Loading map...

1968 Map of Lake Simon

Name: 1968 Topographic Map of Lake Simon
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1970
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1970

About this map

Glacial lakes and marshlands dominate this late-1960s landscape at the intersection of Pope, Swift, and Kandiyohi counties. The water-rich terrain of Gilchrist and Kerkhoven townships is defined by significant bodies such as Lake Simon, Scandinavian Lake, and Gilchrist Lake. These basins, often connected by slow-moving water like the Chippewa River East Branch, reflect the post-glacial topography of central Minnesota. Scattered Gravel Pits indicate local industry focused on the area's geological deposits.

Community life centers on rural institutions like the Lake Johanna Church and the adjacent West Cemetery, providing valuable points of reference for genealogists. The presence of the Olson Landing Strip and a local Townhall suggests a settled but sparse agricultural network. Much of the eastern and southern portions of the map are dedicated to conservation, with several National Wildlife Management Areas and the Skarpness State Wildlife Management Area protecting the prairie pothole ecosystem.