Gackle, established in 1904, is located in southern North Dakota in northeastern Logan County about 80 miles east-southeast of Bismarck.
The town, whose growth is attributed to the expansion of the railroad, is named for George Gackle, a partner with George Elhard and John Gross of Kulm in the first general store in the area. It continues to be a community based largely on ranching and farming.
The nearest organized recreational area is Beaver Lake State Park about 30 miles southwest of town. For golfers, the town offers Gackle Country Club, a challenging 9-hole course that plays to a par of 36 over its 3,100-yard length.