Watford City is located in western North Dakota in McKenzie County about 30 miles southeast of Williston.

This is prime recreation country in that the town is situated about 15 miles north of the North Dakota Badlands (great for horseback riding) and the Theodore Roosevelt National Park (north unit) and 25 miles south and east of Lake Sakakawea with some of the best walleye, northern pike and salmon fishing in the country.

Other nearby interests include Ft. Union Trading Post Nat. Hist. Site and Ft. Buford State Historic Site about 40 miles northwest of town, Lewis and Clark State Park 25 miles to the north, Little Missouri State Park 30 miles southeast of town and Killdeer Battlefield Historic Site just southwest of the primitive park.

If you like to golf, the town offers Watford City Golf Course. Built in 1964, the 9-hole course is 3,000 yards and plays to a par of 36. The course is open from April 1st through September 30th.