GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE: IN-DEPTH WELCOME CENTER

Introduction

Welcome to Grand Forks Air Force Base, located 18 miles west of Grand Forks, North Dakota. Grand Forks is the third most populous city in North Dakota while Fargo, the most populous, is only about a 90-minute drive south. Ninety minutes to the north, you have the Canadian border. Grand Forks AFB houses 2500 active duty personnel and their families on roughly 5700 acres. In 2014, Military Times ranked Grand Forks AFB as a top ten base for airmen. We hope this guide helps you get settled in your new posting and gain some familiarity with Grand Forks AFB.

1. Where Is Grand Forks AFB?
2. Google Map View
3. Getting There – Directions to Grand Forks AFB
4. Entering Grand Forks AFB and Base Amenities
   • Check-in Procedures for Incoming Personnel
   • Grand Forks AFB Visitor Center
   • Grand Forks AFB Gate Hours
   • Grand Forks AFB DEERS Office
   • Grand Forks AFB Commissary
   • Grand Forks AFB BX
   • Grand Forks AFB Barber Shop
   • Grand Forks AFB Post Office
   • Grand Forks AFB Finance Office
   • Grand Forks Legal Office
   • Grand Forks AFB Library
   • Grand Forks AFB Hotels
5. Where Should I Live Near Grand Forks AFB?
6. Grand Forks AFB Schools
7. Grand Forks AFB Weather
8. Things To Do Near Grand Forks AFB

Where Is Grand Forks AFB?

Grand Forks AFB Personnel Support Office

Building 101 226 Steen Blvd. Grand Forks AFB, ND 58205

Phone

: 1 (701) 747-4136

Hours

:

• Monday-Friday

  – 0800 - 1500

Grand Forks AFB Map

Grand Forks AFB Directions

Grand Forks is near the eastern border of North Dakota. The closest international airport is Grand Forks International Airport, which is a short, 11-mile drive to the base. An Amtrak station services the area and is in the city of Grand Forks.

Driving Directions From Grand Forks International Airport

1. From Air Cargo Dr., turn right onto US-2 west
2. In 9.8 miles, turn right onto 26th St. NE

Driving Directions From Grand Forks Train Station

1. Turn left onto DeMers Ave.
2. Continue onto 17th Ave. NE
3. In 8.8 miles, turn right onto Highway B3
4. Turn left onto US-2 West toward Devils Lake
5. Turn right onto 26th St. NE

Below are driving directions from two other large cities with international airports.

Driving Directions From Fargo, ND

1. Take I-29 North toward Grand Forks
2. In 74 miles, take Exit 141 onto Gateway Dr.
3. Turn left onto Gateway Dr. toward Grand Forks International Airport, Grand Forks AFB
4. In 14 miles, turn right onto 26th St. NE

Driving Directions From Minneapolis, MN

1. Take I-94 West
2. Keep left on I-94 W toward St. Cloud, I-694
3. Take Exit 27 on the right to merge onto I-94 W toward St. Cloud
4. In 220 miles, take Exit 349B onto I-29 North, US-81 North toward Grand Forks
5. In 78 miles, take Exit 141 onto Gateway Dr.
6. Turn left onto Gateway Dr. toward Grand Forks International Airport, Grand Forks AFB
7. In 14 miles, turn right onto 26th St. NE

Grand Forks AFB Transportation Office

The best place to find information regarding moving your personal property to Grand Forks AFB is the Traffic Management Office.

Traffic Management Office

Building 101 226 Steen Blvd. Grand Forks AFB, ND, 58203

Phone

: 1 (701) 747-3449

Hours:

• Monday-Friday

  – 0800 - 1500

Entering Grand Forks AFB and Amenities

Be sure to bring a valid military ID when entering Grand Forks AFB. Visitors should check in at the Visitors Control Center.

Check-in Procedures for Incoming Personnel

Check-in procedures vary for all military installations. For thorough instructions of Grand Forks AFB’s processing and reporting procedures, please click here. A good rule of thumb is to make sure you have all relevant documents such as your orders and a valid form of identification. If arriving from overseas, immunization records will also be important. Keep in mind that if you are moving to Grand Forks AFB with any dependents you should bring their legal documentation. A Newcomer’s Orientation is held the first Thursday of every month. This orientation is mandatory for all arriving permanent airmen and Department of Defense civilians. Contact the Airman and Family Readiness Center at 1 (701) 747-3241 to sign up for the Newcomer’s Orientation. Families are welcome to attend.

