Red River State Recreational Area

This park gets the medal for having the most interesting history. In 1997 the towns of Grand Forks (in North Dakota) and East Grand Forks (in Minnesota) were flooded and a large proportion of the population were evacuated. The Red River flows north from here and passes through Winnipeg on its way to Hudson’s bay. 

Following this natural disaster the Corps of Engineers built a berm around the river with a barrier that is sealed off during the spring run-off when the river rises.  The area were we are camping was a housing subdivision. After the flood the houses were removed and a camping areas for RVs established. There was also established a Greenway bicycle path which we took advantage of for about a 10 KM bike ride. 

It was still wet with a Scottish mist drizzle but not raining like it was on Monday. When the spring run off occurs the area where we are camping floods but the barrier and flood gates that are installed prevents the town from flooding. The area acts like a giant reservoir to slow the river and may well prevent downstream flooding.