1985 Map of Estherville

About this map

Estherville and the winding course of the Des Moines River anchor this mid-1980s portrait of north-central Iowa, where the landscape is defined by its glacial heritage and an extensive system of wildlife management areas. The region is characterized by a dense network of prairie potholes and sloughs, notably the large Union Slough and various lakes such as Five Island Lake near Emmetsburg and Lost Island Lake to the west. This period shows the established agricultural grid interspersed with significant conservation efforts, including Fort Defiance State Park and Lost Island Lake State Park.