Red River of the North

The Red River of the North is a 550-mile river that runs from Breckenridge, Minnesota, to Lake Winnipeg in Canada. Full of a rich heritage and history, the Red River today serves as an all-season outdoor lover’s heaven. From fishing to bird-watching and canoeing to hiking, there are many activities for you to enjoy at this famous North American landmark.

Why Is It Called The Red River?

French explorer Pierre Gaultier de Varennes et de La Vérendrye arrived to the Red River Valley area in 1732. He coined the term “Red River” due to its reddish-brown silt. It was the primary source of transportation between Lake Winnipeg and the Mississippi River system. In the early 1800s, the Red River settlement was formed on the banks of the river in what is now Manitoba. 

Picturesque and Serene

The Red River creates most of the border between Minnesota and North Dakota. While it’s one of the world’s flattest landscapes, it’s also known as the Red River Valley, but not in a geological sense. The Red River Valley formed thousands of years ago when a glacial lake, Lake Agassiz, melted and drained out of the valley.

This slow-moving and peaceful river offers a serene and quiet backdrop for engaging in a variety of outdoor recreational activities. You may also spy wildlife along the banks of the river as you’re floating down the waterway. While walking along the river’s edge, you may come across fossils and other historical relics, such as bison bones. 

Outdoor Activities Abound in Red River

Today, the Red River is a recreational paradise offering a variety of outdoor activities from fishing and canoeing to kayaking and bird-watching. If you plan to visit the Red River area for an afternoon of outdoor recreation, we recommend you check the weather conditions before planning your visit.  

Fishing

For fishing enthusiasts, there are more than 70 species of fish in the Red River. Northern pike as long as 45 inches have been discovered, along with trophy-size catfish weighing up to 30 pounds and walleye as big as 13 pounds. You can also fish for other species like muskellunge, smallmouth bass, sauger, bullhead, goldeye, and carp. Lake sturgeon once found their home here but have been eradicated due to overfishing and dams. Efforts are being made to reintroduce this species to the Red River. 

Discover Wildlife

If you enjoy discovering new wildlife, an abundance of animals can be found here in the Red River Valley. Birds such as pheasants, various waterfowl, mourning doves, partridges, and turkeys make their home in this region. Mammals like white-tailed deer, rabbits, beavers, river otters, elk, moose, bobcats, and black bears can be found roaming through the area as well.

Canoeing and Kayaking

Since we’re talking about the Red River, we have to mention the many opportunities for fun on the water. Get up close and personal with the river by enjoying an afternoon of canoeing or kayaking. Your family will thoroughly enjoy viewing the beautiful flora and fauna they’ll see while floating along the banks of the river. Bring along your own watercraft or rent one from one of the many nearby canoe and kayak rental locations.

Hiking and Biking

If you’re more of a land lover, then consider hiking or biking one of the many trails that run alongside the Red River. Enjoy a leisurely stroll while watching for birds or capturing the beautiful sights and sounds of the forest. Break a sweat while biking along with one of the many expansive trails located near the Red River Valley. Gooseberry Mound Park on the Minnesota side of the border boasts a beautiful biking trail and a cross-country skiing trail during the winter. M.B. Johnson Park has both a mountain biking trail and a walking trail that runs right near the river. 

Contact Rydell Nissan of Grand Forks

If you’ve lived in Grand Forks all of your life or are planning a visit to this outdoor wonderland, Rydell Nissan is more than happy to share these ideas for outdoor recreation with you. Are there other activities you enjoy at the Red River? If so, please contact us to let us know. We’d be more than happy to add it to our list. 

Tags: Red River, Red River Valley
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