Grand Forks, North Dakota
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{{Featured article}}
{{Redirect|Grand Forks}}
{{Infobox Settlement
|official_name = City of Grand Forks |
|settlement_type = [[City]]
|nickname = "The Grand Cities"<br>"The Forks"<br>"The Sunflake City" |
|motto = A Place of Excellence |
|image_skyline = GrandCitiesArtsFest.jpg
|imagesize =
|image_caption = Town Square in [[downtown Grand Forks]]
|image_flag =
|image_seal =
|image_map = NDMap-doton-GrandForks.PNG |
|mapsize = 250px
|map_caption = Location in [[North Dakota]] |
|image_map1 =
|mapsize1 =
|map_caption1 =
|subdivision_type = [[List of countries|Country]]
|subdivision_type1 = [[Political divisions of the United States|State]]
|subdivision_type2 = [[List of counties in North Dakota|County]]
|subdivision_name = [[United States]]
|subdivision_name1 = [[North Dakota]]
|subdivision_name2 = [[Grand Forks County, North Dakota|Grand Forks]]
|government_type =
|leader_title = [[Mayor]] |
|leader_name = [[Michael Brown (mayor)|Michael Brown]] |
|established_title = Founded
|established_title2 = Incorporated |
|established_date = [[June 15]], [[1870]]
|established_date2 = [[February 22]], [[1881]] |
|area_magnitude =
|area_total_sq_mi = 19.2 |
|area_total_km2 = 49.9 |
|area_land_sq_mi = 19.2 |
|area_land_km2 = 49.9 |
|area_water_sq_mi = 0.0 |
|area_water_km2 = 0.0 |
|area_urban_sq_mi =
|area_urban_km2 =
|area_metro_sq_mi =
|area_metro_km2 =
|population_as_of = 2006 |
|population_total = 50372 |
|population_metro = 96523 |
|population_urban =
|population_density_km2 = 989.8 |
|population_density_sq_mi = 2563.0
|population_blank1_title =
|population_blank1 =
|population_note =
|timezone = [[Central Time Zone|CST]] |
|utc_offset = -6 |
|timezone_DST = [[North American Central Time Zone|CDT]] |
|utc_offset_DST = -5 |
|latd = 47 |latm = 55 |lats = 31 |latNS = N |
|longd = 97 |longm = 1 |longs = 57 |longEW = W |
|elevation_m = 257 |
|elevation_ft = 843 |
|website = http://www.grandforksgov.com |
|postal_code_type = [[ZIP code]]s
|postal_code = 58201-58208
|area_code = [[Area code 701|701]]
|blank_name = [[Federal Information Processing Standard|FIPS code]]
|blank_info = 38-32060{{GR|2}}
|blank1_name = [[Geographic Names Information System|GNIS]] feature ID
|blank1_info = 1029197{{GR|3}}
|footnotes =
}}
'''Grand Forks''' is the third-largest city in the [[U.S. state]] of [[North Dakota]] and the [[county seat]] of [[Grand Forks County, North Dakota|Grand Forks County]]. Its population was estimated at 50,372,<ref name="popest">{{cite web |url=http://www.census.gov/popest/cities/SUB-EST2006-4.html |title=Population Estimates for All Places: 2000 to 2006 |accessdate=2008-04-03 |format= |work=U.S. Census Bureau }}</ref> and it had an estimated metropolitan population of 96,523 in [[July 2006]].<ref name="metro">{{cite web |url=http://www.census.gov/population/www/estimates/metro_general/2006/CBSA-EST2006-01.csv
|title=Annual Estimates of the Population of Metropolitan and Micropolitan Statistical Areas: April 1, 2000 to July 1, 2006 |accessdate=2007-06-22 |format= |work=U.S. Census Bureau }}</ref> Grand Forks, along with its [[twin cities (geographical proximity)|twin city]] of [[East Grand Forks, Minnesota]], forms the center of the ''Grand Forks, ND-MN Metropolitan Statistical Area'', which is often called ''[[Greater Grand Forks]]'' or ''The Grand Cities''.
Located on the western banks of the [[Red River of the North]] in an extremely flat region known as the [[Red River Valley]],<ref name="redriver">{{cite web |url=http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/canoeing/redriver/index.html |title=Red River of the North – State Canoe Routes |accessdate=2007-06-05 |format= |work=Minnesota Department of Natural Resources }}</ref> the city is prone to flooding and was struck by the devastating [[Red River Flood, 1997|Red River Flood of 1997]].<ref name="flood">{{cite web |url=http://www.draves.com/gf/ |title=The Grand Forks Flood |accessdate=2007-06-05 |format= |work=Draves.com }}</ref> Originally called ''Les Grandes Fourches'' by French fur traders, Grand Forks was founded in 1870 by [[steamboat]] captain [[Alexander Griggs]] and incorporated on [[February 22]], [[1881]].<ref name="history">{{cite web |url=http://www.grandforksgov.com/gfgov/home.nsf/Pages/History |title=Grand Forks History |accessdate=2007-06-05 |format= |work=City of Grand Forks, North Dakota }}</ref> Its location at the fork of the Red River and the [[Red Lake River]] gives the city its name.<ref name="history" />
Historically dependent on local [[agriculture]], the city's economy now encompasses higher education, defense, health care, manufacturing, food processing, and scientific research.<ref name="community">{{cite web |url=http://www.und.nodak.edu/dept/grad/html/gfinfo.html |title=Community of Grand Forks |accessdate=2007-06-11 |format= |publisher=University of North Dakota }}</ref><ref name="employers">{{cite web |url=http://www.state.nd.us/jsnd/docs/lmi/legrand_forks.pdf |title=Grand Forks' 50 Largest Employers |accessdate=2007-06-05 |format=PDF| work=State of North Dakota }}</ref> Grand Forks is served by [[Grand Forks International Airport]] and [[Grand Forks Air Force Base]], while the city's [[University of North Dakota]] is the largest and oldest institution of [[higher education]] in the state.<ref name="und">{{cite web |url=http://www.und.edu/aboutund/ |title=About UND |accessdate=2007-06-05 |format= |work=University of North Dakota }}</ref> The [[Alerus Center]]<ref name="alerus">{{cite web |url=http://www.aleruscenter.com/?page=history
|title=History of Alerus Center |accessdate=2007-06-05 |format= |work=Alerus Center }}</ref> and [[Ralph Engelstad Arena]]<ref name="rea">{{cite web |url=http://www.theralph.com/asp/default.asp?p=13
|title=History of Ralph Engelstad Arena |accessdate=2007-06-08 |format= |work=Ralph Engelstad Arena }}</ref> host athletic and other events, while the [[North Dakota Museum of Art]] and [[Chester Fritz Auditorium]] are the city's largest cultural venues.<ref name="cfa">{{cite web |url=http://www.cfa.und.edu/ |title=Chester Fritz Auditorium |accessdate=2007-06-11 |format= |publisher=Chester Fritz Auditorium }}</ref>
==History==
[[Image:Third Street, Grand Forks, ND.jpg|250px|left|thumb|Third Street looking north]]
{{main|History of Grand Forks, North Dakota}}
