Ward county is located in northwest North Dakota with Minot serving as the county seat. The county population on July 1, 1999, was 58,360, an increase of 439 over the 1990 census.
Other than the northern section of the county, Ward county is largely devoid of significant above-ground bodies of water. The Des Lacs River joins the Mouse River near Minot while the Upper Souris National Wildlife Refuge just south of Lake Darling provides recreation for waterfowlers and birders alike.
Higher education is available at Minot State University.
