What geographical feature runs through the center of North Dakota?

The Missouri River is indeed the geographic feature that runs through the center of North Dakota, making it a vital part of the state's landscape. The river starts in the Rocky Mountains of Montana and flows through North Dakota, serving as a significant waterway for transportation and irrigation. Its central position in North Dakota has made it an essential resource for agriculture, recreation, and ecosystem support, deeply influencing the local communities that have developed along its banks.

While the Red River, Yellowstone River, and Souris River are important to North Dakota’s geography in their own right, they do not run through the central part of the state. The Red River primarily forms the boundary between North Dakota and Minnesota to the east, while the Yellowstone River flows along the southeastern boundary and the Souris River is situated more to the north and southeast but is not central. Therefore, the Missouri River's location and significance distinctly mark it as the geographic feature that runs through the heart of North Dakota.