Geography & Climate
Industry
Snapshot | Economy/Cost of
Living
Education
| Recreation
& Entertainment | Transportation
History | Suggested
Reading List
North Dakota is located in the Midwestern and Western regions of the United States, geographically in
the continent’s center, and ranks as the 19th largest state in total area by covering 70,704 square
miles (183,122 square kilometers or 18,312,252 hectares). Land areas of North Dakota cover 68,994
square miles (178,694 square kilometers or 17,869,364 hectares), whereas 1,710 square miles (4,429
square kilometers or 442,889 hectares) of North Dakota are covered by water. North Dakota is bordered
to the north by the country Canada, to the south by South Dakota, to the east by Minnesota, and to the
west by Montana.
North Dakota can be categorized geographically into three regions: the Red River Valley, the Drift
Prairie, and the Great Plains. The Red River Valley of eastern North Dakota is a generally flat,
fertile area, where much of the state’s farming takes place. The Drift Prairie is somewhat higher in
elevation, with rolling hills, glacial moraine, valleys, and lakes. The Great Plains, in southwestern
North Dakota, are hilly east of the Missouri River and lower along the river. Also in the southwestern
part of the state, the fascinating Badlands extend approximately 190 miles (305.7 kilometers) in length
and up to 20 miles (32.2 kilometers) in width. The Badlands are formations of stone and clay carved
by wind and rain, and striking in their several hues. The highest point in the Peace Garden State is
White Butte, with an elevation of 3,506
feet (1.07 kilometers) above sea level. Major North Dakota rivers include the Missouri, James, and Red
Rivers. Major lakes include Lake Sakakawea and Lake Oahe.
Situated far from the influence of oceans and centered in the continent, North Dakota’s climate is
considered a continental climate, and as such, it experiences great extremes. Summers are warm, with
July temperature averages of 69 degrees F (20.6 degrees C), and winters are frigid, with average
January highs around 7 degrees F (-13.9 degrees C). Rainfall can be moderate or sparse, and drought is
not uncommon. The western portion of the state receives less rain than the east, with approximately 13
inches (33 centimeters) of rain annually versus 20 inches (51 centimeters) annually. Cold winter
temperatures equate to precipitation in the form of snow; Bismarck receives an average of 44 inches
(112 centimeters) of snow annually.
Related Resources:
Back to Destination North Dakota
|
