Pembina State Museum: Gateway to North Dakota History

Discover the captivating story of northeastern North Dakota at the Pembina State Museum. Situated in Pembina, a town with a history as the first European settlement in North Dakota, the museum delves into the area's past, highlighting its significance as a hub for native peoples, the fur trade, and U.S.-Canadian relations.The museum's permanent gallery showcases the history of the Pembina area, starting with fossils and prehistoric tools that predate glacial Lake Agassiz. Explore exhibits featuring the Red River ox cart and other artifacts from Pembina's fur trade industry. Visitors can also learn about the frontier military forts and the surveying of the U.S. and Canadian border.The seven-story observation tower provides stunning views of the Red River Valley, offering a unique vantage point to see the surrounding farmlands and even across the border into Canada on a clear day. The museum also features a temporary exhibit gallery that hosts changing exhibits focused on specific topics in the state's history, drawing from the State Historical Society of North Dakota's diverse collections.With its comprehensive exhibits and impressive observation tower, the Pembina State Museum offers an engaging and educational experience for visitors of all ages.