BISMARCK – Gov. Doug Burgum announced on Monday the Pembina Gorge State Recreation Area will be developed into North Dakota’s 14th state park with funding secured by the North Dakota Parks & Recreation Department during the 2023 legislative session.

Development of the park, west of Walhalla, will include underground utilities, roads, an approximately 35-site campground, six all-season, full-service cabins, a comfort station, shop and seasonal staff accommodations at a cost of approximately $8 million. Future development of the park may include a visitor center with indoor and outdoor learning areas and retail and office space.

The 2023 Legislature approved $6 million dollars for the new park facilities. The additional $2 million for the initial development will come from a matching federal Land and Water Conservation Fund grant. Burgum recommended funding for the Pembina Gorge campground project in his executive budget proposal in December.

The development of the Pembina Gorge into a state park has been a more than 10-year effort that continues to be supported by public and private partners.