1953 Map of Boulder Lake Reservoir

About this map

The northern reaches of Cloquet Valley State Forest dominate this landscape in St. Louis County, where intricate shorelines and managed water levels define the local geography. Following aerial surveys from 1952, this map details the significant footprint of the Boulder Lake Reservoir and its companion to the south, Island Lake Reservoir. These reservoirs are critical components of the regional watershed, fed by the Us-Kab-Wan-Ka River and Boulder Creek. The map records the township boundaries of Gnesen and Fredenberg, illustrating a sparsely settled area where smaller natural features like Nevens Lake and Twin Lakes remain surrounded by dense forest. The presence of the Forest Boundary highlights the transition from state-managed lands to local township territories, providing a clear record of land use and water management infrastructure during the early 1950s.