Physical Map of North Dakota - Geographical Features of North Dakota

Written and Fact-checked by | Updated On: April 03, 2026 | 15:40 ET

Physical Map of North Dakota showing the geographical features of the state such as rivers, lakes, mountain peaks, elevations, plateaus, plains, topography, water bodies and many other North Dakota physical features.

North Dakota Physical Map

Physical Features of North Dakota

North Dakota is characterized by wide-open plains, rolling hills, and river valleys shaped by glacial and geological processes. The eastern part of the state lies in the Red River Valley, a flat and fertile region formed by an ancient lakebed. Central North Dakota features gently rolling plains, while the western region becomes more rugged with badlands and buttes. Major rivers such as the Missouri and Red River define much of the landscape, along with reservoirs and natural lakes.

Major Landforms in North Dakota

LandformTypeRegionDescription
Great PlainsPlainStatewideWide open grasslands
Red River ValleyValleyEastFlat fertile floodplain
Missouri PlateauPlateauWestElevated rolling plains
BadlandsBadlandsWestEroded rugged terrain
Drift PrairiePlainCentralGlacially formed plains
Turtle MountainsUplandNorthForested elevated hills
Coteau du MissouriPlateauCentralRolling upland region
Killdeer MountainsHillsWestLow rugged hills
Sheyenne DeltaDeltaEastAncient river delta
Pembina EscarpmentEscarpmentNorthSteep elevated ridge

Major Rivers and Water Bodies in North Dakota

NameTypeRegionNotable Feature
Missouri RiverRiverCentralLargest river in state
Red River of the NorthRiverEastForms eastern boundary
Sheyenne RiverRiverEastTributary of Red River
James RiverRiverCentralFlows into Missouri River
Little Missouri RiverRiverWestFlows through badlands
Lake SakakaweaLakeCentralLargest lake in state
Devils LakeLakeNorthNatural closed basin lake
Lake OaheLakeSouthMissouri River reservoir
Stump LakeLakeNorthEndorheic lake
Lake MetigosheLakeNorthRecreation lake area

Elevation and Terrain in North Dakota

North Dakota’s elevation rises gradually from east to west, with the highest point located in the southwestern part of the state. White Butte is the highest elevation, while the lowest point lies along the Red River. The terrain consists of plains, plateaus, and badlands.

FeatureElevation / Detail
Highest PointWhite Butte – 3,506 ft
Lowest PointRed River – 750 ft
Average Elevation1,900 ft
Terrain TypePlains, plateaus, badlands

North Dakota Physical Map Facts

FeatureDetail
StateNorth Dakota
Total Area70,698 sq mi
Land Area69,001 sq mi
Water Area1,697 sq mi
Highest PointWhite Butte
Lowest PointRed River
Longest RiverMissouri River
Largest LakeLake Sakakawea
Major LandformsGreat Plains, Badlands
Main Water BodiesMissouri River, Red River
Terrain TypeFlat to rolling plains
CoastlineNo coastline