Custom Lake Maps: How to Make Your Lake Map Personal
When someone orders a lake map from me, they usually already have a specific lake in mind. It might be where they have a cabin, where they grew up, where they fish or just a lake they have spent a lot of time on.
Sometimes the lake itself is all they want on the map. Other times, they want to add something that makes it specific to their family or their place on the lake.
I can customize a lake map with things like a cabin location, a heart, custom text or other markers. If you have something specific in mind, ask. I can usually tell you pretty quickly whether it will work with that particular map.
Here are some of the options to think about.
Start With Your Lake
The first thing I need to know is the lake.
I have a large catalog of lake maps from across the United States and Canada. You can search the Horn Dog Maps lake map collection to see if I already have yours.
If you don't see it, send me the lake name and location. I can often add another lake as long as the depth data I need is available.
I design every map file myself using the actual depth data available for that lake. I don't start with a pre-made lake file from a site like Etsy. The depth data is what allows me to build the lake layer by layer and show its actual shape and depth in the finished map.
If you're still trying to decide on size, detail or what to look for in the map itself, start with my guide on what to look for when choosing a 3D lake map. That goes into those decisions in more detail.
Mark a Place on the Lake
One of the most common ways I customize a lake map is by marking a specific place on the lake. That can be your cabin or lake home, but it doesn't have to be.
I can add a house icon, heart or another marker to show a location you want included on the map. You'll need to give me enough information to make sure I have the right spot, and I'll work it into the map from there.
I've added house icons for people's new lake homes, marked family cabins and added other locations people wanted included. Every request is a little different, so if you have something specific in mind, ask. I'll let you know what will work with your lake.
Add Custom Text
I can also add custom text to a lake map.
That could be a family name, cabin name, date or another short piece of text.
Where it goes depends on the lake and what else is already on the map. Some lakes give me more room to work with than others, so I look at each map individually rather than putting everything in the same place every time.
The shape of the lake, the surrounding roads and geography, and what you want added all affect where that personalization makes the most sense.
"Great customer service and customized to extra requests and fast response. Shipped timely and securely. Great quality. Highly recommend this company and their custom work!"
— Danielle N., Google review
Choose the Map That Works for Your Space
Once you know what you want personalized, you still need to choose the map itself.
I make my 3D wooden lake maps in six sizes, from Small through Gigantic. My three largest sizes, Extra Large, XXL and Gigantic, are also available in High Definition.
My standard maps have eight layers. High Definition maps have 15 layers, giving me more layers to show the depth detail of the lake.
You can also choose from maple, cherry, walnut or black stained ash frames.
If you aren't sure which size or level of detail makes sense, measure the wall where the map is going first. That usually gives you a much better starting point.
Custom Lake Maps Make Good Gifts, Too
If you're ordering a map as a gift and you know the person's lake, you already have a pretty good place to start.
From there, you can make it more specific by marking their cabin, adding their family name or including another detail that matters to them.
I've made maps for weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, new cabins, Christmas gifts and other occasions. If you're looking for more ideas for someone who spends a lot of time at the lake, I also put together a guide to cabin gifts for lake lovers.
Looking for a Minnesota or Wisconsin Lake?
I'm based in Stacy, Minnesota, so it's probably not surprising that I make a lot of maps for lakes around here.
You can browse my Minnesota lake maps or Wisconsin lake maps if you're looking for a lake in either state.
But those aren't the only places I make maps for. My catalog includes lakes throughout the United States and Canada, and I can often add another lake when the depth data is available.
So if you don't see yours, ask.
How Do I Order a Custom Lake Map?
If your lake is already on the website, start with its product page and choose the size, frame and other options you want.
You'll also see the personalization options right on the product page, so you can add the details you want included with your map when you order.
If you want something that isn't covered by the options on the product page, or you're not sure whether an idea will work, send me a message. I'll take a look at the map and let you know.
Make Your Lake Map Yours
You don't have to personalize a lake map. Sometimes the lake itself is the whole point.
But if you want to mark your cabin, add a family name, put a heart on a particular location or include another detail, those are things I can work into the map.
Start by finding your lake and take a look at the personalization options. If you don't see your lake, or you want to do something a little different, send me a message and I'll see what I can do.