2011 Map of Mud Buttes

About this map

The Little Missouri River carves through the northwestern corner of this landscape, defining a remote drainage system in Bowman County. This 2011 survey by the U.S. Geological Survey details a terrain dominated by distinct geologic rises, most notably the Rattlesnake Buttes and the eponymous Mud Buttes. The drainage pattern is intricate, with several named tributaries including Skull Creek, Horse Creek, and Sevenmile Creek winding through the prairie. The map reflects a predominantly unpopulated area where the physical geography of the buttes and ephemeral creek beds dictates the layout of the few primitive roads and trails. This documentation is essential for understanding the hydrology and landforms of the Badlands region as they appeared in the early 21st century.