Written and Fact-checked by Whereig Editors | 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
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
| Continent | North America |
| Country | United States |
| State | North Dakota |
| County Seat | Lakota |
| Largest City/Town | Lakota |
| Established | 1883 |
| Total Area | 1,008.9 sq mi (2,613.0 sq km) |
| Land Area | 981.8 sq mi (2,543.0 sq km) |
| Water Area | 27.1 sq mi (70.2 sq km) |
| Population | 3,015 (Census 2020) |
| Population Density | 3.1 people per sq mi |
| Time Zone | Central Time Zone |
| Major Highways | US Highway 2, North Dakota Highway 1, North Dakota Highway 15, North Dakota Highway 32, North Dakota Highway 35 |
| Major Rivers | Sheyenne River tributaries, Stump Lake watershed |
| Neighboring Counties | Walsh, Grand Forks, Steele, Griggs, Eddy, Benson, Ramsey |
| Famous For | Stump Lake, prairie pothole wetlands, agriculture, wildlife refuges, and birdwatching |
| Top Attractions | Stump Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Rose Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Nelson County Museum, Lakota Golf Club, Johnson Lake National Wildlife Refuge |
| Official Website | Official 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/Town | Population (Census 2020) | Latitude & Longitude |
|---|---|---|
| Lakota (county seat) | 683 | 48.0428°N, 98.3445°W |
| Aneta | 195 | 47.6778°N, 97.9887°W |
| McVille | 286 | 47.7592°N, 98.1809°W |
| Michigan City | 247 | 48.0036°N, 98.1167°W |
| Pekin | 70 | 47.7564°N, 98.3261°W |
| Petersburg | 176 | 48.0108°N, 98.0045°W |
| Tolna | 136 | 47.8386°N, 98.4523°W |
| Dahlen (CDP) | 21 | 48.1708°N, 98.0564°W |
Best Golf Courses in Nelson County, North Dakota
| Golf Course | Location | Latitude & Longitude |
|---|---|---|
| Lakota Golf Club | Lakota | 48.0456°N, 98.3562°W |
| McVille Country Club | McVille | 47.7649°N, 98.1884°W |
| Aneta Golf Course | Aneta | 47.6838°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 Name | City | Famous For |
|---|---|---|
| Stump Lake National Wildlife Refuge | Near Lakota | Waterfowl habitat and wildlife viewing |
| Rose Lake National Wildlife Refuge | Near Tolna | Migratory bird observation and wetlands |
| Johnson Lake National Wildlife Refuge | Near Petersburg | Prairie wildlife and birdwatching |
| Lambs Lake National Wildlife Refuge | Countywide | Protected wetland ecosystem |
| Nelson County Museum | Lakota | County history and pioneer exhibits |
| Stump Lake | Near Lakota | Fishing, boating, and scenic views |
| Lakota Golf Club | Lakota | Golf and outdoor recreation |
| McVille Country Club | McVille | Golf and community events |
| Tolna Dam Recreation Area | Tolna | Fishing and nature activities |
| Prairie Pothole Region | Countywide | Birdwatching, 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
- QuickFacts - U.S. Census Bureau
- United States Census Bureau
- United States Geological Survey (USGS)
- National Geodetic Survey
- Official County Website
- Adams County Map
- Barnes County Map
- Benson County Map
- Billings County Map
- Bottineau County Map
- Bowman County Map
- Burke County Map
- Burleigh County Map
- Cass County Map
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- Dickey County Map
- Divide County Map
- Dunn County Map
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- Emmons County Map
- Foster County Map
- Golden Valley County Map
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- Grant County Map
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- Hettinger County Map
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- Stutsman County Map
- Towner County Map
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