Geography Grand Forks, North Dakota

the confluence of red , red lake rivers.



flood memorial

grand forks 74 miles (119 km) north of fargo-moorhead area , 145 miles (233 km) south of winnipeg, manitoba. grand forks on western bank of red river of north in area known red river valley. term forks refers forking of red river red lake river near downtown grand forks. according united states census bureau, city has total area of 20.09 square miles (52.03 km), of which, 19.91 square miles (51.57 km) land , 0.18 square miles (0.47 km) water. since in 1 of flattest parts of world, city has few differences in elevation. there no lakes within city limits of grand forks, meandering red river , english coulee flow through community , provide break in terrain.

the red river valley result of ancient glacier carving way south during last ice age. once glacier receded, formed glacial lake called lake agassiz. valley formed ancient lake bed. ancient beaches can still seen rolling hills west of city.

cityscape


map of downtown grand forks

grand forks has several distinct neighborhoods. area adjacent red river developed first; of oldest neighborhoods, including downtown area, can found. area between downtown , university of north dakota campus growth area, , historic properties can found here well.

downtown grand forks contains many recognized historic buildings. governmental center of city , county. used gathering place large community events , festivals. farmer s market takes place every saturday (9am 2pm) mid-june mid-september in town square @ corner of 3rd street s. , demers avenue.

in 2006, city leaders , developers announced plans convert older office buildings high-end condos , apartments, , construct new buildings same purpose provide residents downtown. directly south of downtown, streets of near southside historic district lined classic houses. reeves drive once 1 of city s fashionable neighborhoods. has many historic mansions exhibiting several unique architectural styles. neighborhood has areas of original granitoid paving, several historic churches, , lincoln drive park. near southside neighborhood has been designated national historic district , listed on national register of historic places.

the newer neighborhoods of grand forks developed in city s southern , western parts. 32nd avenue south corridor has been commercial center of city since 1978, when columbia mall opened. many big box stores , restaurants along avenue. large strip mall, called grand forks marketplace, opened in 2001 near columbia mall.

university village new commercial district built on vacant lands owned university of north dakota. centerpiece of village ralph engelstad arena, used university s north dakota men s ice hockey team. buildings in village have been built in style similar style on nearby und campus. restaurants , retail stores, university bookstore, developed in area stimulate community life. in 2006, university opened new wellness center students on village s west side.

climate

due location in great plains , distance both mountains , oceans, city has humid continental climate (köppen (dfb)), usda plant hardiness zone 4a. has 4 distinct seasons , great variation in temperatures on short periods of time. there no nearby mountain ranges or bodies of water ameliorate climatic conditions, grand forks lies exposed numerous weather systems, including bitterly cold arctic high pressure systems. city has long, cold, , snowy winters. summers warm hot , quite humid frequent thunderstorms. although warm weather ends after labor day, few warm days occur late october. spring , autumn short , highly variable seasons. record temperature extremes range −43 °f (−42 °c) on january 11, 1912 109 °f (43 °c) on july 12, 1936.

the daily mean temperatures of grand forks winters associated subarctic climates frequent subzero temperatures. due extended warm period of daily means above 50 °f (10 °c) may september, city s climate still classified within humid continental temperature range.