Cities and Towns in Pembina County, North Dakota
Founded in 1867, Pembina County is one of 53 counties in the state of North Dakota. The city of Cavalier is the county seat. With FIPS code of 67, Pembina County has a population of 6,767 and area of 1,119 square miles (2,898 km²).
List of all cities in Pembina County, ND alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Akra, ND | 58220 | 701 |
| Backoo, ND | 58220 | 701 |
| Bathgate, ND | 58216 | 701 |
| Bowesmont, ND | 58225 | 701 |
| Cavalier, ND | 58220 | 701 |
| Cavalier AFS, ND | 58220 | 701 |
| Concrete, ND | 58220 | 701 |
| Crystal, ND | 58222 | 701 |
| Drayton, ND | 58225 | 701 |
| Glasston, ND | 58236 | 701 |
| Hamilton, ND | 58238 | 701 |
| Hensel, ND | 58241 | 701 |
| Joliette, ND | 58271 | 701 |
| Leroy, ND | 58282 | 701 |
| Mountain, ND | 58262 | 701 |
| Neche, ND | 58265 | 701 |
| Pembina, ND | 58271 | 701 |
| Saint Thomas, ND | 58276 | 701 |
| Walhalla, ND | 58282 | 701 |
Major Cities and Towns in Pembina County, North Dakota
Cavalier
Overview
- Area: Approximately 1.27 square miles
- Population: 1,330 (2020 census)
- ZIP Code: 58220
- Latitude and Longitude: 48.7744° N, 97.6472° W
Location and History
Cavalier is the county seat of Pembina County and is located in the northeastern corner of North Dakota, near the Canadian border. Established in 1882, Cavalier was originally settled as a railroad town when the Great Northern Railway expanded through the region. The town was named after the French word for “knight,” reflecting its sense of nobility and pioneer spirit. Early settlers of the area were primarily of Scandinavian and German descent, and the town grew quickly due to its proximity to both railroads and fertile farmland. Throughout the 20th century, Cavalier remained a small but thriving community, with agriculture and transportation continuing to play key roles in its economy. Its location near the Pembina River made it a strategic point for trade and transportation.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Cavalier is served by the Cavalier Public School District, which includes an elementary school, middle school, and high school. The district emphasizes academic excellence, as well as extracurricular activities like sports and music programs. One of the town’s notable landmarks is the Pembina County Courthouse, an impressive structure that stands as a symbol of local government. Another point of interest is the Pembina County Historical Museum, which preserves the history of the area, including displays on local agriculture, railroads, and Native American history. Nearby, the Pembina Gorge offers recreational opportunities, including hiking, birdwatching, and scenic views of the Pembina River.
Walhalla
Overview
- Area: Approximately 1.03 square miles
- Population: 1,100 (2020 census)
- ZIP Code: 58282
- Latitude and Longitude: 48.8356° N, 97.7125° W
Location and History
Walhalla is a small city located in the northeastern corner of Pembina County, about 15 miles west of the Canadian border. The city was founded in 1882 and was named after the legendary Norse hall of the slain, “Valhalla,” a reference to Norse mythology and the city’s Scandinavian settlers. Walhalla quickly grew into a key trading and transportation center, due in part to its location near the Red River and its access to railroads. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, and settlers in the late 1800s established the town as a hub for agriculture, including wheat and livestock farming. Walhalla’s proximity to the Canadian border made it a strategic location for commerce and trade throughout the 20th century. Today, the city remains a quiet, rural community that preserves its historic roots.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Walhalla is served by the Walhalla Public School District, which includes a school serving students from kindergarten through high school. The district offers a range of academic programs, as well as athletic and extracurricular activities. A key landmark in Walhalla is the Walhalla City Hall, an iconic building that serves as the center of local government. The town also features the Walhalla Heritage Center, which houses artifacts from the town’s founding and development. The surrounding Red River Valley offers opportunities for outdoor activities, such as fishing, boating, and hiking, while Walhalla’s location near the Canadian border gives it a unique cultural blend of American and Canadian influences.
