1959 Map of Gillis Lake

About this map

Superior National Forest and Minnesota State Forest lands converge in this 1959 survey of the Boundary Waters region, revealing a landscape defined entirely by its complex glacial hydrology. The area is characterized by an intricate network of interconnected waterways, from the sprawling Little Saganaga Lake and Gabimichigami Lake to the centrally located Gillis Lake. At this time, the region remained largely untouched by permanent development, with the only human infrastructure appearing as trails winding between the basins. The inclusion of depth curves, compiled from Minnesota Department of Conservation charts, offers a look beneath the surface of major bodies like Alpine Lake and Jasper Lake. Notable features like Threemile Island and the uniquely named Ecstasy Lake punctuate the vast woodland, reflecting the remote character of northeastern Cook County before more modern recreational management was established.