Nord Lake in Aitkin County, Minnesota
Nord Lake in Aitkin County, Minnesota
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Nord Lake in Aitkin County, Minnesota
This lake has 8 Layers or 15 Layers for HD Version
Nord Lake is a 418-acre lake situated in southwestern Aitkin County, Minnesota just over three miles southeast of the town of Aitkin, featuring a maximum depth of 29 feet and approximately 5 miles of shoreline surrounded by pristine forest and bog typical of Minnesota's north-central lake country. Classified by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources as a northern pike and bluegill lake, this productive fishery also maintains an active walleye population through annual fall fingerling stocking programs, while largemouth bass provide consistent action with good-sized fish regularly caught. The lake supports diverse fish populations including black crappie, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, bowfin, and multiple bullhead species thriving in varied habitat, though local anglers note the lake is known for producing abundant but small northern pike and bluegills, with DNR assessments indicating high pike abundance similar to previous surveys. With an ideal scenario being fewer total pike but greater numbers exceeding 24 inches, anglers are encouraged to release larger pike to help maintain a balanced fish community, especially since bigger northerns consume smaller pike in this system. A state-owned public access with concrete log ramp located on the southeast end off Aitkin County Road 12 provides easy entry for fishing boats, pontoons, kayaks, and canoes, where families can enjoy peaceful mornings casting for bass, afternoons pursuing pike along weed edges, and evenings targeting crappie while surrounded by natural beauty including bald eagles soaring overhead, loons calling across morning waters, and white-tailed deer browsing along undeveloped shorelines
Located just minutes from Aitkin, known as Minnesota's Playground and positioned at the confluence of the Mississippi River and Ripple River, Nord Lake provides access to exceptional outdoor recreation and charming small-town hospitality. The historic town of Aitkin, originally established as a fur trading post and now the county seat, features the fascinating Aitkin County Historical Society Museum, charming downtown shops and restaurants, beautiful Riverwood Park along the Mississippi River with disc golf and playgrounds, and serves as the gateway to over 1,000 lakes throughout Aitkin County offering world-class fishing, boating, and water recreation. Just five miles south lies the magnificent Rice Lake National Wildlife Refuge, established in 1935 to preserve critical waterfowl habitat and designated as a Globally Important Bird Area by the American Bird Conservancy due to the importance of the shallow 3,600-acre Rice Lake producing vast wild rice beds that attract over 150,000 migrating ring-necked ducks each fall, plus trumpeter swans, nesting bald eagles, and one of the world's oldest known animal populations featuring native bigmouth buffalo averaging 80 years old. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the refuge's 14-mile Wildlife Drive offering spectacular wildlife viewing from the comfort of your vehicle, hike over 7 miles of walking trails through northern hardwoods and wetlands groomed for cross-country skiing in winter, fish the Rice River at designated public fishing areas, and photograph incredible bird migrations during spring and fall when thousands of waterfowl blanket the skies. Additional area attractions include magnificent Savanna Portage State Park spanning 15,000 acres with the historic portage route used by Dakota and Ojibwe Indians, fur traders, and explorers over 200 years ago, Big Sandy Lake State Recreation Area with the 1895 historic dam and 6,125-acre lake offering world-class walleye and muskie fishing, the 18-mile paved Soo Line Trail connecting Moose Lake to McGregor perfect for biking, over 600 miles of groomed snowmobile trails, Mille Lacs National Wildlife Refuge with colony-nesting pelicans, and endless opportunities for hunting, berry picking, and experiencing authentic Northwoods Minnesota hospitality
This beautifully crafted laser-cut wooden map of Nord Lake would make a wonderful centerpiece in your Aitkin County cabin, Minnesota lake home, or fishing retreat, capturing the natural character and productive fishery of this classic north-central Minnesota bass and panfish lake. The handcrafted design features a natural wood top layer that elegantly showcases the lake's 5 miles of shoreline with protected bays surrounded by forest and bog, the state public access on the southeast end off County Road 12, and the pristine landscape typical of Aitkin County where over 1,000 lakes sparkle beneath the northern Minnesota sun. The water depth is illustrated through a graduated light blue to dark blue gradient that captures the gentle depth variations from shallow vegetated areas teeming with bluegill and largemouth bass to the 29-foot maximum where walleye patrol deeper waters, creating a charming representation of a well-managed multi-species fishery. Whether commemorating successful catches of quality largemouth bass and stocked walleye, peaceful mornings fishing for panfish with family, watching spectacular waterfowl migrations at nearby Rice Lake National Wildlife Refuge, exploring the historic Savanna Portage trails, or simply celebrating your connection to Aitkin County's incredible natural resources where the Mississippi River flows through pristine forests and abundant wildlife thrives, this quality piece serves as both attractive wall art and a cherished reminder of memorable moments spent on Nord Lake's tranquil waters in the heart of Minnesota's Playground
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.