Prior to settlement by Europeans or Americans, the area where the city now sits — at the forks of the [[Red River of the North|Red River]] and [[Red Lake River]] — had been an important meeting and trading point for [[Native Americans in the United States|Native Americans]]. Early [[France|French]] explorers, [[animal trapping|fur trappers]], and traders called the area ''Les Grandes Fourches'' meaning "The Grand Forks". By the 1740s, ''Les Grandes Fourches'' was an important [[trading post]] for French fur trappers.<ref name="history"/> A U.S. post office was established on the site on [[June 15]], [[1870]] and the name was changed to "Grand Forks."<ref name="history"/> [[Alexander Griggs]], a [[steamboat]] captain, is regarded as being "The Father of Grand Forks."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.prairiepublic.org/programs/datebook/bydate/03/1003/102603.jsp |title=Dakota Datebook, October 20,2003: Griggs and Grand Forks |accessdate=2007-06-08 |format= |work=North Dakota Public Radio}}</ref> Griggs' steamboat froze in the Red River on a voyage in late 1870, forcing the captain and his crew to spend the winter camping at Grand Forks. Griggs platted the community in 1875 and Grand Forks was officially incorporated on [[February 22]], [[1881]].<ref name="history"/> The city quickly grew after the arrival of the [[Great Northern Railway (U.S.)|Great Northern Railway]] in 1880 and the [[Northern Pacific Railway]] in 1887.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://grandforkshistory.com/index_files/page0002.htm |title=Historic Grand Forks |accessdate=2007-06-08 |format= |work=Grand Forks County Historical Society}}</ref> In 1883, the [[University of North Dakota]] was established, six years before North Dakota was formally recognized as an independent state born from the [[Dakota Territory]].<ref name="und"/>
[[Image:Great Northern Depot, Grand Forks, ND circa 1913.jpg|250px|right|thumb|Great Northern depot]]
The first half of the 1900s saw steady growth and the development of new neighborhoods farther south and west of [[Downtown Grand Forks]]. The 1920s saw the construction of the [[public ownership|state-owned]] [[North Dakota Mill and Elevator]] on the north side of the city.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ndmill.com/ndmill/new/history.cfm |title=History |accessdate=2007-06-08 |format= |work=North Dakota Mill and Elevator }}</ref> In 1954, Grand Forks was chosen as the site for an [[United States Air Force|Air Force]] base.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://public.grandforks.amc.af.mil/documents/History2003.pdf |title=History of the Grand Forks Air Force Base |accessdate=2007-06-05 |format=PDF| work= }}</ref> [[Grand Forks Air Force Base]] brought thousands of new jobs and residents to the community. The military base and the University of North Dakota would become integral pieces of the city's economy. The second half of the 20th century saw Grand Forks spreading further away from the older part of town.<ref name="history"/> [[Interstate 29]] was built on the western side of the city and two enclosed shopping malls – [[Grand Cities Mall|South Forks Plaza]] and [[Columbia Mall (Grand Forks)|Columbia Mall]] – were built on the south side.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.und.nodak.edu/dept/library/Collections/og1242.html |title=Grand Forks, Mayor's Office |accessdate=2007-06-05 |format= |work=University of North Dakota }}</ref>
The city was struck by a [[1997 Red River Flood|severe flood in 1997]], causing extensive damage.<ref name="flood"/> With [[Fargo, North Dakota|Fargo]] upstream from the bulk of the waters and [[Winnipeg]] with its flood control structures, Grand Forks became the hardest hit city in the [[Red River Valley]]. During the height of the flooding, a major fire also destroyed eleven buildings in the downtown area. Many neighborhoods had to be demolished to make way for a new [[levee]] system, which was ultimately completed ten years later. The land bordering the Red River was turned into a massive park known as the [[Greater Grand Forks Greenway]]. Since the flood, Grand Forks has seen both public and private developments throughout town. Two new, large sports venues opened in 2001, including the [[Alerus Center]]<ref name="alerus"/> and the [[Ralph Engelstad Arena]].<ref name="rea"/> In 2007, the [[Winnipeg]]-based [[Canad Inns]] hotel chain opened a 13-story hotel and waterpark adjacent to the Alerus Center.<ref name="canad">{{cite web |url=http://www.canadinns.com/grandforks/
|title=Grand Forks |accessdate=2007-06-05 |format= |work=Canad Inns }}</ref> As of 2007, Grand Forks has a larger population than it did before the 1997 flood and area employment and taxable sales have also surpassed pre-flood levels.<ref name="postflood">{{cite web |url=http://www.minneapolisfed.org/pubs/fedgaz/06-09/cover.cfm |title=High and dry |accessdate=2007-06-08 |format= |work=Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis}}</ref>
==Geography==
[[Image:redrivergrandforkscairn.jpg|130px|right|thumbnail|Flood memorial]]
Grand Forks is located at {{coor dms|47|54|44|N|97|3|17|W|city}} (47.912326, -97.054860){{GR|1}}, {{convert|74|mi|km}} north of the [[Fargo-Moorhead]] area<ref name="demographics">{{cite web |url=http://www.city-data.com/city/Grand-Forks-North-Dakota.html |title=Grand Forks, North Dakota (ND) Detailed Profile |accessdate=2007-06-05 |format= |work=City-Data.com }}</ref> and {{convert|145|mi|km}} south of [[Winnipeg, Manitoba]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.visitgrandforks.com/main.php/meeting_location |title=Travel to Grand Forks, ND and East Grand Forks, MN |accessdate=2007-06-05 |format= |work=Greater Grand Forks Convention & Visitors Bureau }}</ref> Grand Forks is situated on the western bank of the [[Red River of the North]] in an area known as the [[Red River Valley]]. The term "forks" refers to the forking of the Red River with the [[Red Lake River]] located near downtown Grand Forks.<ref name="history"/> According to the [[United States Census Bureau]], the city has a total area of 49.9 km² (19.2 [[square mile|mi²]]), all land. Since it is in one of the flattest parts of the world, the city has few differences in elevation.<ref name="redriver"/> There are no lakes in the city limits of Grand Forks, but the meandering Red River and the English Coulee flow through the community and provide some break in the terrain.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.und.nodak.edu/aboutund/landmarks.html |title=Campus landmarks |accessdate=2007-06-08 |format= |work=University of North Dakota }}</ref> The Red River Valley is the result of an ancient glacier carving its way south during the last Ice Age. Once the glacier receded, it formed a glacial lake called [[Lake Agassiz]]. The ancient beaches can still be seen as rolling hills west of the city.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.und.edu/instruct/eng/fkarner/pages/rebound.htm |title=The Red River Valley:Tilted Shorelines and Rebounding Lake Beds |accessdate=2007-06-08 |format= |work=University of North Dakota }}</ref>
===Climate===
{{main|Climate of Grand Forks, North Dakota}}
Due to its location in the [[Great Plains]] and its distance from both mountains and oceans, the city has an extreme continental climate. This type of climate is distinguished by four very distinct seasons and great variation in temperatures over very short periods of time. As there are no nearby mountain ranges or bodies of water to ameliorate the climatic conditions, Grand Forks lies exposed to numerous weather systems including bitterly cold Arctic high pressure systems. The city is known for its long, cold, and snowy winters. In sharp contrast, summers are warm to hot and often quite humid with frequent thunderstorms. Depending on the year, warm weather can continue beyond to October, or come to an abrupt end soon after [[Labor Day (United States)|Labor Day]]. Spring and autumn are short and highly variable seasons. The lowest temperature ever recorded was -43 °F (-42 °C) on [[January 30]], [[2004]] and the highest temperature ever recorded was 109 °F (43 °C) on [[July 6]], [[1936]].
