Where is North Dakota Located in the United States?

North Dakota is located in the Upper Midwest region of the United States, known for its vast prairies, rich agricultural lands, and growing energy sector. The state is largely rural but has seen population growth in recent years due to the development of the oil industry, particularly in the Bakken shale formation. North Dakota’s economy is driven by agriculture, energy production, and increasingly by tourism, with attractions like Theodore Roosevelt National Park drawing visitors to its rugged badlands and natural beauty.

State Name: North Dakota
Postal Abbreviation: ND
Population: 780,000 (2023 estimate)
Area: 70,705 square miles
Capital: Bismarck
Largest City: Fargo
Statehood Year: 1889 (39th state)
Time Zones: Central Time Zone (majority) and Mountain Time Zone (western counties)

Bordering States of North Dakota

Montana

To the west, North Dakota shares a long border with Montana, a state known for its vast open spaces and rugged terrain. The border is defined by rolling plains and the beginning of the Missouri Plateau. Economically, both states share a focus on agriculture and energy production, particularly oil extraction. The Bakken oil fields extend into eastern Montana, linking the states through their shared energy resources. Key transportation routes like U.S. Highway 2 and Interstate 94 facilitate trade and travel between North Dakota and Montana. The shared culture of ranching and farming also binds the two states, with many rural communities on both sides of the border having similar ways of life.

South Dakota

North Dakota’s southern neighbor, South Dakota, shares similar geography, dominated by the Great Plains and rolling hills. The two states are connected by the Missouri River, which runs through both and provides irrigation for the agriculture that dominates the region. Major highways like Interstate 29 connect North Dakota’s urban centers like Fargo with Sioux Falls in South Dakota. The two states also share cultural and historical ties, particularly from the Lakota Sioux and other Native American tribes that have historically inhabited the region. Additionally, both states experience extreme weather conditions, including harsh winters and hot summers, which influence their agricultural economies.

Minnesota

To the east, North Dakota is bordered by Minnesota, with the Red River of the North forming a natural boundary between the two states. The Red River Valley is one of the most fertile agricultural areas in the country, with crops like wheat, soybeans, and sugar beets grown on both sides of the river. The cities of Fargo, ND, and Moorhead, MN, are twin cities that form the largest urban center in the region, with close economic and cultural ties. The border area is characterized by flat terrain and extensive farmland, and the shared geography makes both states vital contributors to U.S. agricultural output. In addition to farming, the Red River supports recreational activities like fishing and boating.

Canadian Provinces: Manitoba and Saskatchewan

To the north, North Dakota shares an international border with the Canadian provinces of Manitoba and Saskatchewan. The border stretches for about 310 miles and includes several key crossings, such as Portal and Pembina. Trade between the U.S. and Canada is important for the region, with agricultural products, machinery, and energy resources being exchanged. The cultures of northern North Dakota and southern Canada are similar, with both areas having strong farming and ranching traditions. Additionally, the proximity to Canada allows for cross-border tourism, with visitors from both sides taking advantage of hunting, fishing, and other outdoor activities.

GPS Coordinates of North Dakota

North Dakota is located in the north-central part of the United States, with its general GPS coordinates around 47.5° N latitude and 100.5° W longitude. These coordinates place the state at a relatively high northern latitude, giving it a continental climate with cold winters and hot summers.

• Northern Coordinates: North Dakota’s northernmost point is at the U.S.-Canada border, specifically near Pembina, located at approximately 49.0000° N. This region is part of the Red River Valley, known for its fertile agricultural land. The border crossing at Pembina is a major route for trade and travel between North Dakota and the Canadian province of Manitoba. The northern boundary, also known as the 49th parallel, runs straight across the northern edge of the state.
• Southern Coordinates: The southernmost point of North Dakota is located near Fort Ransom, close to the border with South Dakota at around 45.9351° N. This area is characterized by rolling hills and valleys, part of the greater Missouri River basin. The southern part of the state is primarily agricultural, with crops like corn, soybeans, and wheat dominating the landscape. The boundary between North Dakota and South Dakota is largely rural, with few large cities or major transportation hubs.
• Eastern Coordinates: North Dakota’s easternmost point is along the Red River of the North, near Wahpeton, located at 96.5526° W. The river forms a natural boundary between North Dakota and Minnesota. The area is part of the Red River Valley, known for its incredibly flat terrain and productive farmland. This region is crucial for the state’s agricultural output and serves as a gateway between North Dakota and the larger cities of Minnesota, like Fargo-Moorhead and the Twin Cities.
• Western Coordinates: The westernmost point of North Dakota is located near Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site, on the Montana border at around 104.0489° W. This area lies in the Missouri Plateau, part of the state’s rugged western landscape. The western part of North Dakota is less populated than the east but is rich in natural resources like oil, coal, and natural gas, making it a key region for energy production.

