Photo Credit: A. Schuster
Photo Credit: A. Schuster
Photo Credit: A. Schuster
City of Grafton There’s something for everyone in Grafton, so come and enjoy the fun and “Make an Event of It!” Located in the heart of the Red River Valley in northeastern North Dakota, Grafton is a community rich not only in soils, but also in heritage. The history and diverse culture of the area can be felt and appreciated in many sights and attractions, both in and around Grafton. In addition to many historic churches, private homes and public buildings – including North Dakota’s first Carnegie Library. Grafton is home to Heritage Village and the Historic Elmwood Mansion, both offering visitors a glimpse of life in the past. Grafton merchants offer many brand name products found in larger cities with the benefit of personal service and a convenient shopping environment. Home to more than 100 retail businesses, including many locally owned, Grafton also boasts nationally known retailers, manufacturers and hotels. Recreational facilities abound in Grafton. Leistikow Park is one of the many parks in Grafton. It is filled with beautiful trees, has a full service campground and cabin rentals. Leistikow Park also has an outdoor pool, shelters, basketball courts, tennis courts, sand volleyball, canoe/kayak/paddle boat rentals, trails, and a disc golf course. Other recreational facilities include a beautiful 9-hole golf course, softball and baseball complexes, 4 sheet curling club, a bowling alley, movie theater, archery club, bike paths, 3 fitness centers (one including an indoor pool) and 3 yoga/dance/fitness studios. The Grafton area will also entice the outdoor sportsman. Deer hunting is quite popular in the area as well as duck, goose, wild turkey and fox hunting. Canoeing, fishing, bird watching and magnificent photo opportunities are plentiful on the scenic Park River and Red River (located just 15 miles east of Grafton). In the fall, Leistikow Park hosts a Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch for 6 weekends of family fun. Proud of its annual Page 66
Lake Region Guide
community events, the residents of Grafton invite visitors to the community with open arms. SummerFest events for everyone Grafton’s annual Summerfest will be held June 26-30. The event promises to provide fun in many different areas. Come and enjoy a variety of homemade rhubarb desserts at the Historic Elmwood House, a beautiful turn-of-the-century Victorian Home that is on the National Registry of Historic Places. The Rhubarb Festival is an annual fundraiser to preserve the history and integrity of the site, held on Thursday afternoon. The annual SummerFest Fireworks show is held on Thursday evening at dusk. Locals show off their skills in our yearly RibFest Cook-Off in the Chamber parking lot on Friday late afternoon/evening. Kids games and entertainment take place before sampling the ribs. Saturday kicks off with a Pancake Breakfast hosted by the Kiwanis, followed by the SummerFest Grand Parade. The afternoon boasts fun, family activities. Heritage Village offers the opportunity to explore its historic buildings and ride the Merry Go Round. Leistikow Park hosts a variety of food trucks and serves as the site for free kids games, inflatables and reduced-rate swimming at their pool. A car show and burn out contest are also scheduled for Saturday afternoon. Live bands are scheduled to perform Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings. Grafton is proud of its many annual community events. If you would like more information about Grafton and any of their special events, contact the Grafton Area Chamber of Commerce at 701-352-0781 or check out our website at www.graftonevents. com. Be sure to “Like” our Facebook page: Grafton Area Chamber of Commerce/DMV for event information and updates. Spring/Summer 2019