Where is North Dakota on the map?
North Dakota is in America's upper Midwest region. It is located in the central part of North America and spans over a vast area of the Northern Plains.
To its East is Minnesota. South of it is South Dakota. To the North, the Canadian provinces of Saskatchewan and Manitoba are located. The western border is shared with Montana.
The geographic center of North America is often said to be in North Dakota, specifically near the city of Rugby.
Geography of North Dakota
North Dakota is primarily composed of the Great Plains. This results in flat or rolling terrains across most of the state, with the notable exception of the Badlands in the west, which stand out due to their rugged landscapes.
The state's eastern half dances with the meandering Red River Valley. It forms a natural boundary with Minnesota.
The state’s highest peak is White Butte at 3,506 feet.
Major Cities in North Dakota
The capital is Bismarck. It sits near the geographical center-point of the state.
Fargo, towards the eastern side, is the largest city. It's the cultural, educational, industrial, and commercial hub of the region.
Grand Forks, Minot, and West Fargo: these too are notable cities. Each a lively mix of local culture and an evolving modern cityscape.
Climate of North Dakota
North Dakota's climate may be classified as continental. Summers here can be toasty, with average highs reaching into the 80s Fahrenheit in some areas.
Winters, however, are quite a different story. It's not unusual for temperatures to plummet below freezing across much of the state, sometimes reaching into the negative digits.
Not a land of extremes, but a land of contrasts.