These GPS coordinates highlight North Dakota’s unique position as a northern state, bordered by Canada and characterized by a mix of agricultural and energy-producing landscapes. Its location gives it a distinct climate, with long winters and short, warm summers that define life in the state.

Levels of Elevation in North Dakota

North Dakota’s elevation varies across the state, from its low-lying eastern plains near the Red River to the higher elevations in the western part of the state, where the terrain becomes more rugged and hilly.

• Highest Elevation: The highest point in North Dakota is White Butte, located in the Badlands of Slope County, rising to 3,506 feet (1,069 meters) above sea level. White Butte is part of the Missouri Plateau region, characterized by its dramatic rock formations and rugged terrain. The Badlands area is rich in fossil deposits and is a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts.
• Lowest Elevation: The lowest point in North Dakota is found along the Red River of the North, near the town of Pembina, at an elevation of approximately 750 feet (229 meters) above sea level. This region is part of the Red River Valley, which is known for its extremely flat topography and fertile soils, making it one of the most productive agricultural areas in the state.
• Average Elevation: The average elevation of North Dakota is about 1,900 feet (579 meters) above sea level. Much of the central and western parts of the state consist of rolling plains and hilly terrain, particularly in the Missouri Plateau region. The eastern part of the state, including the Red River Valley, is much flatter and sits at a lower elevation, contributing to its success as an agricultural hub.

North Dakota’s elevation varies significantly from east to west, with the highest points in the rugged Badlands and the lowest in the fertile Red River Valley. This variation in elevation contributes to the state’s diverse geography, from flat farmlands to striking badlands formations.

Most Extreme Points of North Dakota

North Dakota’s geographic extremes cover a wide range of landscapes, from the flat plains of the Red River Valley to the rugged terrain of the Missouri Plateau.

• Easternmost Point: The easternmost point of North Dakota is near the city of Wahpeton, located at 96.5526° W. Wahpeton lies on the Red River of the North, which forms the natural boundary between North Dakota and Minnesota. The surrounding area is part of the fertile Red River Valley, known for its agricultural productivity. Wahpeton is a small city but plays a crucial role in the region’s economy due to its location near the river and its agricultural processing industries.
• Westernmost Point: The westernmost point is near Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site, located at 104.0489° W along the North Dakota-Montana border. This area is historically significant as a former hub of the fur trade in the 19th century. Today, it is part of the rugged Missouri Plateau, characterized by rolling hills, badlands, and significant energy resources like oil and coal.
• Southernmost Point: The southernmost point of North Dakota is near Fort Ransom, at approximately 45.9351° N latitude. This area, close to the South Dakota border, features rolling hills and is part of the Missouri River Basin. The region is predominantly rural, with agriculture playing a central role in the local economy, especially with crops like wheat and corn.
• Northernmost Point: The northernmost point is near Pembina, located at 49.0000° N along the U.S.-Canada border. Pembina is a key border crossing into Manitoba, Canada, and is part of the flat and fertile Red River Valley. This area experiences cold winters and has a strong agricultural base, particularly in crops like wheat, soybeans, and sugar beets.

These extreme points highlight North Dakota’s geographic diversity, from its agricultural heartland in the east to the energy-rich western badlands and the international border with Canada to the north.

Major Mountains in North Dakota

Although North Dakota is not traditionally known for its mountains, the state features several prominent highlands and buttes, particularly in the western region. The state’s topography is dominated by plains and rolling hills, but the Badlands and surrounding areas offer rugged terrain with notable elevations.