{| class="wikitable" style="font-size:90%;width:100%;border:0px;text-align:center;line-height:120%;"
! style="background: #FFFFFF; color: #000000" height="17" |Month
! style="background: #FFFFFF; color:#000000;" | Jan
! style="background: #FFFFFF; color:#000000;" | Feb
! style="background: #FFFFFF; color:#000000;" | Mar
! style="background: #FFFFFF; color:#000000;" | Apr
! style="background: #FFFFFF; color:#000000;" | May
! style="background: #FFFFFF; color:#000000;" | Jun
! style="background: #FFFFFF; color:#000000;" | Jul
! style="background: #FFFFFF; color:#000000;" | Aug
! style="background: #FFFFFF; color:#000000;" | Sep
! style="background: #FFFFFF; color:#000000;" | Oct
! style="background: #FFFFFF; color:#000000;" | Nov
! style="background: #FFFFFF; color:#000000;" | Dec
|-
! style="background: #FFFFFF; color:#000000;" |Avg high °F (°C)
| style="background: #E8EAFA; color:#000000;" | 15 (−10)
| style="background: #E8EAFA; color:#000000;" | 22 (−5)
| style="background: #E8EAFA; color:#000000;" | 34 (1)
| style="background: #E8EAFA; color:#000000;" | 53 (12)
| style="background: #E8EAFA; color:#000000;" | 69 (21)
| style="background: #E8EAFA; color:#000000;" | 77 (25)
| style="background: #E8EAFA; color:#000000;" | 81 (27)
| style="background: #E8EAFA; color:#000000;" | 80 (27)
| style="background: #E8EAFA; color:#000000;" | 69 (20)
| style="background: #E8EAFA; color:#000000;" | 55 (13)
| style="background: #E8EAFA; color:#000000;" | 33 (1)
| style="background: #E8EAFA; color:#000000;" | 19 (−7)
|-
! style="background: #FFFFFF; color:#000000;" height="16;" |Avg low temperature °F (°C)
| style="background: #E8EAFA; color: black;" | −4 (−18)
| style="background: #E8EAFA; color: black;" | 4 (−15)
| style="background: #E8EAFA; color: black;" | 17 (−9)
| style="background: #E8EAFA; color: black;" | 31 (−2)
| style="background: #E8EAFA; color: black;" | 44 (4)
| style="background: #E8EAFA; color: black;" | 54 (9)
| style="background: #E8EAFA; color: black;" | 58 (13)
| style="background: #E8EAFA; color: black;" | 56 (12)
| style="background: #E8EAFA; color: black;" | 45 (7)
| style="background: #E8EAFA; color: black;" | 34 (2)
| style="background: #E8EAFA; color: black;" | 18 (−6)
| style="background: #E8EAFA; color: black;" | 3 (−14)
|-
! style="background: #FFFFFF; color:#000000;" height="16;" | Precip (in)
| style="text-align:center; background: #E8EAFA; color:#000000;" | 0.78
| style="text-align:center; background: #E8EAFA; color:#000000;" | 0.62
| style="text-align:center; background: #E8EAFA; color:#000000;" | 0.89
| style="text-align:center; background: #E8EAFA; color:#000000;" | 1.17
| style="text-align:center; background: #E8EAFA; color:#000000;" | 2.11
| style="text-align:center; background: #E8EAFA; color:#000000;" | 2.98
| style="text-align:center; background: #E8EAFA; color:#000000;" | 2.89
| style="text-align:center; background: #E8EAFA; color:#000000;" | 2.92
| style="text-align:center; background: #E8EAFA; color:#000000;" | 1.95
| style="text-align:center; background: #E8EAFA; color:#000000;" | 1.59
| style="text-align:center; background: #E8EAFA; color:#000000;" | 0.86
| style="text-align:center; background: #E8EAFA; color:#000000;" | 0.59
|-
| colspan="13" style="text-align:center;font-size:90%;"|''Source: MSN.com <ref name="climate">{{cite web |url=http://weather.msn.com/local.aspx?&wealocations=wc%3aUSND0146
|title=MSN Weather |accessdate=2007-06-05 |format= |work=MSN.com }}</ref>''
|}
==Cityscape==
{{See also|Downtown Grand Forks|University Village, Grand Forks, North Dakota}}
[[Image:GrandForksMap.png|right|250px|thumb|Map of the city of Grand Forks]]
Grand Forks has several distinct neighborhoods. The area adjacent to the Red River developed first so this is where some of the oldest neighborhoods, including the downtown area, can be found. The area between downtown and the [[University of North Dakota]] campus was another early growth area and historic properties can be found here as well.
[[Downtown Grand Forks]] is the oldest part of the city and thus contains many historic buildings.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://grandforksgov.com/National%20Register.pdf |title=National Register of Historic Places |accessdate=2005-12-24 |format=PDF| work=City of Grand Forks, North Dakota}}</ref> It is the governmental center of the city and county. It is also used as a gathering place for large festivals and a weekly [[farmers' market]] during summer months.<ref name="farmersmarket">{{cite web |url=http://www.visitgrandforks.com/main.php/family |title=Family Fun |accessdate=2007-06-05 |format= |work=Greater Grand Forks Convention & Visitors Bureau }}</ref> Recently, city leaders and developers have announced plans to convert older buildings into high-end [[Condominium|condos]] and [[apartment]]s, and to construct new buildings for the same purpose.<ref>{{cite news|last=Tran|first=Tu-Uyen|title=DOWNTOWN GRAND FORKS: Apartment construction to start in October|work=Grand Forks Herald|pages=|language=|publisher=|date=[[2006-08-11]]|url=| accessdate=}}</ref> Located directly south of downtown, the streets of the Near Southside Historic District are lined with classic houses.<ref name="nearsouthside">{{cite web |url=http://www.nationalregisterofhistoricplaces.com/ND/Grand+Forks/districts.html |title=Grand Forks County – Historic Districts |accessdate=2007-06-08 |format= |work=National Register of Historic Places }}</ref> Reeves Drive was once one of the most fashionable neighborhoods in the city and, to this day, it is still the home of many old mansions exhibiting several unique architectural styles.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.draves.com/gf/gfreeves.htm |title=Reeves Drive |accessdate=2007-06-05 |format= |work=Draves.com }}</ref> Also in this neighborhood are areas of original granitoid paving, several historic churches, and the Lincoln Drive Park. The Near Southside neighborhood was granted the ''historic district'' designation by the [[National Register of Historic Places]].<ref name="nearsouthside"/>
In general, the newer neighborhoods of Grand Forks are in the southern and western parts of town. The 32nd Avenue South corridor has been the commercial center of the city since the [[Columbia Mall (Grand Forks)|Columbia Mall]] opened in 1978. Many [[big box]] stores, as well as hotels and restaurants, are now located along the avenue.<ref name="shopping">{{cite web |url=http://www.visitgrandforks.com/main.php/destinations |title=Shopping Destinations in Grand Forks, ND and East Grand Forks, MN |accessdate=2007-06-05 |format= |work=Greater Grand Forks Convention & Visitors Bureau |}}</ref> A large strip mall, called the Grand Forks Marketplace, opened in 2001 near the Columbia Mall. [[University Village, Grand Forks, North Dakota|University Village]] is a new commercial district that was built on vacant lands owned by the University of North Dakota.<ref name="shopping"/><ref>{{cite web |author=LeAnna Anderson |url=http://www.undalumni.org/NetCommunity/Page.aspx?&pid=397&srcid=243#story2 |title=UND's New Neighborhood |accessdate=2007-06-11 |date=[[2000-09-28]] |format= |publisher=University of North Dakota }}</ref> The centerpiece of the Village is the [[Ralph Engelstad Arena]], which is used by the University's [[North Dakota Fighting Sioux men's ice hockey|Fighting Sioux hockey]] team. All the buildings in the Village have been built in a similar style to buildings on the nearby UND campus. The area now includes restaurants and stores, as well as the University bookstore. In 2006, a new Wellness Center for UND students opened on the Village's west side.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://wellness.und.edu/?page=16 |title=Wellness Center |accessdate=2007-06-08 |format= |work=University of North Dakota }}</ref>
==Demographics==
{{USCensusPop
|1880= 1705
|1890= 4979
|1900= 7682
|1910= 12478
|1920= 14010
|1930= 17112
|1940= 20228
|1950= 26836
|1960= 34451
|1970= 39008
|1980= 43765
|1990= 49425
