This region is marked by picturesque lakes, thick forests, and the tree-dotted slopes of the scenic Turtle Mountains, Theodore Roosevelt National Park, and the North Dakota Badlands. Inviting waters, welcome boaters, anglers, and fun-seekers to their shores along with some of the state’s best duck and goose hunting. This area is home to the Turtle Mountain Chippewa and the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Indian Tribes.

There is one tertiary care center located in this region along with 12 other rural hospitals, 28rural health clinics. One Indian Health Service hospital and three IHS clinics provide services to the American Indian populations in this region. The city of Minot is home to one of the state’s two Air Force Bases.

Two state university/colleges and one private college are located in this region along with two tribal colleges providing a variety of educational opportunities for students.