Grand Forks AFB Visitor Center

Visitors Control Center - Commercial Gate

Building 812 226 Steen Blvd. Grand Forks AFB, ND 58205

Phone

: 1 (701) 747-5070

Visitor Center Office Hours

• Monday-Friday

  - 0700 - 1600

DEERS Grand Forks AFB

The Grand Forks AFB Military Personnel Section (MPS) is a great resource for Grand Forks airmen and families. Here you will find information for matters regarding in-processing, assignments, reenlistments, retirements, evaluations, decorations, ID cards, and Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS).

Grand Forks AFB MPD

Building 101 226 Steen Blvd. Grand Forks AFB, ND 58205

Phone

: 1 (701) 747-3181

MPS Office Hours

• Monday-Friday

  - 0800 - 1500

Grand Forks AFB Gate Hours

Grand Forks AFB has three gates with varying hours. The main gate shares the same location as the Visitors Center. The commercial (South) gate is off Highway 2 on the east side of the base. The Eielson School Gate is located north of the main gate on County Road 3.

• Main Gate

  - 24/7

• South Gate

  - Monday-Friday: 0600 - 1900

• Eielson School Gate

  - Inbound: Monday-Friday 0600 - 1530; Outbound: Monday-Friday 1600 - 1800

Grand Forks AFB Commissary

Building 241 380 Warrior Dr. Grand Forks AFB, ND 58205

Phone

: 1 (701) 747-6195

Grand Forks AFB Commissary Hours

• Monday

  - Closed

• Tuesday-Saturday

  - 0900 - 1900

• Sunday

  - 1000 - 1700

Grand Forks AFB BX

Building 105 550 Holzapple St. Grand Forks AFB, ND 58204

Phone

: 1 (701) 594-5542

Grand Forks AFB BX Hours

• Monday-Saturday

  - 1000-1800

• Sunday

  - 1000 - 1700

Grand Forks AFB Barber Shop

Building 105 550 Holzapple St. Grand Forks AFB, ND 58204

Phone

: 1 (701) 594-2122

Grand Forks Barber Shop Hours

• Monday-Friday

  - 0900 - 1730

• Weekends

  - Closed

Grand Forks AFB Post Office

590 Holzapple St. Grand Forks AFB, ND 58205

Phone

: 1 (800) 275-8777

Grand Forks AFB Post Office Hours

• Monday-Friday

  - 1100 - 1400

• Weekends

  - Closed

Grand Forks AFB Finance Office

The Personal Financial Management Program provides financial counseling. Here, the staff will help you build short-term and long-term financial goals.

Personal Financial Management Program (Airman & Family Readiness Center)

Building 207 575 Holzapple St. Grand Forks AFB, ND 58205

Phone

: 1 (701) 747-3241

Grand Forks AFB Finance Office Hours

• Monday-Friday

  - 0730 - 1630

• Weekends

  - Closed

Grand Forks AFB Legal Office

Building 307 460 Steen Blvd. Suite 201 Grand Forks AFB, ND 58205

Phone

: 1 (701) 747-3606

Grand Forks AFB Legal Office Hours

• Monday-Wednesday, Friday

  - 0730 - 1530

• Thursday

  - 0800-0900

Grand Forks AFB Library

Building 201 511 Holzapple St. Grand Forks AFB, ND 58205

Phone

: 1 (701) 747-3046

Grand Forks AFB Library Hours

• Tuesday-Saturday

  - 1000 - 1700

• Sunday-Monday

  - Closed

Grand Forks AFB Hotels

There are many hotels in Grand Forks. These are just a few for you or your family to consider. 1. Warrior Inn 637 Holzapple St. Grand Forks AFB, ND 58205

Phone

: 1 (701) 747-7200 2. Hampton Inn 2985 42nd St. S. Grand Forks, ND 58201

Phone

: 1 (701) 757-2255 3. Hilton Garden Inn Grand Forks-UND 4301 James Ray Dr. Grand Forks, ND 58203

Phone

: 1 (701) 775-6000 4. Best Western Harvest Inn & Suites 3350 32nd Ave. S. Grand Forks, ND 58201

Phone

: 1 (701) 775-5000

Hot Tip: Download MyBaseGuide’s Grand Forks Air Force Base Military Relocation Guide for information about hotels nearby.

