12 Aug 2022 - Downtown Grand Forks Historic District

 12 Aug

Today we explored the downtown Grand Forks historic district on foot.  It is nice that our campground has trails easily accessible and a bridge nearby that provides pedestrian access from E Grand Forks MN to Grand Forks ND.  Because of Liberty's bad knee that she was born with, she cannot walk long distances.  Things get to hurting and she will slow down and finally just stop walking and we know it is time to pick her up and put her in her pet stroller, and then we can keep going.   

We headed across the campground this morning like we did a couple days ago only this time we cross the bridge into North Dakota.  From the center of the bridge you get a good look up and down the Red River and also a good perspective on how high the water actually got in the great flood of 1997.  

Looking northwest up the Red River.  The center of the old railroad bridge is visible.

This flood memorial marker is located just on the North Dakota side of the bridge.  Look at the 1997 flood level and then look at the next picture

This is taken from a level position at the center of the bridge across to the flood memorial marker (above).  Seems incredible the flood waters could get this high.  Now look at the next one!

In the picture above, we were standing in the middle of this bridge!!

We visited the flood memorial marker and then headed into the historic downtown area and soon found the Widman's Candy Shop.  Now, candy shops are not normally on our radar but this one is a bit unique and we just had to stop!

We did not mention it before, but they grow a lot of different things in this area including Red River Valley potatoes.  They are the nation's largest producer of red potatoes.  Among other things, those potatoes are made into some delicious potato chips. So what does that have to do with a candy shop?  Widman's Candy was founded in 1885 so they have been making candy for many, many years. The way the story goes, approximately 1969 a local potato grower named Art Greenberg wanted a special Christmas gift for his customers so he contacted George Widman, a third generation candy maker.  He dipped Red River Valley wavy potato chips in chocolate which resulted a sweet, salty treat with a "taste so fantastic and concept so unique", the confections became one of Widman's best sellers.  Called "chippers", these treats have been made in the Grand Forks, North Dakota ever since!  So we had to try them and buy a few to take with us!

"Chippers", available in milk chocolate, white almond, dark chocolate, peanut butter and half dipped! 

Our sample milk chocolate "Chipper"

One of our dark chocolate "Chipper" we brought back to the RV broken in half.

Some other sites from the historic downtown area:

Hook and Ladder No. 1 and Hose Company No. 2 - 1907.  Unfortunately it is not open for visitors.

Considered the founder of Grand Forks, Alexander Griggs filed the first land plat here in 1875.  Griggs was a steamboat captain and brought that enterprise here on the Red River along with promoting building and growth of the area.

A steamboat paddle wheel art figure in a downtown park

Some unique artwork along the walk

They have done a nice job of revitalizing the area and restoring old buildings.  The area is rich with upscale restaurants, cafes, bars, shops and brownstone living.

Another flooded downtown picture we found.  

Overall we logged about 4-1/2 miles today and had a great time exploring the historic downtown Grand Forks District.

Tomorrow we pull chocks and head westward to Minot ND.  Why not Minot!!