2015 Map of Nielson Ranch

About this map

Nielson Ranch serves as a central landmark in this portion of Mellette County, where the high plains are carved by a network of seasonal watercourses. The landscape is defined by the drainage systems of Cottonwood Cr in the north and the branching reaches of Pine Cr to the south. This area, part of the Swift Bear Segment, shows the modern rural infrastructure of the early 21st century, with long-stretching thoroughfares like Running Bird Rd and 260th Ave providing access across the township and range divisions of t42n r31w and t41n r30w. The map illustrates the sparsely settled nature of the region, where named landmarks are rare and tied to specific family ranching operations and the natural flow of the North and South Branches of Pine Cr.