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Bray Lake in Itasca County, Minnesota

Bray Lake in Itasca County, Minnesota

Regular price $175.00
Regular price Sale price $175.00
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Bray Lake in Itasca County, Minnesota

This map has 8 layers

Bray Lake is a 177-acre natural lake nestled in the scenic forests of Itasca County in northeastern Minnesota, approximately 8 miles northwest of the historic mining town of Nashwauk. This pristine lake reaches an impressive maximum depth of 44 feet and features 3 miles of undeveloped shoreline characterized by a shallow, densely vegetated bay on the south end where carry-in boat access is available. The lake lies within the Mississippi River Watershed and is fed by two inlets including Bray Creek, which also serves as the outlet connecting to Trestle Lake downstream. The moderately developed shoreline consists entirely of private ownership, creating an intimate and peaceful atmosphere for fishing and quiet recreation. Anglers can expect to find diverse fish populations including Northern Pike, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Walleye, Largemouth Bass, Rock Bass, Yellow Perch, and Pumpkinseed, with Northern Pike and Bluegill being the primary management species, while the lake also supports populations of Black Bullhead, Bowfin, Cisco, and various forage species that create a healthy aquatic ecosystem

The Bray Lake region offers visitors an authentic Iron Range experience with easy access to Minnesota's rich mining heritage and outdoor recreation opportunities. Nearby Nashwauk features the spectacular Hawkins Mine overlook at the western end of Central Avenue, providing one of the best mine views on the entire Mesabi Range, while the LaRue Pit Lake offers exceptional kayaking opportunities among remarkable sheer cliff walls in a 200-foot-deep former mining pit. Just minutes from Bray Lake sits Hill Annex Mine State Park in neighboring Calumet, a National Historic Site located halfway between Grand Rapids and Hibbing on Highway 169, offering guided tours into Minnesota's mining past and unique fossil hunting experiences from the Cretaceous era. The area provides access to the Mesabi Trail for biking and hiking, small-town dining and hospitality in Nashwauk, Marble, and Calumet, and proximity to hundreds of other pristine Itasca County lakes for exploring Minnesota's legendary Northwoods fishing and boating traditions

This exquisite laser-cut wooden lake map of Bray Lake would make a stunning addition to your northwoods cabin, lake home, or any space where you want to celebrate your connection to Minnesota's pristine waters and outdoor heritage. The handcrafted map beautifully captures the lake's intimate 177-acre footprint, the dramatic depth contours descending to 44 feet, and the 3 miles of forested shoreline that define this hidden Itasca County gem. With its natural wood top layer and gradient blue water layers transitioning from light to dark blue, this multi-dimensional piece creates a sophisticated rustic elegance that complements traditional lodge decor, contemporary lake house aesthetics, or any interior celebrating Minnesota's Northwoods character, making it an ideal personalized gift for anglers, property owners, or anyone who cherishes their memories of peaceful days spent on Bray Lake

Dimensions:

Small: 8"x12"

Medium: 12"x18"

Large: 16"x24"

Extra Large: 20"x30"

XX Large: 24"x36"

Gigantic 30"x45"

Cribbage Boards - 10"x14" - Your choice of Maple or Cherry wood, 2 or 3 runs, and your choice of peg colors.

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About our Maps

Every map is designed and built in Minnesota. Nothing is outsourced and nothing is imported.

  • Designed in-house. All art files are created by me, not purchased or reused
  • True layered 3D construction. Not engraved or printed
  • More layers, more detail. Most competitors use 3 to 7 layers. These use 8 or 15 layers
  • Original blue depth gradient. Light to dark blue shows water depth clearly
  • Handmade hardwood frames. Built from locally sourced rough sawn lumber, not pre-made frames

These are built to be the most accurate and most detailed 3D lake maps available.

Horn Dog Maps vs Others

True layered 3D construction
Horn Dog Maps: Yes
Other Companies: No
Etsy Sellers: Sometimes

Designed in-house (no purchased files)
Horn Dog Maps: Yes
Other Companies: Sometimes
Etsy Sellers: No

Made in Minnesota
Horn Dog Maps: Yes
Other Companies: No
Etsy Sellers: No

Number of layers
Horn Dog Maps: 8 or 15
Other Companies: 3 to 7
Etsy Sellers: 3 to 7

Blue depth gradient water
Horn Dog Maps: Yes
Other Companies: No
Etsy Sellers: No

Handmade hardwood frame included
Horn Dog Maps: Yes
Other Companies: No
Etsy Sellers: No

Uses multiple depth data sources
Horn Dog Maps: Yes
Other Companies: Sometimes
Etsy Sellers: No

Custom lakes without delays
Horn Dog Maps: Yes
Other Companies: No
Etsy Sellers: No

Connection to the lakes
Horn Dog Maps: Yes
Other Companies: No
Etsy Sellers: No

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these actually 3D or just engraved?

These are true 3D layered maps.

  • Made from 1/8 inch Baltic birch
  • Standard maps have 8 layers. 1 land layer and 7 water layers
  • HD maps have 15 layers. 1 land layer and 14 water layers

Each water layer uses a light to dark blue gradient so depth changes are easy to see.

Where are these made?

Everything is made in my shop in Minnesota.

  • Design
  • Cutting
  • Painting
  • Assembly
  • Frame building

The frames start as locally sourced rough sawn hardwood and are built from scratch.

Do you use real depth data?

Yes, as an angler and map nerd, accuracy matters to me. I use multiple data sources, up to six, to find the most accurate lake contours available.

I would not hang an inaccurate map in my house and I will not send one to yours.

Why buy from Horn Dog Maps instead of Etsy or marketplace sellers?

Most marketplace sellers:

  • Buy pre-made cut files, often from overseas
  • Have no connection to the lakes
  • Cannot verify accuracy
  • Have long delays if a file is not available

This leads to lower accuracy and longer lead times, often 6 to 8 weeks.

Because I design everything myself:

  • I can create a new lake mockup in about 30 minutes
  • You get a more accurate map, faster

What is your lead time?

Most orders ship in 1.5 to 2 weeks depending on the time of year.

Tell me about the Cribbage Boards

These are different from the layered maps and are not something you will find elsewhere.

  • Made from a solid piece of Maple or Cherry
  • The lake is engraved as if drained
  • Then filled with blue tinted epoxy that is still transparent

You can see:

  • Channels
  • Humps
  • Points
  • Structure

Additional features:

  • 2 or 3 track options
  • Choice of peg colors
  • Hidden peg storage with a magnetic dovetail slider
  • Rubber feet so it does not slide on the table

It is a functional game board and a detailed lake model in one.