Pembina Gorge State Recreation Area is nearing the end of its transition into a full state park, with the site now close to completion and on track for a spring opening.
According to an article by Grand Forks Herald, North Dakota’s newest state park follows a long development process that began with a master plan in 2005, gained legislative support, and culminated in a formal go-ahead announcement by then-Gov. Doug Burgum in 2023.
The project has been described as a generational investment by state officials. “Not everybody is fortunate enough to work on something that is truly what you’d call ‘legacy.’ We know we’re creating something for future generations that’s going to be pretty incredible,” said Sean Johnson, planning and projects chief with the North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department.
The park will include 46 pull-through campsites, two group campsites, and five cart-in sites, with plans also in place to add six cabins.
Once open, the gorge will become North Dakota’s 14th state park campground, offering visitors access to a diverse landscape bordered by the largest undisturbed forest in the state.
Officials also wanted to differentiate the park from others in the system by incorporating off-highway vehicle opportunities, something not currently offered in North Dakota’s state park network.
“This is an attraction that will get people to that location and discover this hidden gem we have in the state. People are going to fall in love with that portion of the Rendezvous Region,” said Tony Hillig, NDPRD recreation division chief.
While the park is set to open with electrical and water amenities in place, along with a newly built water pump house and vault toilets, additional construction phases are still planned.
Upcoming work includes a comfort station and a future visitor center that will house staff offices and provide space for OHV safety courses.
“While phasing the project wasn’t our first choice, it ultimately returned us to the master plan and to what matters most: the intrinsic quality of the gorge. Taking time allows us to build thoughtfully, without overdevelopment, and preserve the character of the gorge,” said NDPRD East Region Operations Chief Justin Robinson.
The state has committed significant funding to the project, including $6 million approved by the Legislature in 2023.
At the time of the announcement, Burgum highlighted the area’s wide range of recreational opportunities, saying, “The Pembina Gorge is one of North Dakota’s most beautiful areas, offering an incredible array of recreational activities including canoeing, hiking, biking, horseback riding, skiing, snowmobiling, hunting and birdwatching.”
With trail expansions, kayaking on the Pembina River, and equestrian access planned, this news shows how expanded campground infrastructure and diversified recreation offerings can strengthen regional outdoor tourism and create new demand from RV travelers seeking multi-activity destinations.