneapolis, MN, and 240 miles from Bismarck, ND. Named as one of the Top 100 Communities for Young People, it is a major city within North Dakota, itself the 11th most livable state in the U.S., according to the Manhattan Institute of Policy Review. The city is a cultural, educational, and health services center for the northern part of the state. It is home to the University of North Dakota, Altru Health System, and Grand Forks Air Force Base, all of which serve as major employers. A major attraction is Alerus Center, which hosts entertainment and sporting events throughout the year. Along with the university, there are three main high schools, including Grand Forks Central High School, within the nationally-ranked school system. One of the best places to visit when you are in Grand Forks is the Red River State Recreation Area. The city's unique flag expresses the beauty of the local rivers and also incorporates a feather to reflect the area's Native American heritage and a wheat stalk to symbolize agriculture. A famous past resident is an early settler, Sanford Cady, who named the city in 1870.

-- Latest Update 2010/05/27 by sherrybay