|2000= 49366
|estimate= 50372
|estyear= [[2006]]
|estref=<ref name="popest"/>
}}
As of the [[census]]{{GR|2}} of 2000, there were 49,321 people, 19,677 households, and 11,058 families residing in the city. The [[population density]] was 989.8/km² (2,563.0/mi²). There were 20,838 housing units at an average density of 418.2/km² (1,082.8/mi²).<ref name="demographics"/>
The racial makeup of the city was 93.35% [[White (U.S. Census)|White]], 0.86% [[African American (U.S. Census)|African American]], 2.75% [[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]], 0.96% [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]], 0.06% [[Pacific Islander (U.S. Census)|Pacific Islander]], 0.58% from [[Race (United States Census)|other races]], and 1.44% from two or more races. [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]] of any race were 1.87% of the population. The top 6 ancestry groups in the city are [[Norway|Norwegian]] (36.4%), [[Germany|German]] (34.7%), [[Ireland|Irish]] (10.6%), [[France|French]] (6.5%), [[Poland|Polish]] (6.2%), [[England|English]] (6.1%).<ref name="census">{{cite web |url=http://censtats.census.gov/data/ND/1603832060.pdf |title=Profile of General Demographics |accessdate=2007-06-05 |format=PDF| work=U.S. Census Bureau }}</ref> In the city the population was spread out with 21.4% under the age of 18, 22.9% from 18 to 24, 27.7% from 25 to 44, 18.3% from 45 to 64, and 9.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 28 years. For every 100 females there were 102.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 100.2 males.<ref name="census"/>
Of the 19,677 households, 28.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 43.2% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 10.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 43.8% were non-families. 31.4% of all households were made up of individuals and 8.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.31 and the average family size was 2.96.<ref name="census"/> The median income for a household in the city was $34,194, and the median income for a family was $47,491. Males had a median income of $30,703 versus $21,573 for females. The [[per capita income]] for the city was $18,395. About 9.3% of families and 14.6% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 14.6% of those under age 18 and 7.7% of those age 65 or over.<ref name="census"/>
==Economy==
The economy of Grand Forks is not dominated by any one industry or sector. While agriculture continues to play a role in the area's economy, the city of Grand Forks now has a relatively diverse economy that includes public and private employers in sectors such as education, defense, health care, manufacturing, and food processing.<ref name="community"/><ref name="employers"/> The state and federal governments operate two of the largest employers in the Grand Forks area. The [[University of North Dakota]], located in the heart of the city, is the largest employer in the metropolitan area.<ref name="employers"/> [[Grand Forks Air Force Base]], just west of the city, employs a large number of civilian workers in addition to its enlisted personnel. [[Altru Health System]] is the largest private employer in Grand Forks.<ref name="employers"/>
[[Image:LMGlasfiberBlade.jpg|200px|right|thumbnail|Employees at LM Glasfiber work on a giant blade for a wind turbine]]
Major manufacturers in Grand Forks include wind turbine manufacturer [[LM Glasfiber]]<ref name="lm">{{cite web |url=http://www.lmglasfiber.com/About/Contact.aspx |title=Contact |accessdate=2007-06-05 |format= |work=LM Glasfiber }}</ref> and small aircraft manufacturer [[Cirrus Design]].<ref name="cirrus">{{cite web |url=http://www.cirrusdesign.com/contact/employment/default.aspx |title=Employment |accessdate=2007-06-05 |format= |work=Cirrus Design }}</ref> Major food producers include potato processor [[Simplot|J. R. Simplot Company]]<ref name="simplot">{{cite web |url=http://www.simplot.com/company/food_plants.cfm#CP_JUMP_17344 |title=Food Plants |accessdate=2007-06-05 |format= |work=J.R. Simplot Company }}</ref> and the [[public ownership|state-owned]] [[North Dakota Mill and Elevator]] which is the largest flour mill in the United States.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.prairiepublic.org/programs/datebook/bydate/06/1006/103006.jsp |title=Dakota Datebook, October 30, 2006: State Mill & Elevator |accessdate=2007-06-08 |format= |work=North Dakota Public Radio}}</ref> [[Amazon.com]]<ref name="amazon">{{cite web |url=http://www.amazon.com/Locations-Products-Careers/b/ref=sc_bb_l_1/104-9996237-8695907?ie=UTF8&node=14237861&no=14201851&me=A2UFG9NDFLOV22 |title=Locations |accessdate=2007-06-05 |format= |work=Amazon.com }}</ref> and SEI Information Technologies<ref name="sei">{{cite web |url=http://www.sei-it.com/ |title=SEI |accessdate=2007-06-05 |format= |work= }}</ref> both operate call centers in Grand Forks. Other large private employers in the city include the locally owned [[Alerus Financial]] branch of banks, [[Home of Economy]], and the locally owned [[Hugo's]] chain of supermarkets.<ref name="hugos">{{cite web |url=http://www.gohugos.com/ |title=Hugo's |accessdate=2007-06-05 |format= |work= }}</ref>
The retail and service sector is also an important part of the economy. The historic center of shopping in Grand Forks was the [[Downtown Grand Forks|downtown]] area. Today, downtown is home to small shops and restaurants and south Grand Forks has become the major retail district in the city.<ref name="shopping"/> Grand Forks has three large shopping centers. The oldest, [[Grand Cities Mall]], is located on South Washington Street and contains mainly small, locally owned stores as well as a [[Kmart Corporation|Kmart]]. With about 80 stores, the area's largest indoor mall is [[Columbia Mall (Grand Forks)|Columbia Mall]] which is anchored by [[Macy's]], [[Sears, Roebuck and Company|Sears]], [[J.C. Penney]], and a large food court. The newest major shopping center in the city is the Grand Forks Marketplace [[power centre|power center mall]] which features [[Target Corporation|SuperTarget]], [[Best Buy]], [[Lowe's]], [[Gordmans]], and several smaller stores. Depending on the relative strength of the [[Canadian dollar]] versus the [[American dollar]], the Greater Grand Forks area attracts large numbers of tourist shoppers from [[Manitoba]] and especially from [[Winnipeg, Manitoba|Winnipeg]].<ref name="dollar">{{cite news|last=Noronha |first=Charmaine|title=Currency goes loonie|work=Associated Press|date=[[2007-06-05]]|url=http://www.grandforksherald.com/articles/?id=39723|accessdate=}}</ref>
===Economic development===
The city government is actively involved in the economic development process, helping existing firms grow and attracting new ones. A portion of sales tax revenues is set aside for this, some of it going into the Grand Forks Growth Fund.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.grandforks.org/businessresources/localstateprograms.php |title=Business Resources – Local and State Programs |accessdate=2007-06-05 |format= |work=The Grand Forks Region Economic Development Corporation }}</ref> Companies can request low-interest loans or grants from this fund provided they meet certain criteria, such as paying a relatively high wage and doing most of their business outside the city's trade region. The city also contributes to the Grand Forks Region Economic Development Corporation (EDC), a public-private organization that also receives funding from banks and other major businesses.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.grandforks.org/gfredc/faq.php |title=About us |accessdate=2007-06-11 |format= |publisher=Grand Forks Region Economic Development Corporation }}</ref> The EDC plays a consulting role for businesses, such as identifying suitable sites for expansion or assembling public funding packages. Its other key role is to vet businesses to see if they are suitable for funding by the Growth Fund.
