Titled “Kiel,” this U.S. Geological Survey topographical map presents a finely observed mid-century portrait of eastern Wisconsin’s lake country, dated 1954 and carrying a 1956 imprint. Drawn at the practical 1:62,500 scale, it captures Elkhart Lake and its surrounding settlements, roads, streams, wetlands, and wooded ground with the calm precision characteristic of federal mapping. The sheet belongs to an era when American landscapes were being systematically documented for planning, infrastructure, conservation, and recreation. Here, the rural texture of Sheboygan County and neighboring areas emerges in detail: a pattern of small towns, glacial lakes, farm roads, and rolling uplands that together evoke Wisconsin on the cusp of postwar development.

Produced by the U.S. Geological Survey, the map reflects an institution whose work has shaped the understanding of American land since 1879. Founded to classify public lands and examine the nation’s geology and resources, the USGS became the standard-bearer for authoritative topographical mapping. Its maps were not merely navigational tools; they were instruments of public knowledge, supporting engineering, agriculture, water management, forestry, and environmental study. In “Kiel,” that legacy appears through disciplined contouring, carefully differentiated hydrography, and a systematic portrayal of roads, settlements, and land cover. The result is both technical and evocative: a measured federal survey that preserves the character of a particular Wisconsin landscape in the 1950s.

Elkhart Lake forms one of the map’s most appealing focal points, its shoreline set among smaller lakes, streams, and gently varied terrain. Long known as a resort destination, Elkhart Lake drew visitors for boating, fishing, summer cottages, and lakeside leisure, making it one of the region’s defining landmarks. Nearby Plymouth, Glenbeulah, and Greenbush anchor the human geography of the sheet, while Lake Ellen, Lake Buelow, and other smaller water bodies create a landscape shaped by glacial history. Blue linework traces drainageways and wet ground, revealing how water threads through the countryside. The map quietly records the relationship between recreation, settlement, and natural features in one of Wisconsin’s cherished inland lake districts.

The cartographic language is classic USGS: contour lines articulate elevation with understated elegance, allowing the rolling hills and subtle ridges of southeastern Wisconsin to be read at a glance. The terrain shown here belongs to the broader glacially influenced landscape of the Kettle Moraine region, where ice-age deposits left behind irregular hills, basins, lakes, and wetlands. Portions of Kettle Moraine State Forest appear as part of this wider natural setting, emphasizing the area’s ecological and recreational value. Color coding distinguishes land uses and vegetative cover, while roads, trails, and boundaries provide a structured human overlay. The design balances scientific clarity with a richly textured sense of place.

Historically, “Kiel” captures Wisconsin during a period of accelerating postwar change, when improved roads, expanding towns, and recreational travel were reshaping rural regions. Yet the map also preserves an older landscape of farms, woodlots, wetlands, lakeshores, and modest communities connected by local routes. Its careful depiction of Elkhart Lake and the surrounding countryside offers insight into how mid-twentieth-century Americans understood, managed, and moved through the land. For collectors, the sheet is compelling not only as a technical survey, but as a cultural document: a record of leisure, resource stewardship, settlement, and natural beauty in a distinctive corner of Wisconsin. It is a poised and informative example of USGS mapping at its best.

Cities, towns and places on this map

• Elkhart Lake
• Plymouth
• Glenbeulah
• Greenbush
• Lake Ellen
• Lake Buelow
• Lake to the east of Elkhart Lake
• Kettle Moraine State Forest
• Various unnamed roads, trails, and land features
• Portions of surrounding wetlands and forested areas
• Water features and streams indicated by blue lines and shaded areas

Historical context & cartographic details

• Map title: Kiel
• Historical 1:62,500 topographical map showing Elkhart Lake in Wisconsin and the surrounding area
• Dated 1954 with a 1956 imprint
• Produced by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)
• The USGS has provided geological and topographical information in the United States since 1879
• Elkhart Lake is a popular resort area known for recreational activities including boating and fishing
• Features traditional topographical design with contour lines representing elevation changes
• Includes a color-coded legend indicating different land uses and vegetative cover
• Detailed elevation contours show rolling hills and varied terrain typical of southeastern Wisconsin
• Reflects mid-20th-century American topography and land use during a period of development and infrastructure growth in Wisconsin

Looking for a particular place? Review the detailed images to confirm that the town, landmark or feature you have in mind appears on the map. If you are unsure, ask our workshop to check before you order.

Detailed maps are especially rewarding at larger sizes, where names, boundaries and decorative features have more room to be appreciated. Use the close-up preview and size guide to choose the right scale for your wall.

This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 50in (125cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

The model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40x50cm) version of this map.

Where personalisation is available, you can add a short title or dedication, mark one meaningful place, or request one considered visual detail. See personalised map examples.

Every piece is printed to museum-grade archival standards using fade-resistant pigment inks on acid-free matte paper. Choose an unframed map print, framed map or canvas using the finish options above. Framed maps use crystal-clear optical acrylic and arrive ready to hang.

With its rich detail and strong sense of place, this map makes a considered gift for a new home, anniversary, retirement or anyone with a personal connection to the area shown. Still deciding? Explore our collection of rare old and vintage maps to discover another place, period or style.

This map is also available as a float framed canvas, sometimes known as a shadow gap framed canvas or canvas floater. The map is printed on artist's cotton canvas and then stretched over a handmade box frame. We then "float" the canvas inside a wooden frame, which is available in a range of colours (black, dark brown, oak, antique gold and white). This is a wonderful way to present a map without glazing in front. See some examples of float framed canvas maps and explore the differences between my different finishes.

For something truly unique, this map is also available in "Unique 3D", our trademarked process that dramatically transforms the map so that it has a wonderful sense of depth. We combine the original map with detailed topography and elevation data, so that mountains and the terrain really "pop". For more info and examples of 3D maps, check my Unique 3D page.