Ward County
Ward County is granddaddy of the northwestern counties. Originally founded in 1885 and named after one of the influential politicians in the administrative reorganization, Imperial Ward was one of the largest counties in the state.
Originally the county seat was in the city of Burlington, the only real settlement in the county in those days. However it was switched to Minot a few years later and the sizeable population center has remained the county seat ever since.
Ward was reorganized in 1910 and the neighboring counties of Renville, Mountrail and Burke were carved out of the original Imperial Ward County. (The strange shape of the county is due to the fact that none of the new counties wanted to include the city of Kenmare.)
Today the county remains a sizeable area at just over 2000 square miles. It has a population of 61,675, according to the last census, most of whom live in Minot. Unlike many of the counties in the area, the population has grown over the last century.
Ward County is surrounded by Burke County and Renville County to the north, by McHenry County to the east, by McLean County to the south and by Mountrail County to the west.
Ward County Map
Ward County Communities
Berthold | Burlington | Carpio | Des Lacs | Kenmare | Makoti | Minot | Sawyer | Surrey
Ward County
Administration
More details about the county seat of Minot can be found on the Minot page.
Ward County
The official county website includes administration information, local maps, job listings and local history.
Ward County, ND Website
Burlington, ND
The Burlington website covers the city history, council departments, city facilities and places of interest.
Burlington, ND Website
Kenmare, ND
This local website is run by the Kenmare News local newspaper and covers tourism, local businesses, news and events.
Kenmare, ND Website
Makoti, ND
The city of Makoti website includes information about the settlement's history, businesses, events and local organizations.
Makoti, ND Website
Surrey, ND
The official Surrey site details city council affairs and information for visitors and residents.
Surrey, ND Website
Ward County Education
Berthold Public School
The school is part of the Lewis and Clark School District and the website covers staff, courses and administration.
Berthold Public School
Des Lacs - Burlington High School
The two sections of the school are part of the United 7 School District. The website includes newletters and teachers' pages.
Des Lacs - Burlington High School
Kenmare Public School
The Kenmare school website covers the elementary and high school classes, sports, administration and staff.
Kenmare Public School
North Shore High School
This school is located in Makoti and the site includes information about classes, sports and staff.
North Shore High School
Sawyer Public School
The school website includes teacher profiles, notes from the superintendent and details of classes and administration.
Sawyer Public School
Surrey High School
The school website covers elementary and high school, as well as staff, sports and events.
Surrey High School
Ward County Weather
Five Day Forecast from the NOAA
