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2019 Map of Bear Island

Name: 2019 Topographic Map of Bear Island
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2019
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2019

About this map

Superior National Forest defines the character of this northern Minnesota landscape, where a dense network of water bodies and seasonal roads supports a timber and recreation economy. The settlement of Rothman serves as a small anchor point near the southern edge of the map, situated just north of the expansive Birch Lake. Water dominates the geography, with the Bear Island River winding eastward from Bear Island Lake, connecting numerous lakes such as Mitchell Lake, One Pine Lake, and Canary Lake.

A notable infrastructure feature is the Taconite road or trail, indicative of the region's iron-mining legacy. Forestry management is evident through numerous labeled spur roads like FH 16 Spur 1514 and 1514 Spur A, while unique local names such as Whisper Perch and Muckawa reflect the area's specific lakefront development and wilderness heritage. This survey captures a modern moment in the North Woods before evolving forest management or changing water levels alter these historic shorelines.