Nelson County Map, North Dakota

Written and Fact-checked by | Updated On: May 31, 2026

Map of Nelson County - Nelson County is a county located in the U.S. state of North Dakota. Nelson County Map showing cities, highways, important places and water bodies. Get Where is Nelson County located in the map, major cities in Nelson county, population, areas, and places of interest.

Map of Nelson County, North Dakota

Map of Nelson County, North Dakota

About Nelson County Map, North Dakota: The map showing the county boundary, county seat, major cities, highways, water bodies and neighbouring counties.

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About Nelson County, North Dakota

Nelson County is a county located in the U.S. state of North Dakota. It's county seat is Lakota. As per 2020 census, the population of Nelson County is 3054 people and population density is square miles. According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 982 sq mi (2,543 km2). Nelson County was established on 1883.

Nelson County Facts

ContinentNorth America
CountryUnited States
StateNorth Dakota
County SeatLakota
Largest City/TownLakota
Established1883
Total Area1,008.9 sq mi (2,613.0 sq km)
Land Area981.8 sq mi (2,543.0 sq km)
Water Area27.1 sq mi (70.2 sq km)
Population3,015 (Census 2020)
Population Density3.1 people per sq mi
Time ZoneCentral Time Zone
Major HighwaysUS Highway 2, North Dakota Highway 1, North Dakota Highway 15, North Dakota Highway 32, North Dakota Highway 35
Major RiversSheyenne River tributaries, Stump Lake watershed
Neighboring CountiesWalsh, Grand Forks, Steele, Griggs, Eddy, Benson, Ramsey
Famous ForStump Lake, prairie pothole wetlands, agriculture, wildlife refuges, and birdwatching
Top AttractionsStump Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Rose Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Nelson County Museum, Lakota Golf Club, Johnson Lake National Wildlife Refuge
Official WebsiteOfficial Website

About Nelson County, North Dakota

Nelson County is located in northeastern North Dakota and was established in 1883. The county seat and largest city is Lakota. The county features rolling prairie, numerous lakes and wetlands, and productive agricultural land. Its landscape is part of the Prairie Pothole Region, making it an important area for migratory birds, hunting, and outdoor recreation.

Cities and Towns in Nelson County, North Dakota

City/TownPopulation (Census 2020)Latitude & Longitude
Lakota (county seat)68348.0428°N, 98.3445°W
Aneta19547.6778°N, 97.9887°W
McVille28647.7592°N, 98.1809°W
Michigan City24748.0036°N, 98.1167°W
Pekin7047.7564°N, 98.3261°W
Petersburg17648.0108°N, 98.0045°W
Tolna13647.8386°N, 98.4523°W
Dahlen (CDP)2148.1708°N, 98.0564°W

Best Golf Courses in Nelson County, North Dakota

Golf CourseLocationLatitude & Longitude
Lakota Golf ClubLakota48.0456°N, 98.3562°W
McVille Country ClubMcVille47.7649°N, 98.1884°W
Aneta Golf CourseAneta47.6838°N, 97.9957°W

What are Major Roads and Highways in Nelson County

Major highways connect the county to nearby regions and cities.

  • US Highway 2 - major east-west route connecting Lakota with Grand Forks, Devils Lake, and western North Dakota
  • North Dakota Highway 1 - north-south route serving Lakota, Petersburg, and surrounding farming communities
  • North Dakota Highway 15 - connects McVille, Aneta, and neighboring counties
  • North Dakota Highway 32 - serves eastern portions of the county and connects to Grand Forks County
  • North Dakota Highway 35 - provides access to lakes, wildlife refuges, and rural communities

Neighboring Counties of Nelson County

  • Walsh County (northeast)
  • Grand Forks County (east)
  • Steele County (southeast)
  • Griggs County (south)
  • Eddy County (southwest)
  • Benson County (west)
  • Ramsey County (northwest)

What are Top Attractions in Nelson County, North Dakota

The county offers a mix of natural and cultural attractions.

Main Sight NameCityFamous For
Stump Lake National Wildlife RefugeNear LakotaWaterfowl habitat and wildlife viewing
Rose Lake National Wildlife RefugeNear TolnaMigratory bird observation and wetlands
Johnson Lake National Wildlife RefugeNear PetersburgPrairie wildlife and birdwatching
Lambs Lake National Wildlife RefugeCountywideProtected wetland ecosystem
Nelson County MuseumLakotaCounty history and pioneer exhibits
Stump LakeNear LakotaFishing, boating, and scenic views
Lakota Golf ClubLakotaGolf and outdoor recreation
McVille Country ClubMcVilleGolf and community events
Tolna Dam Recreation AreaTolnaFishing and nature activities
Prairie Pothole RegionCountywideBirdwatching, photography, and wildlife habitat

Distance from Nelson County to Nearby Cities

The following distances are measured by road (driving).

  • Lakota to McVille (Nelson County), North Dakota - 20 mi (32 km)
  • Lakota to Tolna (Nelson County), North Dakota - 16 mi (26 km)
  • Lakota to Michigan City (Nelson County), North Dakota - 15 mi (24 km)
  • Lakota to Petersburg (Nelson County), North Dakota - 22 mi (35 km)
  • Lakota to New Rockford (Eddy County), North Dakota - 42 mi (68 km)
  • Lakota to Cooperstown (Griggs County), North Dakota - 39 mi (63 km)
  • Lakota to Finley (Steele County), North Dakota - 46 mi (74 km)
  • Lakota to Devils Lake (Ramsey County), North Dakota - 32 mi (51 km)
  • Lakota to Grand Forks (Grand Forks County), North Dakota - 67 mi (108 km)
  • Lakota to Grafton (Walsh County), North Dakota - 52 mi (84 km)
  • Lakota to Carrington (Foster County), North Dakota - 71 mi (114 km)
  • Lakota to Valley City (Barnes County), North Dakota - 88 mi (142 km)
  • Lakota to Fargo (Cass County), North Dakota - 110 mi (177 km)
  • Lakota to Jamestown (Stutsman County), North Dakota - 102 mi (164 km)
  • Lakota to Bismarck (Burleigh County), North Dakota - 165 mi (266 km)

References

  1. QuickFacts - U.S. Census Bureau
  2. United States Census Bureau
  3. United States Geological Survey (USGS)
  4. National Geodetic Survey
  5. Official County Website