2017 Map of Pretty Butte

About this map

Little Missouri National Grassland dominates this portion of Slope County, where the high plains break into a complex network of drainage systems. The landscape is defined by the winding course of the Little Missouri River and the prominent landmark of Pretty Butte in the southern reaches. This modern survey illustrates the conservation and management of public lands, intersected by historical thoroughfares like Old 16 Rd and Indian Hills Trail Rd. The intricate hydrology of the region is evident in the many tributaries carving through the terrain, including Cannonball Creek, Mud Cr, and N Butte Cr. These watercourses reveal the erosion patterns characteristic of the western North Dakota badlands, providing a clear view of the geographic isolation and sparse settlement patterns that define this section of the state in the early twenty-first century.