Cities and Towns in Mountrail County, North Dakota
Founded in 1873, Mountrail County is one of 53 counties in the state of North Dakota. The city of Stanley is the county seat. With FIPS code of 61, Mountrail County has a population of 9,576 and area of 1,824 square miles (4,724 km²).
List of all cities in Mountrail County, ND alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Belden, ND | 58784 | 701 |
| Charlson, ND | 58763 | 701 |
| Lostwood, ND | 58784 | 701 |
| Lunds Valley, ND | 58784 | 701 |
| Manitou, ND | 58776 | 701 |
| New Town, ND | 58763 | 701 |
| Palermo, ND | 58769 | 701 |
| Parshall, ND | 58770 | 701 |
| Plaza, ND | 58771 | 701 |
| Ross, ND | 58776 | 701 |
| Sanish, ND | 58763 | 701 |
| Stanley, ND | 58784 | 701 |
| Wabek, ND | 58771 | 701 |
| White Earth, ND | 58794 | 701 |
Major Cities and Towns in Mountrail County, North Dakota
Mountrail County is located in the northwestern part of North Dakota, an area known for its natural beauty, rich history, and growing oil economy. The county is home to several notable towns and cities, each contributing to the region’s agricultural and energy-driven economy.
1. Stanley
Location and History
- Area: 2.0 square miles
- Population: 1,500 (approx.)
- Zip Code: 58784
- Latitude: 48.2561° N
- Longitude: 102.4040° W
Stanley is the county seat of Mountrail County, situated in the northwestern part of the county. Founded in 1891, Stanley developed as a farming and railroad town. Its strategic location along the Great Northern Railway facilitated its growth as an agricultural trade center in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The town’s name was chosen to honor the famous explorer Henry Morton Stanley. Over the years, Stanley has witnessed significant growth, particularly with the boom in the oil industry brought about by the Bakken Formation, which has significantly impacted the local economy. Despite its relatively small size, Stanley has become an important service center for the surrounding oil-producing region, offering housing, services, and retail to workers in the energy sector.
Schools and Landmarks
- Major Schools: Stanley High School, Stanley Public School District
- Landmarks: Mountrail County Courthouse, Stanley City Park, Stanley Heritage Center
Stanley is home to several key educational institutions, including Stanley High School, which serves as the hub for secondary education in the town. The Stanley Public School District provides a range of educational programs for students in the area. The town is also home to notable landmarks, such as the Mountrail County Courthouse, which serves as the governmental center for the county. The Stanley City Park offers a variety of recreational facilities, including sports fields and picnic areas, and serves as a gathering place for the community. The Stanley Heritage Center is a small museum that showcases the history of the area, including its agricultural and oil heritage. These landmarks contribute to Stanley’s charm and help maintain its small-town appeal amidst rapid growth.
2. New Town
Location and History
- Area: 1.0 square miles
- Population: 1,500 (approx.)
- Zip Code: 58763
- Latitude: 47.9266° N
- Longitude: 102.5082° W
New Town is located in the central part of Mountrail County, on the shores of Lake Sakakawea. Originally founded in 1952, New Town was established as a planned community following the creation of Lake Sakakawea due to the construction of the Garrison Dam. The town was developed as a result of the displacement of residents from nearby areas that were flooded when the lake was formed. New Town’s history is closely tied to the development of the dam and the subsequent boom in regional industry, including agriculture, tourism, and energy. Today, the town remains a focal point for the surrounding communities, especially with the growth of the oil industry in recent years.
Schools and Landmarks
- Major Schools: New Town High School, Parshall Public School District
- Landmarks: Four Bears Casino, Lake Sakakawea, New Town Historical Society Museum
New Town is home to several important educational facilities, including New Town High School, which serves students from the surrounding area. In addition to public education, the Parshall Public School District also serves the broader region. One of the key landmarks in New Town is the Four Bears Casino, located just outside the town. It’s a major entertainment venue in the area and one of the largest employers in the region. New Town is also located near the shores of Lake Sakakawea, which is a major draw for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and camping. The New Town Historical Society Museum provides a deeper look into the town’s history, focusing on the development of the community following the creation of the lake and the impact of the Garrison Dam. The combination of natural beauty and rich history makes New Town a unique destination in Mountrail County.
3. Parshall
Location and History
- Area: 0.9 square miles
- Population: 1,000 (approx.)
- Zip Code: 58770
- Latitude: 47.9504° N
- Longitude: 102.4963° W
Parshall is a small town located in the southeastern part of Mountrail County, known for its agricultural heritage and close-knit community. The town was established in 1903 and named after a local landowner, William Parshall. Throughout its history, Parshall has been primarily an agricultural town, with farming and ranching as the backbone of its economy. In recent decades, the growth of the oil industry in the Bakken Formation has had a significant impact on the town’s economy, bringing in new jobs, businesses, and residents. While the town has grown in population, it still retains its rural charm and remains an important service center for the surrounding farming community.
Schools and Landmarks
- Major Schools: Parshall High School, Parshall Public School District
- Landmarks: Parshall Dam, Parshall Heritage Center, Local Oil Wells
Parshall’s public school system, including Parshall High School, serves the educational needs of the local population. The school provides a range of academic and extracurricular programs to students. The town also has several noteworthy landmarks, such as the Parshall Dam, which is located nearby and plays an important role in the local water management system. The Parshall Heritage Center is a museum dedicated to the town’s history, including its agricultural roots and more recent development in the oil industry. The presence of oil wells around the town serves as a reminder of the recent economic transformation driven by the Bakken Formation. These landmarks reflect the unique blend of history, agriculture, and energy that defines Parshall today.
4. Ross
Location and History
- Area: 0.4 square miles
- Population: 50 (approx.)
- Zip Code: 58776
- Latitude: 48.2069° N
- Longitude: 102.6144° W
Ross is one of the smallest towns in Mountrail County, located in the northwestern portion of the county. Founded in 1903, Ross was originally a small farming community. The town’s economy has historically been rooted in agriculture, with wheat and cattle farming being key contributors to its local economy. While the population of Ross has remained small over the years, the town has managed to maintain its rural character, providing a peaceful setting for its residents. The town’s location near oil-producing regions of the Bakken Formation has brought some new economic opportunities, but Ross has largely remained a quiet farming community.
Schools and Landmarks
- Major Schools: Students attend schools in nearby towns
- Landmarks: Ross Elevator, Historic Ross Church, Local Grain Bins
Due to its small size, Ross does not have its own school, so students attend schools in nearby communities like Stanley. The town is home to a few key landmarks, including the Ross Elevator, which remains a symbol of the area’s agricultural roots. The Historic Ross Church is another important landmark in the town, having served as a gathering place for the local religious community for many years. Additionally, the town’s grain bins serve as a reminder of Ross’ agricultural past, marking the town’s historic reliance on farming. While Ross is small, it maintains a tight-knit community and continues to serve as a peaceful rural enclave amidst the larger economic changes in the region.
