Cities and Towns in McKenzie County, North Dakota
Founded in 1905, McKenzie County is one of 53 counties in the state of North Dakota. The city of Watford City is the county seat. With FIPS code of 53, McKenzie County has a population of 13,819 and area of 2,742 square miles (7,102 km²).
List of all cities in McKenzie County, ND alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Alexander, ND | 58831 | 701 |
| Arnegard, ND | 58835 | 701 |
| Cartwright, ND | 58838 | 701 |
| Charbonneau, ND | 58831 | 701 |
| Grassy Butte, ND | 58634 | 701 |
| Johnsons Corner, ND | 58847 | 701 |
| Keene, ND | 58847 | 701 |
| Mandaree, ND | 58757 | 701 |
| Rawson, ND | 58831 | 701 |
| Rhoades, ND | 58634 | 701 |
| Watford City, ND | 58854 | 701 |
Major Cities and Towns in McKenzie County, North Dakota
McKenzie County, located in the western part of North Dakota, is known for its vast landscapes, rich energy resources, and rapid growth due to the Bakken oil boom. The county has a mix of rural communities and rapidly expanding towns, each with its unique history and charm. Below is an overview of some of the major cities and towns in McKenzie County.
1. Watford City
Location and History
- Area: 5.4 square miles
- Population: 7,000 (approx.)
- Zip Code: 58854
- Latitude: 47.7592° N
- Longitude: 103.2611° W
Watford City, the county seat of McKenzie County, is located in the northwestern part of the county, near the confluence of the Missouri River and the Little Missouri River. Established in 1914, Watford City grew as a railroad town and served as a trading post for settlers in the early 20th century. The town’s economy was initially driven by agriculture, including cattle ranching and crop production. However, with the discovery of oil in the Bakken formation in the early 2000s, Watford City experienced a dramatic population surge. The oil boom transformed the town into a bustling hub of energy activity, with thousands of workers moving to the area for jobs in the oil industry. Despite the rapid growth, Watford City has worked to maintain its small-town feel, offering a range of community services and modern amenities.
Schools and Landmarks
- Major Schools: Watford City High School, Watford City Public Schools
- Landmarks: Theodore Roosevelt National Park, Long X Trading Post, McKenzie County Heritage Park
Watford City is home to Watford City High School, which serves as the primary secondary education institution for the town and surrounding areas. The town is also served by Watford City Public Schools, which offer a range of academic programs. Key landmarks in the area include Theodore Roosevelt National Park, located just outside of town, which preserves the rugged beauty of the North Dakota Badlands and offers hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. The Long X Trading Post is another significant historic landmark, dating back to the early 1800s as a trading post for fur trappers. The McKenzie County Heritage Park offers exhibits on local history and culture, including the region’s Native American history, settler life, and the oil boom. Watford City’s combination of natural beauty, rich history, and modern growth makes it a unique place to visit and live.
2. Arnegard
Location and History
- Area: 0.4 square miles
- Population: 120 (approx.)
- Zip Code: 58835
- Latitude: 47.8297° N
- Longitude: 103.1578° W
Arnegard is a small town located in the southeastern part of McKenzie County, about 25 miles west of Watford City. The town was established in 1914 and named after a Norwegian immigrant, Andrew Arnegard, who helped settle the area. Historically, Arnegard was an agricultural community, primarily focused on wheat farming and cattle ranching. However, with the discovery of oil in the Bakken formation, Arnegard experienced a resurgence in population and economic activity, much like the rest of the county. While the town remains small, it has benefited from the oil boom, providing services and housing for the workers in the region. Arnegard is surrounded by vast open plains, and the area is known for its agricultural heritage and strong ties to the oil industry.
Schools and Landmarks
- Major Schools: Arnegard School (K-8)
- Landmarks: Arnegard Park, Bakken Oil Fields, Local Farms
Arnegard is served by the Arnegard School, which offers educational programs for students from kindergarten through eighth grade. Older students typically attend schools in nearby Watford City. The town’s Arnegard Park is a popular local destination for outdoor activities, with picnic areas and space for events. While the town itself is small, the surrounding area is rich in farmland and oil industry activity. The Bakken Oil Fields, which extend through much of McKenzie County, are a key landmark in the region, representing the energy boom that has transformed Arnegard and surrounding towns. Visitors and residents alike can appreciate the rural charm of Arnegard, with its mix of agriculture and energy industry influences.
