2014 Map of Surprise

About this map

The village of Surprise sits at the junction of the Big Blue River and several local routes, serving as a primary point of interest in this section of Butler County. The map captures the agricultural grid that defines the region, where the river carves a winding path through the landscape, flanked by a series of engineered water management features. South of the town, the Surprise Cemetery and several large reservoirs, including Aldrich Reservoir and Richert Reservoir Number 1, indicate the careful irrigation and water storage necessary for the surrounding prairie farmland. The intersection of Polk, Butler, York, and Seward counties provides a unique administrative crossroads, with drainage systems like Cottonwood Creek and Wildcat Creek following the natural contours of the plains towards the southeast.