1951 Map of Velva

Rail transport is central to the region's economy, with the Great Northern and the Minneapolis St Paul and Sault Ste Marie railroads facilitating the movement of agricultural goods. Scattered landmarks such as the North Prairie Ch, Hjerdal Ch, and small family-named cemeteries like Westgaard Cem offer significant genealogical clues for those tracing pioneer roots in McHenry and Ward counties. High points like Mikes Peak and the Henderson Hills rise above numerous kettle lakes, including Nead Lake and Stink Lake, which dot the northern plains.