Community leaders have long seen UND as an "economic engine" for the city. Besides its regular faculty, it also has business-like components such as the [[Energy and Environmental Research Center]]. UND hosts a technology incubator called the Center for Innovation. More recently, the University has been working to commercialize its research. A major thrust in that direction is the construction of a research park on the western fringes of the campus.<ref name="und"/> Another potential economic opportunity for the city is the addition of the [[unmanned aerial vehicle]] (UAV) mission to [[Grand Forks Air Force Base]]. The base currently hosts [[KC-135 Stratotanker]]s, which will gradually be transferred to other bases around the country.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/facility/grand-forks.htm |title=Grand Forks AFB |accessdate=2007-06-05 |format= |work=GlobalSecurity.org }}</ref>
==Government==
[[Image:Grandforkscityhall.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Grand Forks City Hall]]
{| class="toccolours" border="1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse; float:right; margin: .5em;"
|+ '''City government:'''<ref name="citycouncil">{{cite web |url=http://grandforksgov.com/gfgov/home.nsf/Pages/City+Council-Main+Page |title=City Council |accessdate=2007-06-05 |format= |work=City of Grand Forks, North Dakota }}</ref>
|-
| '''Mayor''' || [[Michael Brown (mayor)|Michael Brown]]
|-
| '''Ward 1''' || Bill Hutchison
|-
| '''Ward 2''' || Mike McNamara
|-
| '''Ward 3''' || Eliot Glassheim
|-
| '''Ward 4''' || Hal Gershman
|-
| '''Ward 5''' || Doug Christensen
|-
| '''Ward 6''' || Art Bakken
|-
| '''Ward 7''' || Curt Kreun
|}
{{See also|List of mayors of Grand Forks, North Dakota}}
Grand Forks uses the [[mayor-council government|mayor-council]] model of [[municipal government]]. The mayor, who is elected every four years, has the power to oversee the daily administration of city government and to work directly with department heads to ensure the proper provision of services.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.grandforksgov.com/gfgov/home.nsf/Pages/Mayor's+Office |title=Mayor Brown |accessdate=2007-06-05 |format= |work=City of Grand Forks, North Dakota }}</ref> The mayor of Grand Forks is [[obstetrics|obstetrician]] [[Michael Brown (mayor)|Dr. Michael Brown]]. He was first elected in 2000 and was re-elected in 2004.
The city is divided into seven wards with each ward electing a single city council representative for a four year term. The council meets twice each month as the council proper and twice each month as a [[committee of the whole]]. All council meetings are broadcast on a local cable channel.<ref name="citycouncil"/>
===Sister cities===
{{main|Sister cities of Grand Forks, North Dakota}}
{| class="toccolours" border="1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse; float:left; margin: .5em;"
|+ '''Grand Forks [[town twinning|sister cities]]:'''
|-
|{{flagicon|United States}} ||'''[[Dickinson, North Dakota|Dickinson]]''', [[North Dakota]], [[United States|USA]]
|-
|{{flagicon|Norway}} ||'''[[Sarpsborg]]''', [[Norway]]
|-
|{{flagicon|Japan}} ||'''[[Awano, Tochigi|Awano]]''', [[Japan]] (defunct)
|-
|{{flagicon|Russia}} || '''[[Ishim]]''', [[Russia]] (inactive)
|}
Grand Forks has an active [[town twinning|sister city]] program designed to encourage cultural and economic exchanges.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.grandforksgov.com/gfgov/home.nsf/Pages/Sister+Cities |title=Sister Cities |accessdate=2007-06-11 |format= |publisher=City of Grand Forks }}</ref> Grand Forks' first sister city was [[Ishim]] in the [[Soviet Union]]. The relationship with the [[Siberia]]n city formally began in 1984 during the [[Cold War]]. Sometime in the late 1990s, however, political and economic turmoil in [[Russia]] ended the relationship.<ref name="sister">{{cite news|last=Lee|first=Yangkyoung|title=$5 million godsend|work=Grand Forks Herald|date=[[2007-05-02]]|url=|accessdate=2007-06-05}}</ref> While the relationship with Ishim faded, Grand Forks found a new sister in [[Awano, Tochigi|Awano]], [[Japan]]. An informal relationship began in 1994 when the school districts of both cities began exchanging students. In 1998, the two formally proclaimed themselves sister cities. The most concrete evidence of the relationship between the two is a Japanese rock garden in Grand Forks' Sertoma Park and a sculpture of an [[American bison]] in an Awano park.<ref>{{cite news |last=Bakken|first=Ryan|title=Japanese Residents Will Dedicate New Garden|work=Grand Forks Herald| date=[[2003-10-21]]| url = | }}</ref> However, the annexation of Awano by a larger city has led to the end of the sister city relationship.<ref>{{cite news| last = | first = | coauthors = | title = GF's family gets smaller | work = Grand Forks Herald|date = [[2006-02-19]] | url = | }}</ref> Grand Forks' relationship with [[Dickinson, North Dakota]] began in 2002, when delegations from each city visited the other.<ref>{{cite news|last=Davis|first=Lisa|title=Sister city delegates visit GF|work=Grand Forks Herald|date=[[2003-10-19]]|url=http://www.prairiepublic.org/features/riverwatch/news/herald/10_19_03.html |accessdate=2007-06-05 }}</ref> Grand Forks Mayor [[Michael Brown (mayor)|Michael Brown]] has said he thinks having friends in western North Dakota, which typically has diverging interests from eastern cities, could help at the state legislature.<ref>{{cite news | last = Davis | first = Lisa | coauthors = | title = Sister city delegates visit GF | work = Grand Forks Herald|date = [[2003-10-19]] | url = http://www.prairiepublic.org/features/riverwatch/news/herald/10_19_03.html | accessdate = 2007-06-05 }}</ref> [[Sarpsborg]], [[Norway]] became a sister city in 2005 following several exchanges among leaders from both cities. The city became interested in building a relationship with Sarpsborg because many Grand Forks residents have Norwegian heritage.<ref>{{cite news | last = Tran | first = Tu-Uyen | coauthors = | title = Touring Norway: Year of anticipation | work = Grand Forks Herald |date = [[2003-11-13]] | url = http://www.grandforksherald.com/articles/index.cfm?id=37884 | accessdate = }}</ref>
==Education==
===Higher education===
[[Image:Unodak chester fritz library.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Chester Fritz Library on UND campus]]
Grand Forks is the home of the [[University of North Dakota]] (UND), the largest and oldest university in the state and region. UND has nearly 13,000 enrolled students and is the home of the only schools of medicine and law in the state. UND is also known for its top-ranked John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences. Together, UND and [[North Dakota State University]] make up the [[Red River Valley Research Corridor]].<ref name="und"/>
Across the river in East Grand Forks is [[Northland Community and Technical College]], a 2-year school.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.northlandcollege.edu/about/ |title=About NCTC |accessdate=2007-06-14 |format= |publisher=Northland Community and Technical College }}</ref> Northland has been experiencing steady growth in recent years, with the addition of a sister campus in [[Thief River Falls, Minnesota]] and increasing distance education programs. A major expansion and renovation of the Northland building has been proposed due to rising enrollments.<ref>{{cite news|last=Dodds|first=David|title=Northland Community and Technical College: School tuition to go up 8.6 percent|work=Grand Forks Herald|date=[[2006-01-21]]|url = http://www.grandforksherald.com/articles/?id=39723|accessdate=}}</ref> Also, in nearby [[Crookston, Minnesota]] is the [[University of Minnesota Crookston]] which is a four year school.
