Topographic Maps for Minnesota

The U.S. Geological Survey produces several nationwide series of topographic maps at different scales: 1:24,000; 1:100,000; and 1:250,000-scale. The most detailed national map coverage is the 1:24,000-scale topographic quadrangle series. These maps show many features in addition to the brown elevation lines that show topography. Topographic map of downtown Saint Paul along the river

Scanned (digital) topographic maps are called "Digital Raster Graphics" or DRGs. One version of DRGs are individual files that include the outside or "collar" information; "collarless" versions clip off the outside information in order to create seamless files.

About Topo MapsTopo Map Key showing different contour symbol styles

Minnesota Info
  • Original maps:  Minnesota had completed once-over 1:24,000-scale coverage in the early 1980s.
  • Updated maps:  Between 1991 and 1996, a cooperative program with the USGS produced 138 revised 1:24,000 topographic maps for the Twin Cities, Duluth, St. Cloud, Moorhead, Mankato, Rochester, Red Wing, Winona, a few other cities, the growing suburban area of the Twin Cities-St. Cloud corridor and the Brainerd lakes area. See map.
"US Topo" Maps Historical Topo Maps
  • The USGS Historical Quadrangle Scanning Project is scanning and georeferencing all scales and editions of topographic maps published by the USGS since the inception of the topographic mapping program in 1884. The maps are available for online viewing and download.

View or Download DRGsSample map locator showing Hudson, Hastings and Saint Paul

DRGs (Digital Raster Graphics) are seamless (without outside collar information) unless specified. WMS Services View DRGs using GIS software or Google Earth - no need to download DRG files Download View and Download
  • U.S. Topo, National Map (USGS) View and download the most recent topo maps with collar information in GeoPDF format  
  • TopoView (USGS) View, view change over time, and download historical topo maps with collar information in choice of JPEG, KMZ, GeoPDF or GeoTIFF.

Printed MapsTopographic contour map with gridlines, peaks and low areas

  • USGS Store
    • Find and order topographic maps
    • Order free paper index of topo maps (search for product "68445")
    • Download Excel spreadsheet list of Minnesota's topo maps (navigate to the page by selecting:  Products | Maps | 7.5 Minute Maps | Minnesota)
    • State Topographic Map Lists  
  • Minnesota Geological Survey: Purchase topo maps; free map index over the counter at MGS's St. Paul location.  
  • Other private retail outlets, especially outdoor and map stores

Quadrangle Boundaries and Codes for Minnesota250k Tile Index of Minnesota