1951 Map of McNearney Lake

About this map

Hiawatha National Forest blankets this section of the Upper Peninsula, meeting the cold waters of Whitefish Bay and Tahquamenon Bay. The landscape is characterized by a high concentration of inland water bodies and coastal drainage systems, including Naomikong Lake, Piatt Lake, and the uniquely named Peek and Rye Lake. The survey details a largely undeveloped wilderness during the mid-20th century, where land management and fire observation were critical, as evidenced by the McNearney Lake Tower perched above McNearney Lake. Coastal features like Menekaunee Point and Naomikong Point define the shoreline, while the interior is traversed by limited access routes such as Lake Shore Drive and the Ibo Road. The map also includes portions of the Bay Mills area, illustrating the interplay between protected forest lands and the Great Lakes coastline.