Grand Forks | Talking Trail

"History comes to life
on the Talking Trail..."

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13 Point Talking Trail

This photo shows the large stainless steel paddlewheel sculpture in downtown Grand Forks, ND. The modern, circular structure with protruding spokes frames the city intersection behind it, symbolizing the region’s riverboat heritage and serving as a distinctive landmark in the heart of downtown.

670 - Paddlewheel

Downtown Grand Forks, situated on the storied banks of the Red River of the North, underwent a tremendous revitalization after the historic flood...

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This historic black-and-white photo shows the Opera House Building in downtown Grand Forks, ND. The large brick structure features Romanesque-style arches, ornate windows, and a central arched entrance flanked by posters for upcoming shows. A fire escape runs along the side, and utility poles and streetcar tracks line the street in front, capturing the early 20th-century character of the city.

671 - Opera House

The magnificent Metropolitan Opera House sits alongside the Great Northern Railway line on full display to visitors arriving in Grand Forks. The land was...

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This photo shows the Loon sculpture by artist Cynthia Wildes in Loon Park, downtown Grand Forks, ND. The polished metallic artwork, inspired by the shape of a loon, rises elegantly among greenery with a modern, reflective surface that contrasts with the natural surroundings.

672 - Loon Park

Welcome to the Grand Forks Talking Trail. Listen as artist Cynthia Wildes shares her story and the story behind the beautiful sculpture before you…

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This photo shows the Sorlie Bridge in downtown Grand Forks, ND, a historic steel truss bridge spanning the Red River, with its structure and reflection captured in the calm water below.

673 - Sorlie Bridge

The Sorlie Bridge was built in 1929. It was recognized nationally for its innovative engineering. Engineers in the State’s Bridge Department designed a...

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This photo shows the stone obelisk flood marker standing in the Red River in downtown Grand Forks, ND. The structure records historic flood levels, with the Sorlie Bridge visible in the background.

674 - Obelisk Along Greenway

The Red River of the North, famous for devastating floods and trophy catfish, is one of the few rivers in the world that flows north! Its story begins over 12,000...

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This historic photo shows the Franklin on Fourth building in downtown Grand Forks, ND, when it operated as Valley Motor Company. Several Dodge Brothers cars and Graham Brothers trucks are lined up in front of the brick building, highlighting its role as an early automobile dealership and service center.

675 - Franklin on Fourth

The new 7-story” Franklin on 4th” is located one of Grand Forks oldest commercial blocks once occupied by four of the City’s oldest buildings. The façade of...

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This photo shows one of the artistic light pillars in downtown Grand Forks, ND, designed by local artist Dave Badman. The tall cylindrical structure features bold, flowing cut-out patterns that glow with warm light, adding a striking modern element to the streetscape beneath the glass skywalk.

676 - Light Pillars

Hi this is Dave Badman, lead designer and creator at BD, located in downtown Grand Forks. BD was awarded the city project to build and install the light you see...

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This black-and-white photo shows the historic City Hall building in downtown Grand Forks, ND. Built in 1911, the three-story Beaux-Arts style structure features a symmetrical façade with stone accents, arched windows, and classical columns framing the main entrance. The words “City Hall” are prominently displayed above the arched doorway, with an American flag flying in front of the building.

677 - City Hall

One of the earliest written histories of Grand Forks notes that in 1871, approximately 50 people had settled here. By 1874, the U.S. Lands Office...

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678 - Olive Ann Hotel

"The Scandinavian-American Bank built this 5-story Classical-Revival style building in 1915 after a fire burned the Ingall’s Hotel the previous year...

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This historic photo shows the Hive Building in downtown Grand Forks, ND, a striking brick structure with a corner tower, arched windows, and ornate architectural details, reflecting late 19th-century design.

679 - The Hive

The Grand Forks Herald moved to this location in 1931 from its first building on S. Third Street. It is one of only a small number of commercial buildings...

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This nighttime photo shows the Empire Arts Center in downtown Grand Forks, ND. The historic brick theater building is lit up with glowing marquee lights and a vertical neon sign reading “EMPIRE,” while streaks of car lights pass along the street in the foreground.

680 - Empire Arts Center

The New Grand Theatre, now known as the Empire Arts Center, opened to the public on November 10th, 1919. Despite a foot of snow, guests turned out to...

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681 - Visit Greater Grand Forks

Coming Soon!

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682 - Downtown Development Association

Coming Soon!

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If you've ever visited Grand Forks, North Dakota, then chances are you have experienced the incredible downtown community. From great food, friendly faces, and beautiful views getting lost in Downtown Grand Forks is an ideal way to enjoy the community. Our goal is to share the history, and to give each visitor the expert tour, and the chance to hear from some of the passionate locals who help make this such a special place. We can't wait to welcome you!

Special thanks to the Downtown Development Association, Visit Greater Grand Forks, and the Grand Forks Historical Preservation Groups for their assistance and efforts to make the Grand Forks Talking Trail possible!

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