Loading map...

2014 Map of Big Rapids

Name: 2014 Topographic Map of Big Rapids
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2014
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2014

About this map

The Muskegon River anchors this detailed study of the region surrounding Big Rapids, where the waterway winds south toward Rogers Dam Pond. The landscape is a complex network of glacial kettle lakes and streams, including Youngs Lake, Townline Lake, and Clear Lake, interspersed with rural farm roads like 16 Mile Rd and Wilson Rd. Within the city limits, the campus of Ferris State Univ sits prominently near the riverbank, alongside established landmarks such as Highland View Cem and the Roben-Hood Airport.

Outside the urban center, the map reveals a traditional Michigan township grid system marked by several community burial grounds, such as S Grant Cem and Pine Cem. The drainage patterns are meticulously recorded via named tributaries like Ryan Creek and Cold Spring Cr, showing how the local topography funnels toward the Muskegon valley. This documentation provides a clear view of the intersection between academic, municipal, and rural land use in Mecosta County during the early 21st century.