===Primary and secondary schools===
The [[Grand Forks Public Schools]] system includes both the school district of Grand Forks and the school district of the [[Grand Forks Air Force Base]]. 7,600 students attend schools in the school system. There are twelve [[elementary school]]s, four [[middle school]]s, and two [[high school]]s: [[Central High School (Grand Forks, North Dakota)|Central High]] and [[Red River High School|Red River High]]. The Grand Forks Public Schools system also operates an [[alternative high school]] and an adult education program. Grand Forks Public Schools is governed by a nine member board of elected representatives, separate from the city and county governments.<ref name="gfps">{{cite web |url=http://www.gfschools.org/education/components/scrapbook/default.php?sectiondetailid=694&sc_id=1154487575&PHPSESSID=33aa91ee35c2ab2b137a7ca9a3f59dbc |title=About the GFPS |accessdate=2007-06-14 |format= |publisher=Grand Forks Public Schools }}</ref>
There are also several primary schools operating in the community that are not a part of the public schools system. Grand Forks is the home of the state-operated North Dakota School for the Blind.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ndvisionservices.com/ |title=North Dakota Vision Services, Home Page |accessdate=2007-06-14 |format= |publisher=North Dakota Vission Services }}</ref> There are two [[Catholic school]]s in Grand Forks, both offering classes from kindergarten through 6th grade.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.stmichaels.k12.nd.us/history.htm |title=St. Michael's Elementary School |accessdate=2007-06-14 |format= |publisher=St. Michael's Elementary School }}</ref>
<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.holyfamilygrandforks.parishesonline.com/scripts/HostedSites/org.asp?p=17&ID=12945 |title=School |accessdate=2007-06-14 |format= |publisher=Holy Family Parish }}</ref> The only private high school in the metropolitan area is [[Sacred Heart High School (East Grand Forks, Minnesota)|Sacred Heart High School]], a [[Catholic school]], which is in [[East Grand Forks, Minnesota|East Grand Forks]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sacredheartegf.net/school/ |title=School Information |accessdate=2007-06-14 |format= |publisher=Sacred Heart Catholic School }}</ref> There is a non-denominational Christian elementary and middle school operating in East Grand Forks.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://riversidechristianschool.org/ |title=RCS Home Page |accessdate=2007-06-05 |format= |work=Riverside Christian School }}</ref>
==Culture==
===Arts and theatre===
Due at least in part to the presence of the [[University of North Dakota]], Grand Forks offers a variety of arts and cultural events.<ref name="arts">{{cite web |url=http://www.visitgrandforks.com/main.php/arts |title=Arts |accessdate=2007-06-11 |format= |publisher=Greater Grand Forks Convention & Visitors Bureau }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.novac.org/ |title=Northern Valley Arts Council |accessdate=2007-06-05 |format= |work=}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.culturepulse.org/ |title=CulturePulse |accessdate=2007-06-11 |format= |publisher=CulturePulse.org }}</ref> The [[North Dakota Museum of Art]], located on the UND campus, brings many nationally touring exhibits to Grand Forks as well as the work of regional artists.<ref name="ndmoa">{{cite web |url=http://www.ndmoa.com/History.html |title=NDMOA History |accessdate=2007-06-11 |format= |work=North Dakota Museum of Art}}</ref> In addition to the Museum of Art, UND offers other gallery space for student art. UND also has active Theater Arts and Music departments.<ref name="und"/> Students stage theater productions each year at the Burtness Theater on campus.<ref name="burtness">{{cite web |url=http://www.und.edu/dept/dtheater/burtness.html |title=Burtness Theater |accessdate=2007-06-11 |format= |publisher=University of North Dakota }}</ref> UND's [[Chester Fritz Auditorium]] also brings music and theater events to Grand Forks including national touring companies of [[Broadway theatre|Broadway musicals]].<ref name="cfa"/>
The Greater Grand Forks Symphony Orchestra has been performing since 1905<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ggfso.org/ |title=Greater Grand Forks Symphony Orchestra |accessdate=2007-06-11 |format= |publisher=Greater Grand Forks Symphony Orchestra }}</ref> and the Grand Forks Master Chorale was formed in 1983.<ref name="arts"/> Both groups stage productions each year at various locations in the community. The North Dakota Ballet Company is headquartered in Grand Forks and often performs at the Chester Fritz Auditorium.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://learn.aero.und.edu/organization.asp?SideBarID=30023 |title=North Dakota Ballet Company |accessdate=2007-06-11 |format= |publisher=North Dakota Ballet Company }}</ref> The Grand Forks City Band was formed in 1886 and still stages shows year round.<ref name="arts"/>
The Empire Arts Center, in [[downtown Grand Forks]], is home to several cultural events throughout the year. The Empire, a 1919 movie theater, was restored after the [[Red River Flood, 1997|Flood of 1997]] and now includes performance space, a large movie screen, a gallery, and space for artists.<ref name="empire">{{cite web |url=http://www.empireartscenter.com/ |title=Empire Arts Center |accessdate=2007-06-11 |format= |publisher=Empire Arts Center }}</ref> The Fire Hall Theatre, also located downtown, is used by community members to put on several theater productions each year.<ref name="arts"/> The [[Summer Performing Arts Company]] (SPA) is a popular summer arts program for area K-12 students. SPA stages one or two major musicals and one or two smaller shows each summer.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.spacompany.org/ |title=Summer Performing Arts Company |accessdate=2007-06-11 |format= |publisher=Summer Performing Arts Company }}</ref> The Myra Museum, on Belmont Road near the [[Greater Grand Forks Greenway]], is a small history museum with exhibits that trace local history from the Ice Age, through settlement, and into the modern age. Other buildings on the Myra Museum grounds include the original 1868 Grand Forks Post Office, a 1917 one room school, and the historic Campbell House.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://grandforkshistory.com/index_files/page0001.htm |title=Myra Museum |accessdate=2007-06-20 |format= |publisher=Grand Forks County Historical Society }}</ref>
===Sports===
[[Image:Ralph Engelstadt Arena 2007.JPG|right|thumb|200px|Ralph Engelstad Arena]]
[[College sports]] are popular in Grand Forks, with an intense following for the [[University of North Dakota]] [[North Dakota Fighting Sioux|Fighting Sioux]].<ref name="und"/> The [[North Dakota Fighting Sioux men's ice hockey|UND men's ice hockey]] team competes in the [[NCAA]] [[Division I]] level and has been the [[Frozen Four]] championship team seven times and the runner-up five times.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.insidecollegehockey.com/6History/frozen_four.htm |title=Frozen Four History |accessdate=2007-06-21 |format= |publisher=Inside College Hockey }}</ref> The [[North Dakota Fighting Sioux football|UND football]] team was the 2001 [[NCAA Division II national football championship|NCAA Division II champion]] and the 2003 runner-up. In 2006, the school announced that it would be moving its entire athletic program to Division I.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://chronicle.com/news/article/1528/fighting-sioux-name-prevents-north-dakota-from-playing-against-some-teams |title='Fighting Sioux' Name Prevents North Dakota From Playing Against Some Teams |accessdate=2007-06-21 |format= |publisher=The Chronicle }}</ref>
Grand Forks is home to two major indoor athletic arenas. The city-owned [[Alerus Center]] opened in 2001.<ref name="alerus"/> The Alerus Center is home to the Fighting Sioux football team and also plays host to a variety of other events including major concerts. The Alerus Center is the largest arena and convention center complex in the upper Midwest area.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.visitgrandforks.com/main.php/alerus_convention |title=Grand Forks, North Dakota Alerus Center |accessdate=2007-06-05 |format= |work=Greater Grand Forks Convention & Visitors Bureau }}</ref> The Fighting Sioux hockey teams compete in the [[Ralph Engelstad Arena]], located in the [[University Village, Grand Forks, North Dakota|University Village]] district of the UND campus. "The Ralph" as it is commonly called was funded by UND benefactor [[Ralph Engelstad]] and opened in 2001 at a cost of over $100 million dollars.<ref name="rea"/> Adjacent to the Ralph Engelstad Arena is the smaller [[Betty Engelstad Sioux Center]]. "The Betty" is the home of the [[North Dakota Fighting Sioux basketball|Fighting Sioux basketball]] and [[North Dakota Fighting Sioux volleyball|Fighting Sioux volleyball]] teams.
