1960 Map of Tait Lake

About this map

Tait Lake and its surrounding boreal landscape are defined by a dense network of glacial water bodies within the overlapping boundaries of the Minnesota State Forest and the Superior National Forest. This 1960 survey highlights the remote wilderness character of Cook County before modern development, featuring a transition of timber and water where the Tait River feeds into central basins. The map illustrates early recreational and industrial footprints, such as a designated Campground on the shores of Lichen Lake and a Gravel Pit near the headwaters of Mississippi Creek. To the north, the sprawling Cascade Lake and Little Cascade Lake dominate the drainage system, while smaller, secluded features like Mistletoe Lake, Strobus Lake, and Roast Lake dot the southern interior. The absence of major settlements emphasizes the region's role as a protected timber and watershed resource during the mid-twentieth century.