2014 Map of Belle Prairie

About this map

Belle Prairie sits at the center of this Dawson County landscape, characterized by the intricate drainage systems of the Montana plains. The terrain is defined by a network of seasonal watercourses and coulees, including Wards Coulee, Coal Coulee, and Elm Coulee, which carve through the high ground towards the northeast. This 2014 survey reveals a sparse settlement pattern dominated by a strictly gridded section-line road system, including Road 311 and Road 320, which navigate the rises and falls of the prairie. In the southwest corner, the elevation breaks significantly at Bryants Buttes, providing a notable landmark above the surrounding flats. The map documents the persistent agricultural and ranching layout of the region, where water remains the primary driver of the local geography as seen in the paths of Serrine Cr and Cotton Cr.