===Recreation===
The [[Grand Forks Park District]], established in 1905, operates 14 neighborhood parks, 28 [[tennis]] courts, and a swimming pool. The parks include features such as playgrounds, baseball fields, softball fields, soccer fields, basketball courts, and picnic areas. Sertoma Park includes a [[Japanese garden]]. The Park District also operates eleven outdoor skating rinks and indoor ice arenas: Purpur Arena, Eagles Arena, Blueline Club Arena, and Gambucci Arena. The district also owns the Center Court Fitness Club.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gfparks.org/home.cfm?page=parks.html |title=Parks and Facilities |accessdate=2007-06-18 |format= |publisher=Grand Forks Park District }}</ref>
There are several [[golf course]]s in the city and the surrounding area.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.golfnow.com/course-directory/metro-areas/grand-forks-golf-courses/|title=Grand Forks Golf Courses |accessdate=2007-10-22}}</ref> The Park District operates the 18-hole, [[Arnold Palmer]]-designed, links style King's Walk Golf Course<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.kingswalk.org/ |title=King's Walk Golf Course |accessdate=2007-06-18 |format= |publisher=Grand Forks Park District }}</ref> and the historic, 9-hole Lincoln Golf Course.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gfparks.org/home.cfm?page=golf.html |title=Lincoln Golf Course |accessdate=2007-06-18 |format= |publisher=Grand Forks Park District }}</ref> The [[University of North Dakota]] operates the 9-hole Ray Richards Golf Course.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rrgc.und.edu/ |title=Ray Richards Golf Course |accessdate=2007-06-18 |format= |publisher=University of North Dakota }}</ref> The 18-hole Grand Forks Country Club is located directly south of the city.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gfcountryclub.com/ |title=Welcome |accessdate=2007-06-18 |format= |publisher=Grand Forks Country Club }}</ref> There are also golf courses in nearby [[East Grand Forks, Minnesota]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.minnesotagolf.com/tee_times_online/Region5.asp?Region=5 |title=Course Directory |accessdate=2007-06-06 |format= |work=Minnesota Golf }}</ref> and [[Manvel, North Dakota]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.golflink.com/golf-courses/golf-course.asp?course=14502 |title= Manvel River's Edge Golf Course |accessdate=2007-06-05 |format= |work= }}</ref>
The [[Greater Grand Forks Greenway]] is a large park that runs the length of the [[Red River of the North|Red River]] in the city. It includes an extensive path system, large festival grounds, ski trails, and wildflower gardens.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.grandforksgov.com/greenway/index.htm |title=The Greenway |accessdate=2007-06-18 |format= |publisher=City of Grand Forks }}</ref> Including the Greenway, the bicycle route system in Grand Forks is over {{convert|43|mi|km}} long.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.visitgrandforks.com/main.php/activities |title=Activities |accessdate=2007-06-06|work=Greater Grand Forks Convention & Visitors Bureau }}</ref> These paths are located in The Greenway, adjacent to major streets, and on the banks of the English Coulee. There are also two pedestrian/bike bridges that span the Red River.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.grandforksgov.com/2005%20Bike%20Map.pdf |title=Map of Grand Forks bike paths |accessdate=2007-06-05 |format=PDF| work=City of Grand Forks, North Dakota }}</ref>
==Infrastructure==
===Transportation===
[[Image:Grandforks-sorlie.jpg|right|thumb|200px|The [[Sorlie Memorial Bridge]] (DeMers Avenue) spans the Red River and connects [[downtown Grand Forks]] to downtown [[East Grand Forks, Minnesota|East Grand Forks]]]]
{{See also|Major roads in Grand Forks, North Dakota}}
[[Grand Forks International Airport]] ('''GFK''', '''KGFK''') is served by [[Northwest Airlines]] with several daily round trips to [[Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport]]. The airport is a major distribution center for [[FedEx]], which conducts flights daily with [[Boeing 727]] and [[Cessna Caravan]] aircraft. The Cessna Caravans transport packages to outlying areas of the state. The airport is also one of the busiest airports in the country, due mainly to the presence of the [[John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences]] of the [[University of North Dakota]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gfkairport.com/html/02_airservice.html |title=Airport Information |accessdate=2007-06-05 |format= |work=Grand Forks International Airport (GFK)}}</ref> The [[BNSF Railway]] runs track in several directions in and around the city. [[Amtrak]] passenger service on the [[Empire Builder]] line heads westbound daily at 4:52 am and eastbound daily at 12:57 am. The Empire Builder stops at the [[Grand Forks (Amtrak station)|Grand Forks Amtrak station]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/ContentServer?pagename=Amtrak/am2Station/Station_Page&code=GFK |title=Stations – Grand Forks, ND (GFK) |accessdate=2007-06-05 |format= |work=Amtrak }}</ref>
Three federal highways pass through Grand Forks: [[U.S. Route 2|U.S. Highway 2]], [[Interstate 29]], and [[U.S. Highway 81]]. U.S. Highway 2, known as Gateway Drive in the city, runs east to west through the northern part of town and is a four lane highway. The highway is the primary connection between Grand Forks, [[East Grand Forks, Minnesota|East Grand Forks]], the [[Grand Forks Air Force Base]], [[Grand Forks International Airport]], and nearby [[Crookston, Minnesota]]. Interstate 29 runs north to south along the western part of the city, officially multiplexed with U.S. Highway 81 in the Grand Forks area. The U.S. Highway 81 business route, Washington Street and 32nd Avenue, runs through many of the city's major commercial districts.<ref name="mapquest">{{cite web |url=http://www.mapquest.com/maps/map.adp?searchtype=address&country=US&addtohistory=&searchtab=home&formtype=address&popflag=0&latitude=&longitude=&name=&phone=&level=&cat=&address=&city=grand+forks&state=nd&zipcode= |title=Map of Grand Forks, ND |accessdate=2007-06-05 |format= |work=MapQuest }}</ref>
Within the city, roads that run from north to south are traditionally called "streets" and roads that run from east to west are traditionally called "avenues." Streets are numbered in blocks west of the [[Red River of the North|Red River]]. Avenues are numbered in blocks north or south of Demers Avenue — the city's historic dividing route adjacent to the rail yards.<ref name="mapquest"/> The city maintains a bus system called [[Cities Area Transit]], also known by the acronym CAT. The system has operated since 1926 when it was introduced to replace an earlier [[tram|trolley]] system. There are twelve bus routes including night service and service in the community of [[East Grand Forks, Minnesota|East Grand Forks]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.grandforksgov.com/bus/HISTORY.pdf |title=History of CAT |accessdate=2007-06-05 |format=PDF| work=City of Grand Forks, North Dakota }}</ref>
