2013 Map of Riley

About this map

The W Swan River meanders across the southern reaches of this Saint Louis County landscape, defining the local drainage system near the settlement of Riley. This area of the Iron Range backcountry is characterized by a sparse road network often named for early local families, including A Matson Rd, Gust Erickson Rd, and Billings Rd. These paths navigate a terrain dotted with small glacial water bodies such as Harriett Lake and Little Harriett Lake. The prevalence of named local roads suggests a history of rural homesteads and land divisions that survived into the early 21st century. The map provides a clear view of the transition between developed township lines, like Town Line Rd, and the natural lowlands surrounding the river, offering a primary record of the region's topography before more recent environmental or infrastructural changes.