Loading map...

1970 Map of Little Bowstring Lake

Name: 1970 Topographic Map of Little Bowstring Lake
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1973
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1973

About this map

The settlement of Suomi sits at the edge of a complex glacial landscape within the Chippewa National Forest and Bowstring State Forest. In 1970, this area of Itasca County was defined by its dense concentration of water bodies, including Little Bowstring Lake, Suomi Lake, and Little Moose Lake. An Old Railroad Grade cuts through the western section of the map, serving as a reminder of the region's logging history and the infrastructure required to move timber through this lake-rich terrain. Along the southern edge, the expansive northern waters of Deer Lake dominate the frame.

While largely undeveloped, the map indicates specific human imprints such as a Lookout Tower for forest fire detection and several Gravel Pit locations likely used for maintaining the forest roads. Recreation is evident through multiple Public Access points and a Roadside Park near Surprise Lake. The intricate shoreline of lakes like Spruce Island Lake and Amen Lake illustrates the classic kettle-and-moraine topography of northern Minnesota.