Bottineau County
countyBottineau County is located in north-central North Dakota, bordering Canada. The county was established in 1873 and organized in 1884, named after Pierre Bottineau, a Métis pioneer, hunter, and land speculator. As of 2024, the estimated population was 6,391. The county seat and largest city is Bottineau. The area is characterized by rolling hills, dotted with numerous lakes and ponds, making it a popular destination for outdoor recreation. Agriculture and related industries form the backbone of Bottineau County's economy. Other significant sectors include healthcare, education, and local businesses supporting the community. Dakota College at Bottineau, located in the city of Bottineau, provides educational opportunities and contributes to the local economy. Bottineau County is known as the "Four Seasons Playground" due to its diverse recreational opportunities. Lake Metigoshe State Park and the Turtle Mountains offer year-round activities such as snowmobiling, ice fishing, hiking, and water sports. The International Peace Garden, located on the border with Canada, is another major attraction.
Bottineau County, North Dakota
- Classification
- County
- FIPS Code
- 38009
- Country
- United States
- County
- Bottineau County
- Region
- North-central North Dakota
- Elevation
- 2,283 ft
- Total Area
- 1,697.696 sq mi
- Land Area
- 1,668.858 sq mi
- Water Area
- 28.838 sq mi
- Latitude
- 48.794412
- Longitude
- -100.831257
- Climate
- Humid continental climate with warm summers and severely cold winters
- Notable Features
- Turtle Mountain Plateau · Deep River · Lake Metagoshe
- Neighboring Areas
- Argyle No. 1, Saskatchewan (north) · Municipality of Two Borders, Manitoba (north) · Rolette County (east) · Pierce County (southeast) · McHenry County (south) · Renville County (west)
- Population (2020)
- 6,379
- Est. Population (2024)
- 6,391
- Median Age
- 43.8
- Median Income
- $83,460
- Poverty Rate
- 7.59%
- Owner-Occupied
- 79.4%
- Racial & Ethnic Composition
- The racial makeup of the county was 89.7% White (Non-Hispanic), 4.48% American Indian & Alaska Native (Non-Hispanic), 1.89% Two Races Excluding Other, & Three or More Races (Non-Hispanic), 1.21% White (Hispanic), and 0.626% Asian (Non-Hispanic).
- Government Type
- County Commission
- Governing Body
- Board of Commissioners
- Body Size
- 5 members
- School District
- Bottineau Public School District No. 1
- Municipal Services
- Road Department · Sheriff's Department · Social Services · Weed Control
- Unemployment Rate
- 2.8%
- Employment Sectors
- Health Care & Social Assistance · Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing & Hunting · Educational Services
- Major Employers
- REA Electric · L&L Construction · Carpet World
- Schools
- 5
- Students
- 665
- Teachers
- 59
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 11.3:1
- School Districts
- Bottineau Public School District No. 1 · Westhope School District No. 17 · Newburg-United School District No. 54
- Colleges & Universities
- Dakota College at Bottineau
- Transportation
- ND 5
- Major Facilities
- Bottineau County Courthouse · Trinity Hospital
- Outdoor Access
- Yes
- Major Recreation Areas
- Lake Metigoshe State Park · Turtle Mountain State Recreation Area · International Peace Garden
- Parks & Trails
- Forestry Park · Carbury Dam Recreation Area
- Founded
- 1873
- Incorporated
- 1884
- Named After
- Pierre Bottineau
- Historical Significance
- Named for Pierre Bottineau, a Métis pioneer, hunter, and trapper who became a successful land speculator
- Key Events
- County created by Dakota Legislature January 4, 1873 · Organized as a county July 17, 1884