Greater Grand Forks Greenway

The Greater Grand Forks Greenway is a huge greenway bordering the Red River and Red Lake River in the twin cities of Grand Forks, North Dakota and East Grand Forks, Minnesota (commonly called Greater Grand Forks). At 2,200 acres (9 km²), the Greenway is more than twice the size of New York City's Central Park. One of the most prominent features of the Greenway is the extensive, 20-mile (32 km) system of bike paths which are used by bikers, walkers, joggers, and rollerbladers. In 2007, the system was designated as a National Recreation Trail by the National Park Service. There are several city parks and golf courses along the Greenway. Other amenities include wildlife observation areas, a campground, fishing areas, interpretive displays, wildflower gardens, and fields for various athletics including softball, basketball, and disc golf.

The Greenway was developed after the devastating Red River Flood of 1997. The land encompasses major portions of the two communities that used to sit in the floodplain. After the flood, several neighborhoods had to be removed to make way for a massive new dike system. The Greenway includes the lands that sit between these new dikes and the rivers. Today, the Greenway serves the dual purpose of holding back river waters during floods and providing recreational opportunities for metropolitan area residents throughout the year.