Downtown East Grand Forks self-guided walking tour: Enjoy a MiNny stroll through history

Nestled along the banks of the Red River, East Grand Forks offers more than scenic views and cozy eateries – it’s a town steeped in stories waiting to be discovered. The Downtown East Grand Forks Walking Tour is your passport to the past, blending history, architecture, and local lore into a delightful 1.1-mile stroll through the heart of the city.

This self-guided tour features 14 stops, each with its own tale to tell. Whether you're a history buff, a curious traveler, or a local looking to rediscover your hometown, the tour offers something for everyone. It takes about 63 minutes to complete if you pause at each location and you can follow along using the PocketSights app or a printed guide available at the Campbell Library and the local businesses of Cabela’s, Blue Moose Bar & Grill, Red River State Recreation Area, River Cinema 15 and Bernie's.

Here are just a few of the fascinating stops:

  • Bridges: Learn about the early ferry system that connected East Grand Forks to its sister city across the river.
  • Greenway and Invisible Wall: Discover how the 2003 Greenway Trail transformed flood-prone land into a vibrant public space.
  • Old Library Site: A poignant reminder of the devastating 1997 flood that reshaped the city.
  • Prohibition Era Tales: Hear how East Grand Forks thrived as North Dakotans crossed the river to enjoy Minnesota’s more relaxed liquor laws.
  • DeMers Avenue: Once dubbed the “neon-lit capital of the world” per square foot in the 1930s.

Each stop includes audio narration, so you can immerse yourself in the stories while you walk, bike, or even drive. Prefer to stay home? You can explore the tour virtually by clicking on the map pins online.

After completing the tour, swing by Campbell Library for a special giveaway. And if you’d rather have a guide lead the way, you can contact the library to arrange a guided tour for your group.

Whether you're chasing neon nostalgia or uncovering tales of frontier grit, the East Grand Forks Walking Tour is a charming way to connect with the city’s eclectic history. Don your comfiest walking shoes, pack your phone or guide map, and let the Eastside streets tell their uniquely grand story.