Nestled between the plains of North Dakota and the pine forests of northern Minnesota lie the twin cities of Grand Forks, N.D., and East Grand Forks, Minn. With a combined population of more than 60,000, an additional 14,000 residents at the nearby Air Force Base, and 11,000 more with the University of North Dakota, Grand Forks is a community on the rise.

Yet, despite its growth, Grand Forks still retains the friendly rural atmosphere that characterizes the people in North Dakota. An international airport in proximity to interstate highways make our metropolitan area quickly accessible to the rest of the nation. In particular, Winnipeg, Manitoba, is two hours to the north and Minneapolis-St. Paul is five hours to the southeast.

Four Seasons of Activity

Weather must be the topic most discussed, both locally and nationally. Certainly the winter commands and deserves respect, but it rarely interferes with daily activities.

There are truly four seasons which encourage recreational pursuits by everyone. In the summer, activity abounds in our 25 city parks, including softball leagues and golf. Minnesota's lake region, Lake of the Woods, and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area are within a few hours' drive.

With autumn comes hunting season, with plenty of wilderness close by. Drives to see the colors of fall are popular, and the area boasts one of the last remaining great stands of the American Elm in the country. Finally, winter arrives and, with its snow and ice, is breathtakingly beautiful. Many activities finally begin, including curling and hockey leagues, ice fishing, cross-country skiing, and skating on one of the many indoor or outdoor rinks scattered through the parks.

Arts and Entertainment

Arts and entertainment are alive and well in Grand Forks. The North Dakota Museum of Art, greater Grand Forks Symphony, Grand Forks Master Chorale, the North Dakota Ballet Company, UND Burtness Theater and Hughes Fine Arts Center, and Fire Hall Theater (home of the Greater Grand Forks Community Theater), all based in Grand Forks, provide opportunities for participation, whether onstage or from the audience.

Numerous national and international productions, presented throughout the year, have included everything from the Royal Winnipeg Ballet Company to the Soviet Acrobatic Revue to Robert Palmer. Many of these performances are held at UND's 2400-seat Chester Fritz Auditorium, one of the most beautiful and acoustically superior structures of its kind in the region.

There are also almost 100 restaurants and night clubs, many featuring live music or comedy. North Dakota is one of the few states that allows legalized charitable gambling.

Grand Forks Air Force Base

The Grand Forks Air Force Base is a strong and welcome part of the community. Geographically separated 13 miles to the west—yet functionally united—this community of 14,000 contributes much to its namesake city. Annually "Friends and Neighbors Day" provides citizens in the region a chance to see this critical part of our nation's defense system, an important component of the Red River Valley.

Churches and Shopping

There are more than 60 religious congregations in the Greater Grand Forks area from which to choose. There are also three malls, including the Columbia Mall with more than 100 shops.

Education

Grand Forks has an excellent primary and secondary school system, the second largest in North Dakota. There are also numerous parochial schools. Post-secondary education is available through the Northwest Technical College, a local business college, and, of course, the University of North Dakota.

University of North Dakota

The University has been an important part of Grand Forks since its founding in 1883. It has grown to include more than 11,000 students enrolled in its 200 specialized fields of study. These include evening and outreach programs, as well as colleges of medicine, nursing, and law. The University's three-fold mission includes teaching, research, and service, evidenced by projects as diverse as aerospace sciences and archaeological explorations.

UND's influence is felt by everyone in the city. Its hockey team has been Division I National Champion six times. The women's basketball team won the NCAA Division II Title in 1997, 1998, and 1999. Its College of Fine Arts contributes music and visual art to the community's cultural side.

Housing

Housing opportunities in Grand Forks are plentiful; they vary from the standard one-, two-, or three-bedroom units to complexes with pools and recreational facilities. Town homes and single-family homes are also available for rent or ownership in every price range. Some residents choose to live in the country, on either side of the river. Others prefer to live within walking distance to Medical Park.

Employment Opportunities

Residents' spouses and significant others find many opportunities for employment or further education in Grand Forks. Support groups for spouses and significant others vary according to desire, needs, and schedules.