LaFave Park
LaFave Park is one of East Grand Forks' largest and most versatile parks. Spanning approximately 45 acres, it serves as a recreation hub for youth athletics, boating, fishing, and outdoor recreation while also acting as one of the city's primary gateways to the Red River and Greenway system.
The park is located along
DeMers Avenue and 2nd Avenue NE, near the confluence of the Red River and Red Lake River.
The Park at a Glance
Whether you're launching a fishing boat at sunrise, watching a youth softball game on a summer evening, paddling a kayak, biking the Greenway, or enjoying a quiet afternoon by the water, LaFave Park showcases the city's connection to both recreation and the Red River through the following amenities:
- Multiple softball fields
- Football field
- Double-wide public boat ramp
- ADA-accessible kayak launch
- Accessible fishing dock
- Floating boat dock
- Greenway trail access
- Native prairie landscaping
- Large parking areas for vehicles and trailers
- Seasonal portable restrooms
- Space for community events and tournaments
One of the Region's Best Boat Launches
LaFave Park has long been known as East Grand Forks' primary public boat access, but in 2024–2025 it underwent one of the most significant improvements in the park's history.
The boating area now includes:
- A double-wide concrete boat ramp
- Two launch lanes for quicker loading and unloading
- A floating dock between the launch lanes
- A dedicated ADA-accessible kayak launch
- An accessible fishing dock
- Expanded parking for vehicles and trailers
- Improved traffic flow
These upgrades make launching safer, faster, and more accessible for anglers, paddlers, and recreational boaters. They also support the growing number of fishing tournaments and paddling events held on the Red River.
A Major Home For Youth Athletics
For many East Grand Forks families, LaFave Park is synonymous with summer softball. The fields are heavily used throughout the spring and summer and serve hundreds of youth athletes each season. The open layout also includes a football field and large grassy areas that accommodate additional recreation and special events.
Rediscover the Region's Native Prairie
As part of the recent improvements at LaFave Park, a native prairie was established to enhance the park's natural beauty while promoting sustainability. Made up of grasses and wildflowers native to the Red River Valley, the prairie provides important habitat for pollinators such as bees and butterflies, improves stormwater management, and requires less maintenance than traditional turf grass.
Native prairies were once the dominant landscape throughout northwest Minnesota and the Red River Valley. By reintroducing native grasses and wildflowers, the City is helping restore a small piece of that natural ecosystem while creating a landscape that's better suited to Minnesota's climate. Their deep root systems help reduce erosion, improve stormwater absorption, support pollinators and local wildlife, and require less watering and maintenance than traditional lawns—creating a healthier, more resilient landscape for years to come.
