Williston North Dakota Map

About Williston, North Dakota

Williston is a locality in Williams County, North Dakota, United States. It has a population of 28,056. The population density is 419.6 people per km². Williston is located at 48.1470°N, 103.6180°W. It observes the Central Time (America/Chicago) timezone. ZIP code: 58801.

Williston, North Dakota, unfolds across a landscape of vast, open prairie that eventually surrenders to the dramatic, sculpted forms of the badlands to its west. It lies 95.7 miles north-northwest of Dickinson, ND (from Dickinson, ND: bearing 336°T), and is situated 28.4 miles north-northwest of Watford City. The immense North Dakota sky, a canvas of ever-shifting blues and grays, seems to stretch infinitely above the land, imbuing the surroundings with a profound sense of scale and wildness. To the north, the terrain flattens into the expansive Red River valley, a stark contrast to the rugged beauty found elsewhere in the region. The mighty Missouri River threads its way through this expansive territory, a vital artery that has shaped both the land and the lives of those who call it home. The air here often carries a crisp, clean scent, a testament to the untamed nature of this northern plains country. The history of Williston is deeply entwined with the indigenous peoples who first traversed these lands, particularly the Lakota and Dakota tribes, whose ancestral territories encompass this area. Later, the arrival of settlers and the burgeoning oil industry dramatically reshaped the local economy, establishing Williston as a pivotal hub within the Bakken Formation, a significant oil-producing region. This reliance on the energy sector has brought periods of intense growth and fluctuating fortunes, creating a dynamic and sometimes unpredictable economic rhythm. Beyond oil, agriculture has long been a foundational industry, with ranchers and farmers cultivating the fertile plains, their livelihoods tied to the land's bounty. The spirit of resilience and adaptation is a constant undercurrent in Williston’s economic narrative, a characteristic forged by the demanding environment. Williston possesses a distinct cultural character, forged by its frontier spirit and the influx of people drawn by opportunity, creating a lively, pragmatic atmosphere. The sheer expanse of the surrounding natural beauty, from the endless prairie to the rugged badlands, fosters a deep appreciation for the outdoors and a sense of self-reliance. While specific widely recognized landmarks might be scarce, the natural features themselves, like the immense sky and the winding Missouri, serve as constant, awe-inspiring presences. Local events often celebrate the region's heritage, from agricultural fairs to gatherings that acknowledge the area's oil industry roots, bringing the community together in shared experiences. The quiet dignity of everyday life in Williston is palpable, a testament to its enduring connection to the land and the strong bonds formed by its inhabitants.

About This Williston Map Page

This page provides an embedded street and satellite map of Williston, North Dakota — switch between views using the small square in the bottom left-hand corner of the map. Coordinates: 48.146968, -103.617974. Live weather conditions are sourced directly from the National Weather Service, with current observations and a 7-day forecast also powered by Open-Meteo. Real-time local news and world news feeds keep the page current, while a Wikipedia summary or an editorially written description provides background on Williston and Williams County.

Detailed location data for Williston includes the ZIP code (58801), telephone area code (701), county seat of Williams County (Williston), and school district assignment (Williston Basin Public School District 7). These are among the most commonly searched location details for any US city or town.

Location data is drawn from the USGS Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) and cross-verified against 2020 US Census records by coordinate proximity — ensuring the correct Williston is identified even where the name is shared across multiple counties or states. Population figures are sourced from the 2020 US Census.