Free Vector map of the state of North Dakota, USA, main roads with numbers, colored counties with names.

Free Vector map of the state of North Dakota, USA, main roads with numbers, colored counties with names.
Free, royalty-free, unlimited use.
The map is intended for editing, media, presentations.
File format SVG, PDF and Adobe Illustrator, Simplified version
Map in layers, fully vector, editable.
See also: detailed vector map of the state of North Dakota

Download vector map in archive:

https://vectormap.net/wp-content/uploads/free_maps_states_cities_2024/map_vector_us_state_north_dakota_free_simple_ai.ai.zip
https://vectormap.net/wp-content/uploads/free_maps_states_cities_2024/map_vector_us_state_north_dakota_free_simple_ai_pdf.pdf.zip
https://vectormap.net/wp-content/uploads/free_maps_states_cities_2024/map_vector_us_state_north_dakota_free_simple_ai_svg.svg.zip

North Dakota is a state located in the northern part of the United States, bordered by Canada to the north, Minnesota to the east, South Dakota to the south, and Montana to the west. It is known for its vast prairies, rural landscapes, and a mix of flat terrain and rugged hills. Here is a detailed geographic description of the state:

1. Geographical Regions

North Dakota can be divided into several distinct geographic regions:

• Red River Valley (Eastern North Dakota):
  This is a flat, fertile area along the Red River, which forms the eastern border of the state with Minnesota. The valley is rich in agriculture, with extensive cultivation of crops like wheat, corn, and soybeans. The soil here is very productive due to the river’s past glacial deposits.
• Central North Dakota (Drift Prairie):
  The Drift Prairie is an area of gently rolling hills and plains in the central part of the state. It was shaped by glacial movement, which left behind a varied landscape with numerous small lakes and wetlands. This region is primarily agricultural, with fields of wheat, sunflowers, and canola.
• Missouri Plateau (Western North Dakota):
  The western part of the state is part of the larger Missouri Plateau. The terrain here is more rugged, with badlands, rolling hills, and deep river valleys. This region is known for the Theodore Roosevelt National Park, which features dramatic rock formations and a mix of grasslands and woodlands. The Missouri River runs through this area.
• Badlands:
  The Badlands are a striking feature of western North Dakota, with eroded hills and buttes creating a landscape that is both harsh and beautiful. The region is sparsely populated but offers unique scenic views, especially in Theodore Roosevelt National Park.

2. Rivers and Lakes

• Red River:
  The Red River forms the state’s eastern boundary, flowing from south to north. It is an important waterway for both North Dakota and Minnesota.
• Missouri River:
  The Missouri River, the longest river in the United States, runs through the western portion of North Dakota. It divides the state into two regions and is a key feature in the state’s history, acting as a transportation route for early settlers and explorers.
• Lake Sakakawea:
  Created by the Garrison Dam on the Missouri River, Lake Sakakawea is the largest reservoir in North Dakota and one of the largest in the United States. It is a popular recreational site for boating, fishing, and camping.
• Devils Lake:
  Located in the northeastern part of the state, Devils Lake is the largest natural lake in North Dakota. It has fluctuated in size over time due to changes in the region’s climate and drainage patterns.

3. Climate

North Dakota has a continental climate, characterized by cold winters and warm summers. The state experiences extreme temperature fluctuations, with winters often reaching below zero Fahrenheit and summers sometimes exceeding 100°F (38°C). The eastern part of the state tends to be more humid, while the western region is drier and more arid.

• Winter:
  North Dakota winters are cold, with heavy snowfall in the northern and central parts of the state. The temperature can drop well below freezing, and the state often experiences blizzards.
• Summer:
  Summer temperatures in North Dakota can be warm, with highs averaging 80–90°F (27–32°C), but extreme heat is not uncommon, particularly in the western regions. The state occasionally experiences thunderstorms and tornadoes, especially in the spring and early summer months.

4. Natural Resources

North Dakota is rich in natural resources, including:

• Oil and Gas:
  The state is one of the top oil producers in the U.S., primarily due to the Bakken formation, a vast shale oil deposit located in the western part of the state.
• Coal:
  North Dakota has significant coal reserves, especially in the western part of the state. The state’s coal is used for electricity generation.
• Agricultural Resources:
  North Dakota is known as the “Breadbasket of the World,” producing large quantities of wheat, barley, sunflowers, and other crops. The state’s vast farmlands contribute greatly to the U.S. agricultural industry.

5. Notable Geographic Features

• The Badlands:
  As mentioned earlier, the Badlands in western North Dakota feature dramatic geological formations and are part of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. The park is known for its diverse wildlife, including bison, elk, and prairie dogs.
• The Turtle Mountains:
  Located in the north-central part of the state, the Turtle Mountains are a small mountain range that offers scenic views, forests, and lakes. The region is popular for outdoor recreation.
• Sheyenne National Grassland:
  This is a large area of protected grasslands in eastern North Dakota. It is home to a variety of wildlife and plant species and offers hiking, camping, and bird-watching opportunities.

6. Major Cities

• Bismarck (Capital):
  Located along the Missouri River, Bismarck is the state capital and a hub for government and industry in North Dakota.
• Fargo:
  Located in the eastern part of the state along the Red River, Fargo is North Dakota’s largest city and serves as an economic and cultural center for the region.
• Grand Forks:
  Situated on the Red River, Grand Forks is another major city, known for the University of North Dakota and its proximity to Minnesota.
• Minot:
  A significant city in the north-central part of the state, Minot is a key center for agriculture and oil development.

7. Topography and Elevation

• Elevation:
  North Dakota’s highest point is White Butte in the southwestern part of the state, at an elevation of 3,506 feet (1,068 meters). The lowest point is along the Red River, near the state’s border with Minnesota, at around 750 feet (229 meters) above sea level.
• Topography:
  The state’s topography is varied, with flat plains in the east, rolling hills in the central and northern parts, and more rugged terrain in the west, particularly in the Badlands.

In conclusion, North Dakota is a state with diverse landscapes, from the fertile plains in the east to the rugged badlands in the west. Its natural beauty, rich agricultural land, and important natural resources make it a unique and vital part of the United States.