Grand Forks, ND

Grand Forks is really way cooler than you think!

Located in Grand Forks, North Dakota, UND is right at home in this vibrant college town of 62,000 people located on the border of North Dakota and Minnesota. With prairies to the west and lakes to the east, Grand Forks is ranked one of the most livable cities in the country.

What makes Grand Forks, North Dakota great?

Friendlier and Safer Living

Many cite the people as their favorite thing about Grand Forks. Why are people so friendly? That's easy – no rush hour, welcoming neighborhoods, peaceful surroundings and living freely. Grand Forks is also very safe; consistently ranking among the most secure small cities in America.

Smarter Schools

Our public and private educational systems are some of the best in the country. We provide outstanding educational opportunities for students of all ages and needs.

Better Job Opportunities

Grand Forks is a hub for engineering, aerospace, energy, agriculture, and healthcare. Over the last decade, the number of young people living in Grand Forks has soared, with a 17% increase of residents between the ages of 25 and 39.

Healthier People

The Greater Grand Forks Area supports all aspects of wellness including physical, mental and spiritual health. It's no wonder UND often ranks as the healthiest college in the nation.

Livelier Events

Whether you call it a big small town or small big town, Grand Forks is an undisputed hockey town. Attendance at UND's men’s hockey games is equivalent to 21% of the town's population. We boast that we have at least one of everything. We even host the world’s largest French fry feed.

Living Grand in Our College Town

#1 College Town in North Dakota – Reviews.org, Far & Wide

Top 30 Most Livable College Towns – SmartAsset

Best Place to Live in North Dakota – Time Money

America's Best Hockey Town – SmartAsset

Most Secure U.S. Places – Farmers Insurance

Grand Forks Community Tour

Greater Grand Forks and UND are well connected. In fact, our relationship is award winning. We won the Larry Abernathy Award from the International Town & Gown Association in 2021 and the American Council on Education’s / Fidelity Investments Award for Institutional Transformation in 2022. Together, we have a clear desire to collaborate for the betterment of the campus and community.

Top 5 Things to Do in Grand Forks

We joke there are only two seasons in Grand Forks – summer and winter. But really, we enjoy all four seasons.

Summer in Grand Forks

Sunshine and perfect temps? Yeah, you betcha! Once the summer weekend arrives, many head to “the lake” or enjoy outdoor activities in Grand Forks.

Winter in Grand Forks

Grand Forks averages 42 inches of snowfall a year. It's chilly. Wear a coat.

Autum in Grand Forks

Fall is the best time of year. Campus is rocking and it's football season.