Grand Forks County

Grand Forks County is an administrative county in northeastern North Dakota with rolling terrain and agricultural land stretching along the Red River of the North. The region contains scattered communities connected by highways and local roads that serve the farming and business areas.

The county was established in 1873 by the Dakota Territory legislature, drawing territory from Pembina County. Government operations officially began in 1875 and shaped the region's growth from that point forward.

The University of North Dakota in Grand Forks shapes the character of the region through its students, faculty, and events that connect local communities. The campus influences how people gather and share knowledge across the county.

Interstate 29, U.S. Highway 2, and U.S. Highway 81 run through the county and connect different communities together. Visitors can use these routes to travel between towns and explore the region at their own pace.

The Forest River Biology Station spans 160 acres and tracks plant life and whitetail deer movement across a protected wildlife area. This research facility offers visitors a chance to see how scientists study the local environment.

Location: North Dakota

Inception: 1873

Capital city: Grand Forks

Shares border with: Walsh County, Marshall County, Polk County, Traill County, Steele County, Nelson County

Website: http://gfcounty.nd.gov

GPS coordinates: 47.92000,-97.45000

Latest update: December 7, 2025 20:44