Published in 1978 from 1975 mapping, “Wisconsin Dells North” presents the celebrated Wisconsin River country at the precise 1:24,000 scale of the classic USGS 7.5-minute quadrangle. The map captures Wisconsin Dells and its northern surroundings at a fascinating moment: already known for its sandstone scenery and river excursions, yet still prior to the later wave of large-scale water-park commercialization that would redefine the area’s public image. Roads, railways, streams, wooded slopes, and settled places are rendered with the disciplined clarity of United States Geological Survey cartography. The result is a richly detailed portrait of a landscape where natural drama, small-city infrastructure, and midwestern tourism history converge.

The United States Geological Survey brought to this map the institutional precision that made its quadrangles indispensable to planners, engineers, geologists, hikers, and local historians. Founded in 1879, the USGS became the nation’s authoritative mapper of terrain, water, mineral resources, and landforms, and its mid-twentieth-century topographic series remains one of America’s great cartographic achievements. Here, contour lines articulate the undulating country around the Dells, tracing ridges, bluffs, valleys, and river-cut land with quiet elegance. Blue watercourses, black transportation networks, green woodland symbols, and carefully placed lettering combine to create a practical scientific document with an unexpectedly graceful visual rhythm.

At the heart of the map is the Wisconsin River, the defining force behind the Dells’ fame. Its channel winds through a region shaped by ancient glacial meltwater and erosion, where Cambrian sandstone formations produced the narrow gorges, cliffs, and rock outcrops that made the area iconic. The map also identifies nearby water features including the Little Wisconsin River, the Baraboo River, and Lake Delton, each contributing to the region’s layered hydrology. Around these waterways, the contours tighten and relax, revealing the relationship between flowing water and carved terrain. For anyone interested in the physical origins of Wisconsin Dells, the map reads almost like a geological narrative.

The human geography is equally compelling. Wisconsin Dells appears alongside Delton, Dell Prairie, and the historic name Kilbourn City, recalling the community’s nineteenth-century railroad origins before its modern resort identity fully emerged. Interstate 90/94, State Highway 12, County Highway A, local roads, trails, and rail lines show how movement through the landscape was organized in the 1970s, linking river scenery, rural townships, and growing tourist corridors. Black Hawk Park and surrounding recreational areas are placed within a broader pattern of farms, woods, waterways, and transport routes. The map therefore records not only place names, but the evolving choreography of access, settlement, and leisure.

Beyond the immediate Dells area, the quadrangle situates the region within the larger scenic and recreational geography of south-central Wisconsin. References to Devil’s Lake State Park and Cascade Mountain evoke nearby uplands, parks, trails, and winter-sport terrain associated with the Baraboo Range and its distinctive topography. The hilly character shown by the contours contrasts with flatter agricultural lands, making clear why this corner of Wisconsin has long attracted geologists, photographers, boaters, and vacationers. As a 1970s USGS topographic view, “Wisconsin Dells North” preserves a balanced image of the area: part natural wonder, part working landscape, part emerging resort destination.

Cities, towns and places on this map

• Wisconsin Dells
• Dell Prairie
• Delton
• Kilbourn City
• Lake Delton
• Wisconsin River
• Black Hawk Park
• Little Wisconsin River
• Devil’s Lake State Park
• Baraboo River
• Cascade Mountain
• Interstate 90/94
• State Highway 12
• County Highway A
• Various trails, roads, and railways in the surrounding areas

Historical context & cartographic details

• Historical 1:24,000 topographical map titled Wisconsin Dells North
• Created in 1975 and published with a 1978 imprint
• Produced by the United States Geological Survey, known for detailed mapping and geological studies
• Uses classic USGS cartographic styling, including clear contour lines, color-coded elevation levels, and blue water features
• Shows hilly terrain, valleys, waterways, and geological formations through detailed topographic contouring
• Reflects the mid-1970s geography of the area before later large-scale commercialization and tourism development
• Provides a snapshot of the region’s natural landscape and land-use patterns during that period

Looking for a particular place? Review the detailed images to confirm that the town, landmark or feature you have in mind appears on the map. If you are unsure, ask our workshop to check before you order.

Detailed maps are especially rewarding at larger sizes, where names, boundaries and decorative features have more room to be appreciated. Use the close-up preview and size guide to choose the right scale for your wall.

This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 50in (125cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

The model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40x50cm) version of this map.

Where personalisation is available, you can add a short title or dedication, mark one meaningful place, or request one considered visual detail. See personalised map examples.

Every piece is printed to museum-grade archival standards using fade-resistant pigment inks on acid-free matte paper. Choose an unframed map print, framed map or canvas using the finish options above. Framed maps use crystal-clear optical acrylic and arrive ready to hang.

With its rich detail and strong sense of place, this map makes a considered gift for a new home, anniversary, retirement or anyone with a personal connection to the area shown. Still deciding? Explore our collection of rare old and vintage maps to discover another place, period or style.

This map is also available as a float framed canvas, sometimes known as a shadow gap framed canvas or canvas floater. The map is printed on artist's cotton canvas and then stretched over a handmade box frame. We then "float" the canvas inside a wooden frame, which is available in a range of colours (black, dark brown, oak, antique gold and white). This is a wonderful way to present a map without glazing in front. See some examples of float framed canvas maps and explore the differences between my different finishes.

For something truly unique, this map is also available in "Unique 3D", our trademarked process that dramatically transforms the map so that it has a wonderful sense of depth. We combine the original map with detailed topography and elevation data, so that mountains and the terrain really "pop". For more info and examples of 3D maps, check my Unique 3D page.