1970 Map of Lakefield

About this map

The prairie landscape of Jackson Co is dominated by a sprawling network of shallow wetlands and glacial lakes, including West Heron Lake, South Heron Lake, and Heron Lake. The city of Lakefield serves as the central hub of this agricultural region, situated along the tracks of the Chicago Milwaukee St Paul and Pacific railroad. The map reveals an intricate drainage system composed of projects like Judicial Ditch No 17 and County Ditch No 11, reflecting the region's efforts to manage the water levels of the surrounding marshlands for farming. Local landmarks such as Reder Airfield, the Townhall, and Immanuel Cemetery anchor the rural community, while the Summers State Wildlife Management Areas to the south preserve the natural habitat of the Minnesota prairie pothole region.