1970 Map of Big Thunder Peak

About this map

Big Thunder Peak rises above the complex glacial terrain of north-central Minnesota, serving as a prominent landmark within the Sugar Hills. This 1970 survey captures the area at a time when recreational development was emerging, evidenced by a Ski Lift near the peak, while the landscape remained dominated by the dense wetlands and woods of the Hill River State Forest. The map documents the intricate hydrology of the region, featuring numerous small basins and larger bodies of water such as Holy Water Lake, Muskeg Lake, and Hill Lake. The southern portion of the sheet marks the boundary between Itasca Co and Aitkin Co, where the Little Hill River and Morrison Brook wind through the lowlands. This survey is particularly useful for identifying the specific network of a Winter Trail used for seasonal access before modern road infrastructure became more pervasive.