2016 Map of Big Falls NW

About this map

The Sturgeon River carves a winding path through the northern reaches of Koochiching County, eventually joining the larger Big Fork River in this sparsely populated area of northern Minnesota. The landscape is characterized by its complex hydrology, including the Shingeon River and Ostby Cr, set against the subtle elevation of Hickes Ridge. For local history and genealogy researchers, the Lower Sturgeon River Cem serves as a critical landmark on the river’s north bank. A network of rural forest roads, such as Westrom Forest Rd and Big Meadow Rd, provides the primary access to these remote timberlands and wetlands. The map illustrates the persistent importance of river navigation and forest management in this region, where modern road infrastructure like Sturgeon River Landing Rd follows historical corridors of movement.