East Grand Forks, MN

East Grand Forks sits right on the Minnesota side of the Red River, directly across the water from Grand Forks, North Dakota. With a population of around 9,000, it offers a relaxed, small-town pace while sharing everyday conveniences, jobs, and dining with its larger sister city. The surrounding Red River Valley is flat and wide-open, giving the community a quiet, grounded feel with plenty of room to breathe.

ATTRRussell Lee / Public domain

Much of local outdoor recreation centers on the riverfront, particularly along the Greater Grand Forks Greenway and the Red River State Recreation Area, where you will find miles of paved trails, fishing access, and city-side camping. Community events like Catfish Days, winter fishing tournaments, and the Potato Bowl keep the calendar lively throughout the year. With strong local schools, a campus for Northland Community and Technical College, and quick bridge crossings into North Dakota, East Grand Forks is a comfortable home base for anyone moving to the area.