1967 Map of Hale Bay

About this map

Namakan Lake dominates this international boundary landscape, where the waters of Hale Bay and the Bear River flow through a complex network of islands and channels. Mapped in the late 1960s, this area is defined by its dual conservation status, straddling the Superior National Forest and Kabetogama State Forest. The geography here reflects a wilderness accessible by water and seasonal paths, such as the Winter Trail in the north and the Grassy Portage connecting to the interior lakes. Notable for its many small islands with colloquial names like Blind Pig Island, My Island, and Pat Smith Island, the map also documents recreational infrastructure including the Hammer Bay Campground and Browns Bay Campground. The presence of Blind Pig Channel and several unnamed campsites suggests a long history of water-based navigation and transit through this border region.