• A precision laser-cut, multi-layered wooden map of Grand Traverse Bay in northern Michigan, a 177,280-acre bay of Lake Michigan divided by the Old Mission Peninsula into East and West arms with 132 miles of shoreline and a maximum depth of 590 feet. The natural wood top layer captures every dramatic curve of this iconic bay in fine detail, while a light-to-dark blue gradient conveys its remarkable depth and crystal-clear character. A handcrafted statement piece for any northern Michigan home, Traverse City
  • Showing the 4 different frame colors you get to choose from between walnut, cherry, maple, and black.
  • Showing the difference between standard 8 layer definition and high definition 15 layer options.
  • The french cleats are pre-installed on the maps giving you an easy and secure way to hang our map
  • 3D Lake of the Woods Map(Minnesota and Ontario) in a cherry frame in an outdoor natural light setting.
  • 3D Burt Lake and Mullett Lake with a maple frame.
  • 3D Lake Minnetonka map in a sleek black frame, displayed in a modern setting with contemporary decor elements.
  • Horn Dog Maps custom maple cribbage board showing heavy metal peg options in copper and brass with blue epoxy lake fill on Lake Superior design
  • Handcrafted 3D wood map of Lake Minnetonka in Hennepin County, MN, ideal for lake enthusiasts.
  • Close up of dovetail sliding peg slot on maple cribbage board.
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Grand Traverse Bay on Lake Michigan

Grand Traverse Bay on Lake Michigan

$175.00
$175.00
Sale Sold out
Shipping calculated at checkout.
Size

Grand Traverse Bay on Lake Michigan

This lake has 8 Layers or 15 Layers for HD Version

Grand Traverse Bay is a 177,280-acre bay of Lake Michigan in northern Michigan, stretching 32 miles from its mouth to the city of Traverse City at its base, spanning 10 miles at its widest point, and plunging to a maximum depth of 590 feet in its deepest channel. Divided into East Bay and West Bay by the 18-mile-long Old Mission Peninsula, it is one of the few remaining oligotrophic bays in the Great Lakes meaning its waters remain exceptionally clear and nutrient-poor with primary inflows from the Boardman River, Elk River, and more than 100 tributaries feeding its pristine waters. Lake Trout, Coho and Chinook Salmon, Brown and Rainbow Trout, Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass, and Yellow Perch draw anglers to both arms of the bay, while bald eagles, osprey, and Piping Plovers nest along its shores.

Located in the heart of Michigan's Traverse City region, Grand Traverse Bay is named from the French term "La Grande Traverse" meaning a long crossing used by 18th-century French voyageurs who paddled across its wide mouth. The surrounding shoreline communities of Traverse City, Suttons Bay, Elk Rapids, and Northport are celebrated for their award-winning wineries, cherry orchards, vibrant arts scenes, and some of the most beautiful coastal scenery in the Great Lakes. The Grand Traverse Bay Underwater Preserve protects 295 square miles of bottomlands, including historic shipwrecks resting in the clear depths below.

A laser-cut wooden map of Grand Traverse Bay makes a breathtaking and iconic piece of wall art for any northern Michigan home, Traverse City retreat, or Great Lakes enthusiast's space. The natural wood top layer traces the bay's dramatic twin arms, the Old Mission Peninsula, and 132 miles of stunning northern Michigan shoreline in stunning detail, while the light-to-dark blue gradient layers beautifully convey the remarkable 590-foot depth and crystal-clear, oligotrophic character of one of the most celebrated bays in the Great Lakes. A bold, handcrafted gift for Traverse City locals, Old Mission Peninsula residents, and anyone who treasures this iconic stretch of northern Michigan water.

Dimensions:

Small: 8"x12"

Medium: 12"x18"

Large: 16"x24"

Extra Large: 20"x30"

XX Large: 24"x36"

Gigantic 30"x45"

HD Extra Large: 20"x30" - 15 Layers

HD XX Large: 24"x36" - 15 Layers

HD Gigantic 30"x45" - 15 Layers

The difference between standard and HD maps is the number of layers. Standard maps have 1 land layer and 7 water layers. The HD lake maps have 1 land layer and 14 water layers. So twice the detail. The HD Maps are limited to Extra Large, XX Large, and Gigantic sizes only. On the smaller sizes the depth change of the wood is too extreme and you end up losing detail.

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.