Pembina

Pembina is a small city in Pembina County in northeastern North Dakota, situated directly on the Canadian border. The town spreads across modest blocks with a mix of buildings from different periods.

Pembina emerged as a trading post in the early 1800s and later became an important border checkpoint between the United States and Canada. The town played a role in the region's frontier development during early settlement.

Pembina carries a name with French roots from early trading posts, reflecting the region's heritage. The town maintains this connection through its architecture and how residents engage with their past.

The town is small and manageable, making it easy to explore on foot with main sites within short walking distance. Its location near the Canadian border means visitors can see the border region easily, but crossing requires proper documents.

Pembina is one of the northernmost points in the continental United States, offering a direct view of the international border. Experiencing this geographic edge sharpens your understanding of how national borders physically exist on the landscape.

Location: Pembina County

Inception: 1877

Elevation above the sea: 237 m

Website: http://cityofpembina.org

GPS coordinates: 48.96639,-97.24528

Latest update: December 14, 2025 17:01