Community Profile
McKenzie County is unique in its economy, landscape, attitude and its rich resources in western North Dakota. Once known as the “Island Empire,” the county is roughly bordered by the Missouri River, Yellowstone River, Little Missouri River and Lake Sakakawea. Our county is home to over 500,000 acres of Little Missouri National Grasslands, an area rich in oil reserves and grassland resources. Watford City is the county seat of McKenzie County and the epicenter of the Bakken Shale Formation.