Cities and Towns in Nelson County, North Dakota

Founded in 1883, Nelson County is one of 53 counties in the state of North Dakota. The city of Lakota is the county seat. With FIPS code of 63, Nelson County has a population of 3,054 and area of 982 square miles (2,543 km²).

List of all cities in Nelson County, ND alphabetically

City/Town	Postal Code	Area Code
Aneta, ND	58212	701
Bartlett, ND	58344	701
Dahlen, ND	58224	701
Hamar, ND	58380	701
Kloten, ND	58254	701
Lakota, ND	58344	701
Mapes, ND	58344	701
McVille, ND	58254	701
Michigan, ND	58259	701
Pekin, ND	58361	701
Petersburg, ND	58272	701
Tolna, ND	58380	701
Whitman, ND	58259	701

Major Cities and Towns in Nelson County, North Dakota

Nelson County, located in the northeastern part of North Dakota, is home to several key cities and towns, each with its own unique history, landmarks, and community features.

---

1. Lakota

Location and History

• Area: 0.6 square miles
• Population: 1,000 (approx.)
• Zip Code: 58344
• Latitude: 48.1917° N
• Longitude: 98.2394° W

Lakota is located in the northern part of Nelson County and serves as a hub for the surrounding agricultural area. The city was founded in 1883 and was initially established as a railroad town. Its location along the railroad lines made it an important trade center in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Like many small towns in North Dakota, Lakota’s economy has historically been driven by farming and ranching, with the town serving as a service center for local farmers. Today, Lakota remains a close-knit community with a small-town atmosphere, but it is also part of the larger regional economy driven by agriculture.

Schools and Landmarks

• Major Schools: Lakota High School, Lakota Public School District
• Landmarks: The Nelson County Courthouse, St. John’s Lutheran Church, Lakota City Park

Lakota’s educational system serves the surrounding rural area, with Lakota High School being the primary secondary education institution. The town also boasts several historic landmarks, such as the Nelson County Courthouse, which reflects the area’s historical role in regional governance. The St. John’s Lutheran Church, a beautiful historic structure, is another important site for both locals and visitors. The Lakota City Park is another key feature of the town, offering recreational opportunities with sports facilities, picnic areas, and green spaces. The town hosts various local events throughout the year, which further strengthen its sense of community and bring people together.

---

2. McVille

Location and History

• Area: 0.4 square miles
• Population: 200 (approx.)
• Zip Code: 58254
• Latitude: 47.9752° N
• Longitude: 98.3436° W

McVille is a small town situated in the southeastern corner of Nelson County, North Dakota. Founded in 1887, McVille developed as a farming community and served as a local trade center due to its proximity to larger cities. The town was named after a local landowner, McVicar, and was once a bustling hub during the early days of North Dakota’s settlement. Over the years, McVille’s population has declined significantly, but it remains an important center for agriculture in the region. McVille still maintains its rural charm and is known for its quiet, peaceful surroundings and community-oriented lifestyle.

Schools and Landmarks

• Major Schools: McVille School (K-12)
• Landmarks: McVille Memorial Park, McVille Methodist Church, Local Grain Elevators

McVille’s educational system is housed within the McVille School, a K-12 institution that serves the surrounding rural population. The school offers both primary and secondary education, with a focus on community involvement and a personalized approach to student learning. Landmarks in McVille include the McVille Memorial Park, which is a popular spot for both locals and visitors to enjoy outdoor activities. The McVille Methodist Church is another notable historic building in town, providing a focal point for the local religious community. Additionally, the local grain elevators, an essential part of the town’s agricultural history, remain an important landmark and symbol of the town’s heritage. Despite its small size, McVille continues to host several community events, including seasonal celebrations and gatherings, which foster a strong sense of identity and unity.

---

3. Aneta

Location and History

• Area: 0.4 square miles
• Population: 150 (approx.)
• Zip Code: 58212
• Latitude: 47.9694° N
• Longitude: 98.1344° W

Aneta is a very small town located in the central portion of Nelson County, North Dakota. Founded in 1887, it developed around the same time as other towns in the region, driven by the arrival of the railroad and the expanding agricultural economy. Aneta’s location along the rail line helped it become a transportation and trade center during its early years. The town’s economy was primarily supported by agriculture, particularly wheat farming, as well as the livestock industry. Today, Aneta remains a quiet and peaceful rural community, with agriculture still serving as the backbone of its economy.

Schools and Landmarks

• Major Schools: Aneta Public School
• Landmarks: Aneta Public Park, Aneta Community Center, Historic Downtown Area

The Aneta Public School serves as the focal point for education in this small town. Although the school is small, it offers a well-rounded education and is a key part of the community. The town is also home to the Aneta Public Park, which provides a place for recreational activities and community events. The Aneta Community Center hosts a variety of local gatherings, including celebrations, meetings, and social events. Aneta’s historic downtown area features several old buildings that reflect the town’s early history and serve as a reminder of its past. The town may be small, but it maintains a strong community spirit and is a tight-knit place where neighbors know one another.

---

4. Tolna

Location and History

• Area: 0.3 square miles
• Population: 70 (approx.)
• Zip Code: 58380
• Latitude: 47.7522° N
• Longitude: 98.2656° W

Tolna is a tiny rural town located in the northeastern part of Nelson County. Established in 1884, Tolna developed alongside the expansion of railroads that helped bring settlers to the region. Like many small towns in North Dakota, Tolna’s economy has always been tied to agriculture, and it is primarily known for its farming community. Over time, Tolna’s population has dwindled, and today it is one of the smallest towns in Nelson County. However, its history remains an important part of the region, and the community continues to embody the spirit of rural life.

Schools and Landmarks

• Major Schools: None (students attend nearby schools)
• Landmarks: Tolna Elevator, Tolna’s Historic Grain Bin, Tolna Cemetery

Tolna does not have its own school; instead, local students attend nearby schools in other towns within the county. Despite its size, Tolna still maintains a number of interesting landmarks, including the Tolna Elevator, a relic of the town’s early days as an agricultural trade center. Another significant site is the historic grain bin, which stands as a symbol of the town’s agricultural past. The Tolna Cemetery is an important historical site where many early settlers are buried, providing a glimpse into the lives of the original inhabitants of the area. Despite being small, Tolna remains a place where its residents take pride in their history and community connections.