Poplar Lake in Polk County, Wisconsin
Poplar Lake in Polk County, Wisconsin
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Poplar Lake in Polk County, Wisconsin
This lake has 8 Layers or 15 Layers for HD Version
Poplar Lake is a scenic 117-acre natural lake located in Polk County in northwest Wisconsin's beautiful St. Croix Valley region. With a maximum depth of 34 feet and an average depth of 12 feet, this moderately-sized waterbody features a bottom composition of 60% muck and 40% sand, creating diverse habitat for a variety of fish species. Situated in the heart of Wisconsin's "Indianhead Country," Poplar Lake lies within easy reach of the charming communities of Dresser, St. Croix Falls, and nearby Taylors Falls, Minnesota, making it an accessible destination for anglers and outdoor enthusiasts from throughout the region. The lake is part of Polk County's extensive network of waterways, with the county dotted by numerous lakes and rivers that form a recreational paradise in northwest Wisconsin's rolling countryside. Public access is provided through a boat landing maintained for visitors, allowing anglers and boaters to enjoy the lake's clear waters and peaceful setting. The St. Croix Wild and Scenic Riverway forms Polk County's western boundary, and while Poplar Lake itself is an inland waterbody, it benefits from the same pristine natural environment that characterizes this historically and ecologically significant region where river bluffs dramatically give way to gently rolling farmland and forest
Poplar Lake offers excellent fishing opportunities with abundant panfish populations that draw anglers seeking quality bluegill action, particularly during spawning season when anglers report catching big bluegills on nearly every cast. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources classifies panfish as abundant in the lake, while largemouth bass are considered common, and northern pike and walleye populations provide additional sportfishing opportunities. Anglers targeting bass can enjoy year-round catch-and-release fishing with motor trolling allowed using up to three hooks, baits, or lures per angler. The lake's productive waters consistently yield good eating-size bluegills, and while trophy largemouth bass may not be abundant, the lake provides solid action fishing for anglers of all skill levels. Located near four Wisconsin state parks, Poplar Lake serves as an ideal base for exploring the broader recreational opportunities of Polk County, including Wisconsin's oldest state park, Interstate State Park, established in 1900 along the dramatic Dalles of the St. Croix River gorge. The region features the Ice Age National Scenic Trail and Gandy Dancer Trail, the historic Osceola and St. Croix Valley Railway, and Chateau St. Croix Winery's castle-like facility set among picturesque vineyards. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore Trollhaugen Outdoor Recreation Area for winter sports, paddle the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway, visit Fawn-Doe-Rosa Wildlife Educational Park, or mountain bike and hike through miles of trails. LakePlace Bed and Breakfast on Poplar Lake provides cozy accommodations with paddleboards, kayaks, canoes, and snowshoes available for guest use, making the lake a perfect destination for family reunions, wedding weekends, or peaceful getaways in Wisconsin's scenic lake country
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.