The Highest Place in North Dakota
White Butte is the highest point in North Dakota with an elevation of 3,506 feet above sea level.
Written by Macy Fouse
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
The highest elevation in
North Dakota
is White Butte at 3,506 feet above sea level. White Butte is an easy, scenic hike fit for explorers of any skill level. Covered in part by the Great Plains, North Dakota is not known for its mountains. In fact, it is the third-flattest state in the U.S. Even so, North Dakota’s endless hills and buttes spice up the scenery.
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What is the highest elevation in North Dakota?
White Butte is the highest place in North Dakota, with an elevation of 3,506 feet above sea level. Its peak is the 31st-highest summit of all U.S. highpoints and a popular destination among climbers whose goal is to scale every state’s highest point.
White Butte earned its name from the chalky color of its sandstone caprock. The 3.4-mile roundtrip trail to the peak is open year-round, but the best time to go is between March and October.
Truth be told, each season comes with its own set of hazards. Summer, for instance, brings out the rattlesnakes! Be sure to research weather conditions before you go, and always bring the proper gear for the season.
The good news is the trail is considered easy. It's popular among hikers, birdwatchers, and trail runners alike. Dogs are also welcome.
No permits are necessary to access White Butte, though a donation is suggested at the trailhead. Take note not to drive outside of the trailhead area, as the surrounding land is private property.
How do I get to White Butte?
If you’re heading north to White Butte from Bowman:
- Take Highway 85 northbound for about 12 miles.
- Turn right (east) onto 74th Street SW and drive four miles.
- Turn left (north) onto 140th Avenue SW, then continue for five miles.
- Finally, turn left (west) onto 69th Street for one mile before reaching the parking area.
- The trailhead is about half a mile from the parking area.
If you’re coming from the south via Belfield or Amidon, you’ll turn left onto 140th Avenue SW before reaching Amidon—there should be signage pointing toward White Butte. Drive on 140th Avenue for five miles, then turn right (west) onto 69th Street and drive about a mile until reaching the parking area.
You should be able to navigate to White Butte via GPS by selecting White Butte Trailhead from Google Map’s pre-populated destinations, as well.
Pro Tip Don’t select White Butte, Chalky Butte, ND from Google Maps—it’ll take you to a fenced-off private property.
Things to do around White Butte
The closest town to White Butte is the tiny town of Amidon with a population of 32—though you can find some hidden gems in the area, like Mo’s Bunker Bar.
The next closest town is Bowman, home of the
Pioneer Trails Regional Museum
, Logging Camp Ranch
, and the Sweetwater Golf Course. If you need a bite to eat after your hike, stop by Grazer’s Burgers and Beers, Eats N Treats, or Windy’s Bar and Pizza. Where to find affordable car insurance
If you’re a highpointer looking to check White Butte off of your list—or just a North Dakotan seeking a weekend adventure—
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