2011 Map of North Killdeer Mountain

About this map

North Killdeer Mountain dominates the southern reaches of this landscape, marking a prominent topographic rise in the badlands of western North Dakota. The area is characterized by a sparse network of ranching operations linked by gravel roads such as 10th St NW and 111th Ave SW. Waterways like Bear Creek and Chase Creek drain the undulating terrain, eventually feeding toward the Little Missouri River which clips the northeastern corner. The distribution of family-named sites, including Hanson Ranch, Sandvick Ranch, and Pletan Ranch, illustrates the localized nature of the regional agricultural economy in the early 21st century. Distinctive landforms such as Cedar Coulee and Round Top provide landmark orientation points across the open range, where human presence is defined primarily by these isolated homesteads and the section-line road grid.