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1985 Map of Iowa Great Lakes

Name: 1985 Topographic Map of Iowa Great Lakes
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1985
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1985

About this map

Glacial lakes and wetlands define this Northwest Iowa landscape as it appeared in the mid-1980s, where recreational communities like Arnolds Park and Okoboji sit alongside vast conservation tracts. The map reveals an intricate network of protected lands, including the Spirit Lake State Wildlife Management Area and Gull Point State Park, protecting the shoreline and marsh habitats of the Iowa Great Lakes region.

Industry and transport are marked by the presence of the Chicago and North Western and Chicago Milwaukee St Paul and Pacific railroads, which connect agricultural centers like Sibley, Sheldon, and Milford. Beyond the lakes, the terrain is shaped by the Ocheyedan River and the Little Sioux River, with smaller settlements such as Egralharve and Triboji Beach highlighting the area's summer-resort character during this era. Public infrastructure is well-represented through several local airfields, including the Spencer Municipal Airport.