1985 Map of Rock Lake

About this map

The Turtle Mountains dominate the northwest corner of this map, providing a forested contrast to the expansive prairie and coulee landscape that defines north-central North Dakota. This highland region contains the Turtle Mountain Indian Reservation and several protected areas, including the Wakopa State Wildlife Management Area and numerous National Waterfowl Production Areas. Settlement patterns follow the established grid, with towns like Belcourt, Rolla, and Saint John serving as primary hubs. To the east, the landscape opens into township after township of agricultural land, punctuated by the Burlington Northern and Soo Line railroads which historically linked grain elevators at Bisbee, Egeland, and Crocus. Significant water features such as the Rock Lake National Wildlife Refuge and the winding Big Coulee illustrate the importance of the Central Flyway for migratory birds in this border region.