Living one the western side of the Red River and Twin Towns
Wahpeton might not be the only twin city situated on the North Dakota-Minnesota state border, but it might be the only one where residents care less about which side of the Red River people live on. “We call ourselves the Twin Towns, but for many of us, it’s one large city,” says Melissa Frank, gallery director at the Red Door Gallery and Museum, who has also lived in Wahpeton for 13 years. “You have that small little river that divides you, but it’s not much of a barrier.” The longstanding North Dakota city’s history goes far back, highlighted by its historic homes and buildings in its small downtown district. Today, the city is a mix of its history and longtime residents and new construction and a growing arts scene. “The old timers and life timers — they know everyone, and they know everyone’s connection to everyone else,” Frank says. “You can make connections at church, and there’s a good boy scout presence.”
Wahpeton's public parks along the Red River
The Red River runs along the North Dakota-Minnesota state border, separating Wahpeton and Breckenridge on the Minnesota side. In the Twin Towns, the river is a hotspot for fishing, offering around 50 different species of fish. Kidder Recreation Area has shoreline fishing and piers and fish-cleaning stations for after reeling in catches. Bois de Sioux Golf Course just shows how little the river divides Wahpeton and Breckenridge. The river cuts through the middle of the course, leaving 9 holes on the North Dakota side and 9 holes in Minnesota. It’s the only golf course in the country spanning two states. Chahinkapa Park’s playground, skatepark and athletic fields and courts overlook the river. Statues from local artists around the river highlight the growing arts scene in Wahpeton. Right next door, people can see over 70 species at the Chahinkapa Zoo, including tigers, cheetahs and monkeys.
A mix of older Nationals and split levels and newer subdivisions
Neighborhoods closer to the city center are typically older, featuring a mix of Nationals from the early 1900s and split levels and ranch-style homes built in the 50s. These homes typically range from $140,000 to $280,000. On the outskirts of the city, subdivisions like Prairie Flats offer New Traditionals selling from $460,000 to $600,000. Sidewalks line both sides of the streets, where trees grow between the curb and sidewalk. The trees also highlight how old developments are, with larger trees outside of older homes and saplings in front of the New Traditionals.
Wahpeton's dining scene and grocery options
While most don’t distinguish between the two Twin Towns, restaurants and retail is the exception. “Wahpeton is larger, so we have some fast-food restaurants. Breckenridge just has a Dairy Queen,” Frank says. “We have more businesses, and we have the Walmart.” City Brew Hall is located in the historic city hall building, but today serves burgers, wings and other pub staples along with its beer menu. The Brewcade there features a full arcade, blackjack tables and darts. Fryin’ Pan is a 24-hour diner that serves everything from pancakes at breakfast to chicken fried streak and spaghetti for dinner to pie for dessert. Other than the Walmart, people can also stop in Econofoods for groceries.
Wahpeton's established arts scene and annual arts festivals
Right in downtown, the Red Door Art Gallery and Museum showcases local and national artists, regularly rotating their exhibits, all free to visit. “We also have new programs,” Frank says. “Next week, we have a photo contest, and the established artists are welcome to submit, but my husband and daughter are also submitting. We have a high school student of the month.” On the second weekend of July, Borderline Chalkfest brings chalk art to the Twin Towns, done by local artists. A weekend later, the Headwaters Music Festival offers free concerts in Chahinkapa Park’s bandshell.
Public K-12 schools and the local historic college
Students start at Zimmerman Elementary School for prekindergarten and kindergarten, which receives a B-plus from Niche. C-plus-rated Wahpeton Elementary School serves grades first through fifth. Wahpeton Middle School receives an A-minus. Wahpeton High School receives a C-plus and offers dual enrollment classes for seniors at North Dakota State College of Science. The college has been in Wahpeton since 1903 and serves over 3,000 students. Students can earn associate degrees here in subjects like agriculture, health science, manufacturing, architecture and education. The college is also a major employer for the area, employing people from both sides of the Red River.
Getting across the river to Breckenridge from Wahpeton
Dakota Avenue runs down the center of Wahpeton, lined with local businesses and fast-food restaurants. It becomes Minnesota Avenue when it crosses the river. The only other bridge over the river is Bypass Road on the far north side of the city. Saint Francis Medical Center is just off that bridge, on the Breckenridge side of the Red River. Fargo is the nearest big city, about 47 miles north. Hector International Airport is also here, about 51 miles from Wahpeton.
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