Where Should I Live Near Grand Forks AFB?

If you’re considering living on base, check out the available on-base housing options. Otherwise, read on to find out more about living off base.

Cities Near Grand Forks AFB

Grand Forks AFB lies 18 miles west of Grand Forks, a college town home to the University of North Dakota. Located on the Red River, Grand Forks is the third most populous city in North Dakota with about 55,000 people. Given the proximity to the university there’s plenty to do and see for young people, but Grand Forks is also a welcoming environment for families.

Best Places to Live Near Grand Forks AFB

Grand Forks

Grand Forks is your best bet if you like being closer to the action. If a smaller town feel is more your speed, there are several other cities near Grand Forks AFB that will suit your needs. Nearby towns like Larimore and Emerado offer a close proximity to base with cheaper housing options than Grand Forks proper.

Hot Tip: Look for Grand Forks AFB homes and apartments for rent or sale, and find BAH, PCS, TLA & ETS military housing information at AHRN.com.

Grand Forks AFB Schools

There are plenty of schooling options for children near Grand Forks AFB. The most convenient option is Nathan Twining Elementary and Middle School, located on base and serving students of Grand Forks AFB military members. Though it is on base, the school is part of the Grand Forks School District, meaning the district provides all resources and curriculum. The school houses an elementary school (K-5th grade) and a middle school (6th-8th grade) under one roof. Following 8th grade, Nathan Twining feeds its students into Grand Forks Central High School in the city of Grand Forks. Before it’s time for kindergarten, you may need a daycare center. The Child Development Center on base provides a nurturing environment for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years old. Several other options are available in Grand Forks, including the University Children’s Learning Center hosted by the University of North Dakota. Check out our full guide to Grand Forks AFB schools for a more detailed rundown.

Grand Forks AFB Weather

If you’re one of those people that likes the changing of the seasons, Grand Forks is for you. It’s North Dakota, so you can expect cold winters and plenty of snow. Winter temperatures are routinely below zero and the average high during these months falls in the mid-teens. On average Grand Forks receives 42 inches of snow annually and January tends to be the snowiest month. One bit of good news is the average rainfall in Grand Forks is only 22 inches, well below the U.S. average of 38 inches. Early spring is still cold but you’ll see a welcome thawing as your average high temperatures start to peak above freezing. Late spring will be the most pleasant months of the year with temperatures in the 70s, while summertime can be warm (average high around 80 degrees) but you likely won’t mind because you know winter is coming. The cooling season begins in September, which is perfect for all the pumpkin spice fans in your life. In October the average high temperature decreases to 52 degrees, the prelude to the winter cycle beginning anew.

Grand Forks AFB Things To Do

The greater Grand Forks area offers fun options for all ages. If your family enjoys outdoor activities, take advantage of the numerous parks -- including dog parks -- in the area. During the warmer months rent a canoe or go fishing on the Red River. Even during the winter you don’t have to be stuck inside. Rent a snowmobile or take the family cross-country skiing. If you’re a sports fan, catch a game at Ralph Engelstad Arena, home to the University of North Dakota’s eight-time national champion men’s hockey program. River Cities Speedway, home to dirt track auto racing, is sure to attract any gearhead. Downtown Grand Forks hosts the best shopping and dining in the area. Or head out with the family to the bowling alley or local multiplex for a movie night.

Hot Tip: Connect with military-trusted businesses and deals exclusively for Grand Forks AFB at MyBaseGuide.

Conclusion

Relocating can be stressful. We hope this guide comes in handy and gives you an idea of what to expect upon your arrival and stay at Grand Forks AFB. Grand Forks is a great place to call home and we hope you have an excellent experience during your time there.

The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.