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

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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
| Landform | Type | Region | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Great Plains | Plain | Statewide | Wide open grasslands |
| Red River Valley | Valley | East | Flat fertile floodplain |
| Missouri Plateau | Plateau | West | Elevated rolling plains |
| Badlands | Badlands | West | Eroded rugged terrain |
| Drift Prairie | Plain | Central | Glacially formed plains |
| Turtle Mountains | Upland | North | Forested elevated hills |
| Coteau du Missouri | Plateau | Central | Rolling upland region |
| Killdeer Mountains | Hills | West | Low rugged hills |
| Sheyenne Delta | Delta | East | Ancient river delta |
| Pembina Escarpment | Escarpment | North | Steep elevated ridge |
Major Rivers and Water Bodies in North Dakota
| Name | Type | Region | Notable Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Missouri River | River | Central | Largest river in state |
| Red River of the North | River | East | Forms eastern boundary |
| Sheyenne River | River | East | Tributary of Red River |
| James River | River | Central | Flows into Missouri River |
| Little Missouri River | River | West | Flows through badlands |
| Lake Sakakawea | Lake | Central | Largest lake in state |
| Devils Lake | Lake | North | Natural closed basin lake |
| Lake Oahe | Lake | South | Missouri River reservoir |
| Stump Lake | Lake | North | Endorheic lake |
| Lake Metigoshe | Lake | North | Recreation 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.
| Feature | Elevation / Detail |
|---|---|
| Highest Point | White Butte – 3,506 ft |
| Lowest Point | Red River – 750 ft |
| Average Elevation | 1,900 ft |
| Terrain Type | Plains, plateaus, badlands |
North Dakota Physical Map Facts
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| State | North Dakota |
| Total Area | 70,698 sq mi |
| Land Area | 69,001 sq mi |
| Water Area | 1,697 sq mi |
| Highest Point | White Butte |
| Lowest Point | Red River |
| Longest River | Missouri River |
| Largest Lake | Lake Sakakawea |
| Major Landforms | Great Plains, Badlands |
| Main Water Bodies | Missouri River, Red River |
| Terrain Type | Flat to rolling plains |
| Coastline | No coastline |
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