Neche
Overview
- Area: Approximately 0.42 square miles
- Population: 600 (2020 census)
- ZIP Code: 58265
- Latitude and Longitude: 48.8667° N, 97.6617° W
Location and History
Neche is a small city located in the extreme northeastern part of North Dakota, along the banks of the Pembina River and just south of the Canadian border. Founded in 1879, the city was initially a trading post and transportation center, with its economy largely based on agriculture, fur trade, and timber. Neche is named after the Native American word “neche,” meaning “friends,” reflecting its historical role as a trading and diplomatic site between settlers and Indigenous peoples. The arrival of the Great Northern Railway in the late 1800s further spurred Neche’s growth, as it became a point of exchange between the United States and Canada. While its population has fluctuated over the years, Neche remains a small rural community with a rich agricultural tradition.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Neche is part of the Pembina School District, with students attending Pembina High School, located in nearby Pembina. Neche’s central landmark is the Neche School, a historical building that has been an educational center for generations. The Pembina River also runs through the town, offering opportunities for fishing, boating, and nature walks. The area surrounding Neche is rich in natural beauty, with wooded areas and farmland providing recreational options for both locals and visitors. Neche also hosts annual community events that celebrate the area’s cultural heritage, bringing together people from both sides of the border.
St. Thomas
Overview
- Area: Approximately 0.33 square miles
- Population: 100 (2020 census)
- ZIP Code: 58276
- Latitude and Longitude: 48.8494° N, 97.4231° W
Location and History
St. Thomas is a small rural town located in the southeastern part of Pembina County, about 20 miles south of Cavalier. Founded in the late 19th century, St. Thomas developed as a farming community and was named after the patron saint of the local Catholic church. Its early economy was based on agriculture, particularly wheat and cattle farming. The town remained small but steady in population growth, with many of its residents involved in family farming and local businesses. The town’s population peaked in the mid-20th century and has since remained small, with a focus on rural living and agricultural pursuits. St. Thomas is a quintessential example of small-town life in North Dakota, with a close-knit community that values tradition and local involvement.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Students in St. Thomas attend schools in the nearby Cavalier School District. The St. Thomas Community Hall is one of the key landmarks in the town, hosting a variety of local events such as holiday celebrations, town meetings, and community gatherings. The surrounding farmland provides scenic views and offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities, including hunting, fishing, and hiking. St. Thomas is also known for its strong ties to agriculture, with local farms contributing to the town’s economy and culture. The St. Thomas Church, another important landmark, remains a central part of the community’s identity.
Crystal
Overview
- Area: Approximately 0.20 square miles
- Population: 100 (2020 census)
- ZIP Code: 58222
- Latitude and Longitude: 48.3461° N, 97.7394° W
Location and History
Crystal is a small town located in the western part of Pembina County. Founded in the early 1900s, it was initially settled by Scandinavian immigrants who were drawn to the fertile farmland of the Red River Valley. The town was named “Crystal” for its clear, pristine waters from nearby springs. Over the years, the town has remained rural, with agriculture continuing to be the primary economic activity. Crystal has a rich farming history, and its location near the Red River provides opportunities for agriculture and natural beauty. The town has maintained a small population, with many residents working on family-owned farms or in nearby cities.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Crystal is served by the Pembina School District, with students attending school in nearby Pembina or Cavalier. The Crystal Community Center is a focal point of the town, hosting local events such as town meetings, celebrations, and social gatherings. The town’s main landmark is its historic agricultural buildings, many of which have been preserved to showcase the region’s farming heritage. The surrounding countryside offers ample opportunities for outdoor activities, including hiking, birdwatching, and farming-related events. Crystal is known for its quiet, rural atmosphere and strong sense of community, making it a peaceful place to live.