3. Alexander
Location and History
- Area: 1.2 square miles
- Population: 300 (approx.)
- Zip Code: 58831
- Latitude: 47.7414° N
- Longitude: 103.4167° W
Alexander is a town located in the western part of McKenzie County, founded in 1904. Originally, it was an agricultural center, with settlers drawn to the fertile soil of the area. Like many towns in North Dakota, Alexander grew during the early 20th century due to its location along the railroad. Agriculture, particularly grain farming, was the backbone of the local economy. However, in the 21st century, the town has seen its population grow due to the proximity of the Bakken oil formation. The oil boom has brought significant economic opportunities, including jobs in the energy sector, and has led to the expansion of local businesses and services. Despite its small size, Alexander remains an important community in the western part of the county, offering a blend of agricultural heritage and modern economic growth.
Schools and Landmarks
- Major Schools: Alexander High School, Alexander Public School District
- Landmarks: Alexander City Park, Lake Sakakawea, Historical Buildings
Alexander High School is the primary secondary school for the town, and the Alexander Public School District provides education from elementary through high school. Key landmarks include Alexander City Park, which is a popular spot for local gatherings and outdoor events. The nearby Lake Sakakawea, which is a large reservoir created by the Garrison Dam, offers opportunities for fishing, boating, and camping. Historical buildings in Alexander, such as the old grain elevators and early settler homes, offer a glimpse into the town’s agricultural past. These landmarks reflect both the history and modern life in Alexander, providing residents and visitors with a sense of community and a connection to the past.
4. Schafer
Location and History
- Area: 0.3 square miles
- Population: 40 (approx.)
- Zip Code: 58838
- Latitude: 47.8424° N
- Longitude: 103.4439° W
Schafer is a small, unincorporated community located in the northwestern part of McKenzie County, near the western edge of the Bakken oil formation. The town was established in the early 20th century and has remained a rural agricultural community, with farming and ranching as the primary sources of income. Schafer is situated in a sparsely populated area, but its proximity to the booming oil fields has led to some growth in recent years. Despite the growth, the town has maintained its small-town charm, with a slower pace of life compared to larger cities in the region. The community has deep roots in the region’s history, reflecting the agricultural traditions of McKenzie County.
Schools and Landmarks
- Major Schools: Students attend schools in nearby towns
- Landmarks: Schafer Park, Bakken Oil Fields, Local Farms
Schafer does not have its own school; local students attend schools in nearby towns, such as Watford City or Alexander. Schafer Park, a small local park, is a key feature of the town and provides a space for outdoor recreation. The Bakken Oil Fields, which stretch across McKenzie County, are an important part of the area’s economy and contribute to the growth of Schafer and its surrounding communities. The surrounding farmlands, which continue to be a key part of the region’s heritage, provide beautiful rural landscapes and are an important part of the town’s identity. Schafer’s quiet rural setting, combined with the influence of the nearby oil industry, gives it a unique place in McKenzie County.
5. Grassy Butte
Location and History
- Area: 0.5 square miles
- Population: 40 (approx.)
- Zip Code: 58634
- Latitude: 47.6248° N
- Longitude: 103.2193° W
Grassy Butte is a small town located in the northeastern part of McKenzie County. Originally a ranching community, it was founded in the early 1900s and developed as a key point for local agriculture. The town is situated near the Little Missouri River and the rugged Badlands landscape, which offers dramatic scenery and outdoor recreational opportunities. Like many rural towns in the area, Grassy Butte’s economy was historically based on farming and ranching, though the discovery of oil has led to increased economic activity. The town has retained its agricultural roots, with ranching and farming still being prominent in the area, while also experiencing some growth due to the energy sector.
Schools and Landmarks
- Major Schools: Students attend schools in nearby towns
- Landmarks: Grassy Butte Community Center, Badlands, Ranches
Grassy Butte does not have its own school; students attend schools in nearby towns, such as Watford City. One of the key landmarks in Grassy Butte is the Grassy Butte Community Center, which serves as a gathering place for local events and social activities. The surrounding Badlands offer opportunities for hiking, sightseeing, and photography, attracting visitors who appreciate the area’s natural beauty. The town is also known for its working ranches, which contribute to the area’s agricultural economy and provide a picturesque rural setting. Grassy Butte’s combination of historical ranching heritage and natural beauty makes it a hidden gem in McKenzie County.