Pembina, North Dakota is located in Northeastern Pembina County along Interstate 29, on the Minnesota border about 3 miles south of the Canadian border. It lies where the Red River and the Pembina River meet.

Pembina was named for the Chippewa word for high bush cranberries, which grew in the area. Pembina was the first settlement in the Dakota Territories. It was known to be inhabited as early as 1780. The first trading post was established in 1797. North Dakota’s first post office was established in Pembina in 1851. The city served as the county seat of Pembina County from 1867 to 1911, when Cavalier became the county seat.

According to the U.S. Census in 2000, there were 642 people in Pembina at that time. The median household income was $55,536. The median value of a house in Pembina was $65,000.

Pembina is home to the Pembina State Museum. The museum has an observation tower that on a clear day, allows visitors to see for 10 miles in all directions. Major employers in Pembina include U.S. Customs and a satellite plant of Motor Coach International, which builds busses.

Pembina has a number of amenities available to visitors, including gas stations (24/7 self service) with convenience stores and a deli, retail shopping and a grocery store. Pembina is located near one of three 24-hour ports of entry in North Dakota.

Visit the City of Pembina’s website to learn more about this historic community at http://pembina.govoffice.com/.