The Pembina Gorge in North Dakota, known for its natural beauty and rich geological history, attracts visitors for its variety of outdoor activities, including fossil hunting, hiking, mountain biking, and white-water rafting.
This 2,800-acre area offers dramatic landscapes featuring steep valley cliffs, isolated prairies, wetlands, and the state’s largest continuous, undisturbed forest.
In May 2023, Governor Doug Burgum announced the development of the Pembina Gorge State Recreation Area, which will become North Dakota’s 14th state park.
The first phase of the development includes a 55-unit campground with modern and primitive campsites, year-round cabins, and various amenities, slated to open in 2026. This addition is part of an effort to cater to the increasing number of visitors to the area, which currently draws an estimated 8,000 to 10,000 people annually.
According to a report by the Brainerd Dispatch, Mike Deurre, the manager of the Gorge recreation area, has overseen much of the area’s development. He noted that the Gorge’s popularity has been rising, particularly with visitors eager for new camping and recreational opportunities.
The Gorge is home to nearly 30 miles of trails for a range of activities, including hiking, mountain biking, ATV riding, and snowmobiling. The area also offers white-water rafting on the Pembina River, which, although a Class 1 river, provides a fun experience for adventure seekers in the state.
The Gorge is also a hotspot for wildlife, with species ranging from elk and deer to rare plants and animals. Its ecosystem, which includes a transition between boreal forest, eastern deciduous forest, and central grassland, makes it an area of ecological significance.
Additionally, visitors can explore the Gorge from the water. The Pembina Gorge State Recreation Area offers kayak rentals for excursions along the Pembina River, with options for short or longer floats that pass through some of the area’s most scenic stretches.
The Pembina Gorge is also home to significant paleontological sites, with fossils from prehistoric sea creatures like mosasaurs, and massive marine reptiles that once ruled the waters during the Cretaceous period.
The North Dakota Geological Survey runs public fossil hunts in the area, drawing participants from across the U.S. and internationally. Since the first public dig in 2000, the program has been popular due to its affordability and the richness of the fossil deposits, including mosasaur bones.
With its combination of outdoor recreation and fossil exploration, the Pembina Gorge is becoming an increasingly important destination in North Dakota, offering both locals and tourists a diverse range of activities in a scenic setting.
