2013 Map of Balaton

About this map

Balaton and Garvin anchor this portion of the Coteau des Prairies in southwestern Minnesota. Situated along the boundary of Lyon and Murray counties, the landscape is defined by its glacial till and numerous water bodies, including Lake Yankton and the expansive Lake Sarah. The headwaters of the Des Moines River flow through the center of the sheet, illustrating the transition from local drainage to major river systems. Agricultural patterns are evident in the strict grid of rural roads like 120th St and 150th Ave that crisscross the region. Local landmarks like the East Bay Golf Course and small-town centers serve as focal points for the surrounding rural community. The concentration of lakes, such as Lake Maria and Spink Lake, highlights the importance of water resources to the region's recreational and agricultural identity.