2011 Map of Grand Rapids

About this map

Grand Rapids sits along a pronounced series of meanders where the James River winds through LaMoure County. This landscape is defined by the river’s path and the management of its waters, notably at the Memorial Park Dam north of the settlement and further downstream at Schmidt Dam. The surrounding terrain follows a rigid section-line grid of rural roads like 98th Ave SE and 64th St SE, reflecting the deep-rooted agricultural organization of the North Dakota plains. East of the river, the topography transitions to a cluster of prairie wetlands and small basins, culminating in the distinct north-south orientation of Twin Lakes. The map documents a classic Great Plains river valley settlement pattern where infrastructure is closely tied to the water's edge while the expansive uplands are dedicated to farming and transit.