2022 Map of Balsam

About this map

Balsam and the surrounding Aitkin County wetlands are defined by an intricate network of glacial lakes and river systems that historically supported vital travel routes through Northern Minnesota. The landscape is dominated by the W Savanna River and E Savanna River, connected by the historic Savanna Portage Trl. This area serves as a significant drainage divide, where waters flow toward both the Mississippi River and Lake Superior basins. A dense web of modern forest roads and recreational paths, such as the Black Spruce Trl and Esker Trl, now navigate the complex terrain of bogs and ridges. Notable water bodies including Big Sandy Lake, Wolf Lake, and Remote Lake anchor the region, while the Prairie River and Tamarack River meander through the southern reaches of the quadrangle near the settlement of Balsam.