[1] Initially, the conference included the Red River Valley and North Dakota to the west and extended to the St. Paul District to the east, covering about 300 miles (480 km) west to east and 50 miles (80 km) north to south.
Both Lund Academy and Northwestern College were established in the Alexandria District to provide educational opportunities to members of the region.
Northwestern offered courses in six areas, including the Academic, Normal, and Preparatory departments and the Schools of Commerce, Music, and Art.
The academy offered scientific, classical, musical, and special English courses, and many students participated in the Star Lyceum Literary Society.
The Red River District was also home to North Star College in Warren, Minnesota, which operated from 1908 to 1936.