===Health care===
With over 3,400 employees and over 180 physicians,<ref name="altru info">{{cite web |url=http://altru.org/body.cfm?id=275 |title=General Information |accessdate=2007-06-18 |format= |publisher=Altru }}</ref> [[Altru Health System]] is the main provider of health care in Grand Forks and the surrounding region and is also the largest private employer in Grand Forks.<ref name="employers"/> Altru's 90 acre medical campus near the center of the city offers a 261-bed acute care hospital, a 34-bed rehabilitation hospital, and five clinics.<ref name="altru info"/> Altru Hospital, formerly called United Hospital, is the result of a 1971 merger of Grand Forks' Deaconess Hospital and St. Michael's Hospital.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.altru.org/body.cfm?id=89&oTopID=89 |title=Mission & History |accessdate=2007-06-05 |format= |work=Altru Health System}}</ref>
Grand Forks has long had just one major healthcare provider, but recently a new medical campus, called Aurora Medical Park, has been developing on the south side of the city.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.auroramedicalpark.com/ |title=Aurora Medical Park |accessdate=2007-06-18 |format= |publisher=Aurora Medical Park }}</ref> Facilities in the development include the Stadter Center — a 70-bed psychiatric hospital<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.stadtercenter.com/index.php |title=Stadter Center |accessdate=2007-06-18 |format= |publisher=The Stadter Center }}</ref> — and a two story clinic building. Individual spaces in the clinic building are leased out to private medical practices. In early April of 2007, a proposal surfaced to build a 70-bed hospital called [[Aurora Hospital]] on the medical campus.<ref>{{cite news | last = Tran | first = Tu-Uyen | coauthors = | title = GF CITY COUNCIL: Are two better than one? | work = Grand Forks Herald | pages = | language = | publisher = | date = [[2007-04-03]] | url = http://www.grandforksherald.com/articles/index.cfm?id=33229 | accessdate = 2007-06-05 }}</ref>
==Media==
[[Image:HeraldClockTower.jpg|right|thumb|200px|The clock tower of the ''Herald'' building in [[downtown Grand Forks]]]]
{{Main|Media in Grand Forks, North Dakota}}
The ''[[Grand Forks Herald]]'' is the major daily newspaper serving Grand Forks<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.grandforksherald.com/ |title=Grand Forks Herald |accessdate=2007-06-18 |format= |publisher=Grand Forks Herald }}</ref> and is also the second most widely circulated newspaper in [[North Dakota]] with a daily circulation of around 31,000.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.forumcomm.com/articles/?page=06072006
|title=Forum Communications buys Grand Forks Herald, Duluth News Tribune |accessdate=2007-06-21 |format= |publisher=Forum Communications }}</ref> ''The Exponent'' is a weekly newspaper published in [[East Grand Forks, Minnesota]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.page1publications.com/exponent |title=Exponent |accessdate=2007-06-18 |format= |publisher=The Exponent }}</ref> The [[University of North Dakota]] also has its own student-published newspaper called ''[[The Dakota Student]]'', which is published twice weekly during the school year.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dakotastudent.com/ |title=The Dakota Student |accessdate=2007-06-18 |format= |publisher=The Dakota Student }}</ref>
The major AM radio station in Grand Forks is [[KNOX (AM)|KNOX]] 1310, which is a [[talk radio|news and talk station]]. The city's [[FM band|FM]] stations include [[National Public Radio|NPR]] affiliates [[KUND]] 89.3, [[KFJM]] 90.7, [[KQMN]] 91.5, and [[KNTN]] 102.7. [[commercial radio|Commercial]] [[FM band|FM]] stations include [[rock music|rock]] station [[KJKJ]] 107.5; [[top 40 (radio format)|top 40]] station [[KKXL-FM]] 92.9; and [[country music|country]] stations [[KSNR]] 100.3 and [[KYCK]] 97.1.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tvradioworld.com/region1/nd/radio.asp?m=gra |title= North Dakota – Radio Broadcasting Stations |accessdate=2007-06-05 |format= |work=RadioStationWorld }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.radioandrecords.com/RRRatings/DetailsPage.aspx?MID=296&RY=2006&RQ=4&MP=0&OTHER=2&MN=Grand%20Forks&MS=ND&MR=289&12P=83300&UP=2/1/2007%2012:00:00%20AM&SU=C&BPER=&HPER=&OPER=&NSD=&CE=0 |title=Grand Forks Arbitron Ratings |accessdate=2007-06-05 |format= |work=Radio and Records }}</ref>
[[WDAZ-TV]] channel 8, an [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]] affiliate, is the only [[broadcast television]] station in Grand Forks that provides local news.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.forumcomm.com/broadcast/?page=wdaz |title=WDAZ-TV |accessdate=2007-06-18 |format= |publisher=Forum Communications Company }}</ref> All other major U.S. television networks are represented in Grand Forks from Fargo-based television stations. The [[cable television]] provider, [[Midcontinent Communications]], carries several locally-based cable channels such as the [[Fighting Sioux Sports Network]] and public channels run by the University of North Dakota, City of Grand Forks and the Grand Forks Public Schools.
==See also==
*[[History of Grand Forks, North Dakota]]
*[[Climate of Grand Forks, North Dakota]]
*[[Sister cities of Grand Forks, North Dakota]]
*[[Media in Grand Forks, North Dakota]]
*[[List of mayors of Grand Forks, North Dakota]]
*[[List of people from Grand Forks, North Dakota]]
==Notes==
{{reflist|colwidth=30em}}
==Further reading==
*Tweton, Jerome D. (1986, reprinted 2005). ''Grand Forks, A Pictorial History'', Norfolk, Virginia: The Donning Company.
*Bladow, Eldon (Ed.) (1974). ''They Came To Stay'', Grand Forks, North Dakota: Grand Forks Centennial Corporations.
*Jacobs, Mike (Ed.) (1997). ''Come Hell and High Water'', Grand Forks, North Dakota: Knight-Ridder.
==External links==
{{commons|Grand Forks, North Dakota}}
*[http://www.grandforksgov.com City of Grand Forks official website]
*[http://www.grandforksherald.com ''Grand Forks Herald'' website]
*[http://www.visitgrandforks.com Grand Forks Convention and Visitors Bureau website]
*[http://www.grandforks.org/ Grand Forks Region Economic Development Corporation (EDC)]
*[http://www.und.edu University of North Dakota official website]
*[http://public.grandforks.amc.af.mil/ Grand Forks Air Force Base official website]
*[http://www.aleruscenter.com Alerus Events Center website]
*[http://www.theralph.com Ralph Engelstad Arena website]
{{Mapit-US-cityscale|47.925278|-97.032499}}
{{Grand Forks County, North Dakota}}
{{North Dakota}}
{{Greater Grand Forks}}
{{Grand Forks}}
[[Category:Settlements established in 1881]]
[[Category:Grand Forks County, North Dakota]]
[[Category:Grand Forks-East Grand Forks]]
[[Category:Cities in North Dakota]]
[[Category:University towns in the United States]]
[[Category:County seats in North Dakota]]
[[ar:غراند فوركس، داكوتا الشمالية]]
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