North Dakota State Maps

These maps show North Dakota's Counties, Cities, Federal Areas, Physiographic, and Ecoregions.

North Dakota State County Sizes Map

Smallest County in North Dakota State

Eddy County: 643 sq miles

Largest County in North Dakota State

McKenzie County: 2,843 sq miles

Mean and Median Area of Counties in North Dakota State

Mean Area: 1,260 sq miles

Median Area: 1,203 sq miles

Major Cities of North Dakota State and Their Locations

In North Dakota, major cities are positioned based on historical trade routes, proximity to rivers, and agriculture hubs:

1. River Ports

Bismarck: The capital city, located along the Missouri River, has long been a vital center for trade and transportation.

Grand Forks: Situated along the Red River of the North, Grand Forks is a key river port that has historically supported agriculture and trade in the eastern part of the state.

2. Historical Trade Routes

Fargo: A key city on historic railroad routes, now a major economic hub in eastern North Dakota.

Jamestown: Located on the Northern Pacific Railway, Jamestown has long been a stop for transportation and a key economic center in the state's southeast region.

3. Agricultural Centers

Minot: Known for its significance in agriculture and as a key transportation hub in north-central North Dakota.

Bottineau: This small city in north-central North Dakota is a gateway to the Turtle Mountains and an important center for regional agriculture and outdoor tourism.

Williston: Located near the Bakken oil fields, Williston is a growing city with a strong connection to the state’s oil industry and agriculture in the northwestern region.

Dickinson: Situated in the heart of the state's southwestern region, Dickinson is a hub for agriculture and serves the surrounding farming and ranching areas.

Bowman: A smaller city in southwestern North Dakota, Bowman is an agricultural center that supports the region’s ranching and farming operations.

Carrington: Located in central North Dakota, Carrington is an important agricultural hub, particularly known for its grain and livestock production.

Topographic Tour of North Dakota

North Dakota’s landscape is largely shaped by its plains, rolling hills, and river valleys. Notable landforms include the rugged Badlands in the west and the flat Red River Valley in the east.

1. Missouri Plateau (Unglaciated)

The western part of the state, characterized by the Badlands, is known for its eroded terrain, steep slopes, and rich fossil beds. The Little Missouri River runs through this area.

2. Missouri Plateau (Glaciated)

In central North Dakota, the Missouri Plateau shows the effects of glaciation with rolling hills and fertile lands.

3. Red River Valley

The flat, fertile region along the eastern border of the state is a major agricultural hub due to the rich soil deposited by glacial Lake Agassiz.

4. Drift Prairie

The Drift Prairie lies in the central and northern parts of the state, featuring gently rolling hills, lakes, and wetlands. This area was shaped by glacial deposits, and it is dotted with numerous small ponds and lakes, making it a critical region for waterfowl migration.

5. Turtle Mountains

Located in north-central North Dakota near the Canadian border, the Turtle Mountains are a unique elevated area covered in forested hills and small lakes. This region contrasts sharply with the surrounding plains and offers recreational opportunities, including camping, fishing, and hiking.

Physiographic Regions of North Dakota

• Central Lowland, Western Lake: Plains and glaciated regions.
• Great Plains, Missouri Plateau (Glaciated): Rolling hills and plains shaped by glaciers.
• Great Plains, Missouri Plateau (Unglaciated): Rugged and steep terrain of the Badlands.

Notable Federal Lands: Some of the Largest and Most Fascinating Destinations in North Dakota

North Dakota’s federal lands offer vast open spaces, national parks, and monuments. Major sites include Theodore Roosevelt National Park, known for its rugged beauty and wildlife. In addition, the state features a variety of grasslands and wildlife refuges that showcase diverse ecosystems and provide habitats for many species. Here are some of the Notable Federal Lands: Some of the Largest and Most Fascinating Destinations in North Dakota:

• Cheyenne National Grassland – This grassland in southeastern North Dakota is known for its sweeping prairie landscapes and serves as a crucial habitat for grassland birds. The area is ideal for hiking, birdwatching, and experiencing the wide-open plains that define the state's natural beauty.
• Little Missouri National Grassland – The largest national grassland in the U.S., it covers much of the rugged Badlands region of western North Dakota. This expansive area is known for its striking topography, including steep hills, buttes, and river valleys, and offers excellent opportunities for camping, hiking, and viewing wildlife such as bison and pronghorn antelope.
• Theodore Roosevelt Wilderness – Part of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, this designated wilderness area preserves the rugged badlands and prairie ecosystems that inspired the 26th president. Visitors can explore this remote, undeveloped landscape through backcountry hiking, offering solitude and a connection with nature.
• Audubon National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) – Located near the shores of Lake Audubon, this refuge is vital for the conservation of migratory waterfowl. It features a range of habitats from wetlands to grasslands, making it a popular destination for birdwatching, particularly during migration seasons.
• J. Clark Salyer National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) – The largest refuge in North Dakota, J. Clark Salyer NWR, is located along the Souris River and provides crucial wetland habitat for migratory birds. It is a premier site for birdwatching, photography, and wildlife observation, with miles of hiking trails winding through diverse habitats.
• Arrowwood National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) – This refuge is known for its rich mix of wetlands, woodlands, and prairie, providing an ideal environment for waterfowl and other wildlife. Arrowwood NWR is a key stopover point for birds on the Central Flyway and offers excellent opportunities for birdwatching and nature walks.
• Lostwood National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) – Famous for its rolling prairie hills and glacial potholes, Lostwood NWR is a critical breeding ground for grassland birds. The refuge is remote and offers peaceful hiking experiences and birdwatching in a unique prairie-pothole ecosystem.
• Upper Souris National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) – Located along the Souris River, this refuge helps protect a variety of wetland and upland habitats, supporting migratory birds, waterfowl, and other wildlife. It offers scenic hiking trails and birdwatching opportunities, especially during the spring and fall migrations.
• Stewart Lake National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) – Stewart Lake NWR is a small but important refuge in western North Dakota, providing critical habitat for migratory birds. The wetlands around the lake are home to a variety of waterfowl species, making it a peaceful spot for birdwatching and wildlife photography.
• White Lake National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) – This refuge is another small but significant wetland area that serves as a nesting and resting spot for migratory waterfowl. White Lake NWR offers serene birdwatching opportunities, especially during migration seasons.
• Lake Ilo National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) – Located in the western part of the state, Lake Ilo NWR is a man-made lake that provides a critical water source for migratory birds and other wildlife. Visitors can enjoy fishing, birdwatching, and hiking around the refuge's picturesque lake and grasslands.

These federal lands not only preserve North Dakota's unique ecosystems but also provide visitors with a chance to explore diverse landscapes, from rugged badlands to tranquil wetlands. Whether you're interested in hiking, birdwatching, or simply experiencing the wide-open spaces, these areas offer something for everyone.

Ecoregions of North Dakota

• North-Central Glaciated Plains Section: Rolling plains shaped by glaciers.
• Northeastern Glaciated Plains Section: Features fertile lands and wetlands.
• Red River Valley Section: Flat, fertile lands crucial for agriculture.
• Western Glaciated Plains Section: Rugged and semi-arid lands to the west.