1964 Map of Side Lake

About this map

Sturgeon Lake and Side Lake anchor this 1964 survey, where the boundaries of Itasca and St Louis counties meet. The landscape is defined by the intersection of several managed wilderness areas, including the George Washington State Forest, Sturgeon River State Forest, and the western edge of the Superior National Forest. This era shows a dedicated recreational corridor emerging around McCarthy Beach State Park, featuring the Sturgeon Lake Mission and the Chapel of the Pines. Beyond the water, the terrain is marked by essential local landmarks like the Lookout Tower and a series of gravel pits and sandpits, highlighting the practical needs of rural infrastructure. The interconnected waters of Little Sturgeon Lake and West Sturgeon Lake reveal a complex drainage system fed by Snake Brook and Stony Brook.