• White Butte: As the highest point in North Dakota, White Butte rises to 3,506 feet in Slope County. Located in the southwestern part of the state, White Butte is part of the Badlands and offers a striking landscape of rugged cliffs and eroded rock formations. The butte is a popular destination for hikers and nature lovers who want to experience one of the state’s most iconic landscapes. The Badlands region surrounding White Butte is also known for its fossil beds and unique geological features.
• Killdeer Mountains: Located in western North Dakota, the Killdeer Mountains are an isolated group of buttes that rise prominently above the surrounding plains. The highest point in the Killdeer Mountains reaches an elevation of around 3,314 feet. The area is rich in Native American history and was the site of the Battle of Killdeer Mountain during the Indian Wars in the 19th century. Today, the Killdeer Mountains are a scenic and remote area, known for their wildlife, including deer and bighorn sheep.
• Sentinel Butte: Another notable high point in the Badlands region is Sentinel Butte, which rises to about 3,428 feet. Located near the town of Sentinel Butte, the area is characterized by steep, eroded rock formations and prairie landscapes. The butte is part of the Missouri Plateau, where the terrain transitions from the flat eastern plains to the more rugged western areas. It offers panoramic views of the surrounding Badlands and is part of the scenic beauty of western North Dakota.
• Medicine Hole: Near the town of Killdeer, Medicine Hole is a geological feature located in the Killdeer Mountains. It is a large, natural depression or cave that has significant cultural importance to the Mandan and other Native American tribes. While not a traditional mountain peak, the area is a key feature of the region’s topography and is surrounded by high buttes.

While North Dakota may not be home to towering mountain ranges like those in the western U.S., its buttes, ridges, and high plains offer unique and dramatic landscapes, particularly in the western part of the state.

Major Rivers and Lakes in North Dakota

North Dakota’s rivers and lakes are vital to the state’s agriculture, recreation, and wildlife habitats. Several major rivers flow through the state, providing water for irrigation, transportation, and hydroelectric power, while its lakes support fishing, boating, and tourism.

• Missouri River: The Missouri River is the longest river in North Dakota and one of the most significant waterways in the United States. It flows from Montana through western North Dakota before continuing southward into South Dakota. The Missouri River is crucial for irrigation, especially in the drier western part of the state, and provides water for agriculture and communities along its banks. It is also home to several large dams and reservoirs, including Lake Sakakawea, which is the largest man-made lake in North Dakota.
• Red River of the North: Flowing along North Dakota’s eastern border with Minnesota, the Red River of the North is one of the state’s most important rivers. It is unique in that it flows northward into Canada and eventually into Lake Winnipeg. The Red River Valley, which the river runs through, is one of the most fertile agricultural regions in the country. The river also supports recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing. The cities of Fargo and Grand Forks are located along the river, making it a vital part of the state’s urban infrastructure.
• Lake Sakakawea: Created by the construction of Garrison Dam on the Missouri River, Lake Sakakawea is the largest lake in North Dakota and one of the largest reservoirs in the United States. It stretches over 180 miles and provides water for irrigation, hydroelectric power, and recreation. The lake is a popular destination for boating, fishing, and camping, attracting both locals and tourists. The surrounding area is also important for wildlife conservation, with several state parks and wildlife management areas located nearby.
• Devils Lake: Devils Lake is the largest natural lake in North Dakota and one of the most unique bodies of water in the state. It has no natural outlet, meaning that its water levels fluctuate significantly based on rainfall and evaporation. In recent decades, rising water levels have caused significant flooding in the surrounding communities. Devils Lake is known for its excellent fishing opportunities, particularly for walleye and northern pike. The lake is a popular destination for both anglers and birdwatchers, as it is an important stopover for migratory birds.
• James River: The James River is a smaller but significant river that flows through the southeastern part of North Dakota before joining the Missouri River in South Dakota. The river is used for irrigation and provides water to several small towns in the region. It also supports fishing and recreational activities, although its flow can vary significantly depending on seasonal rainfall.

North Dakota’s rivers and lakes are crucial to the state’s economy, environment, and recreational activities. The Missouri and Red Rivers, in particular, play key roles in supporting agriculture, industry, and communities across the state, while lakes like Sakakawea and Devils Lake draw visitors for outdoor activities year-round.