Grand Forks Information

Grand Forks City Information

Grand Forks reckons that it is the oldest of the major North Dakota cities, with settlers arriving in 1868.

It had originally been named by the French explorers and trappers as "Les Grandes Fourches" - referring to the joining of the Red and Red Lake rivers.

Grand Forks became a city in 1881, and for a long time was the second largest town in the state, only recently being overtaken by Bismarck. It is the home of the University of North Dakota. It was hard-hit by the floods in 1997 but redevelopment has been extensive and the city is experiencing continued growth.

East Grand Forks, on the Minnesota side of the river, is often treated as part of the larger metropolitan area.

Grand Forks AFB is located north of the town of Emerado and east of the city of Grand Forks. Building of the Air Force Base started in 1956 and the population at any one time is normally around 5,000, with a reduction - or "realignment" - in staffing levels having taken place in the last few years.

Grand Forks Administration

City of Grand Forks
Official site of the city with sections for residents and businesses, job openings, attractions and events, and directory of city departments.
City of Grand Forks

Grand Forks AFB
Grand Forks Air Force Base is home to the 319th Air Refueling Wing. Includes news about base, military structure, photos and details of annual air show.
Grand Forks AFB

Grand Forks Education

University of North Dakota
Founded in 1883, the 15,000-student institution is the most important university in North Dakota. With details of courses, administration, student and alumni sections and news.
University of North Dakota

Grand Forks Public Schools
Contains information for students in public schools in Grand Forks and on Grand Forks AFB, parent and community resources, downloads and calendar of events.
Grand Forks Public Schools