Towner is located in north central North Dakota McHenry County about 50 miles east-northeast of Minot.

The town's position in the midst of the Lakes and Gardens Region of North Dakota is ideal for sportsmen and women. Round Lake is located about 15 miles northeast of town while North Lake and Buffalo Lodge Lake are 15 miles to the west-southwest. In addition, about 15 smaller pothole lakes are to be found from 15 to 40 miles southeast of town.

Formal recreational facilities can be found at J. Clark Salyer National Wildlife Refuge about 20 miles to the northwest and lakalnwr] about 70 miles east of town.