Coastal, Lakes & River Maps

Historic charts of America’s coastlines, lakes, and rivers record not just places but the practical details sailors and surveyors relied on—channels, shoals, harbors, and landings. As you study these maps you can trace altered shorelines, lost waterfront names, and changing channels, a small, readable history of how water and human activity reshaped familiar landscapes.

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Vintage Coastal, Lakes & River Maps

Explore This Collection

Start with featured maps, browse the complete collection, or learn more before choosing the right piece for your space.

Featured Maps Start with a curated selection Browse All Maps Explore the complete collection About the Collection Discover the history and meaning Buying Guide Choose the right map and format Common Questions Find helpful answers

Featured Maps

Start with a curated selection of customer favorites and distinctive maps from this collection.

Browse All Coastal, Lakes & River Maps

Browse All Coastal, Lakes & River Maps

Explore the complete collection and find the map, location, year, or design that speaks to you.

179 results

About Coastal, Lakes & River Maps

Discover the history, details, and distinctive character behind this collection of restored vintage maps.

Carefully Restored

Historic details are preserved while age, fading, and damage are carefully improved.

Multiple Display Options

Choose an unframed print, solid wood frame, or wrapped canvas in a range of sizes.

Made to Order

Every map is produced specifically for the customer and prepared for safe delivery.

Vintage Coastal, Lakes & River Maps
A close-up of Wisconsin North Woods Lakes, 1922

A closer look at Wisconsin North Woods Lakes in 1922, highlighting details from this historic map.

Carefully Restored

Historic details are preserved while age, fading, and damage are carefully improved.

Multiple Display Options

Choose an unframed print, solid wood frame, or wrapped canvas in a range of sizes.

Made to Order

Every map is produced specifically for the customer and prepared for safe delivery.

America’s waterways served as transportation networks long before railroads and highways. Indigenous communities maintained travel and trade routes along rivers, lakes, and coasts; later, ports and canal connections helped shape expanding commercial networks. During the nineteenth century, steamboats and lake freighters linked inland farms, industrial towns, and seaports. Safe passage depended on knowing more than the shoreline: shoals, shifting channels, and harbor approaches could determine which routes vessels could use.

Mapping these waters required different methods from surveying roads or property lines. Hydrographic surveyors measured depths with sounding lines and later echo-sounding equipment, while shore surveys established landmarks and coastal outlines. Nautical charts commonly recorded soundings, hazards, lighthouses, and aids to navigation. River surveys could document channels and sandbars, while recreational maps emphasized access points and nearby communities. Each purpose shaped what a mapmaker included and what remained outside the map’s focus.

Comparing an older waterway map with a modern one can reveal both environmental change and human engineering. A river bend may have been cut off, a harbor enlarged by dredging, or a shoreline extended with fill. Around lakes, former landings and small waterfront settlements can suggest travel patterns that roads later displaced. Differences in detail also matter: a sparsely labeled shoreline may reflect a chart’s navigational purpose rather than an absence of people.

How to Choose the Right Map

Start with the place or subject that matters, then choose the artwork, format, and size that best fit your space and story.

Choose a hometown, favorite destination, family location, military base, park, lake, railroad, or other place that carries a personal connection.

Try searching by a city, county, state, landmark, year, or specific place name.

Look closely at the map year, geographic coverage, orientation, labels, landmarks, and overall visual style. Different maps of the same place can tell very different stories.

Use the product images and zoom tools to inspect streets, names, boundaries, and historic features.

Select an unframed print for flexibility, a ready-to-hang solid wood frame for a finished presentation, or a wrapped canvas for a clean gallery-style appearance.

Framed prints include protective plexiglass and arrive ready to hang.

Consider the wall, furniture, viewing distance, and amount of visual impact you want. Larger maps make striking focal points, while smaller sizes work well in offices, studies, entryways, and grouped displays.

Measure the available wall area before choosing your final print size.

Every map is available in several display options

Choose from museum-quality unframed prints, framed prints with solid wood frames, or 1.5-inch wrapped canvas.

Browse Coastal, Lakes & River Maps
A framed vintage map being carefully prepared and inspected in the Ted’s Vintage Art studio

Crafted to Honor the Places That Matter

Every map is carefully restored, printed with archival-quality materials, and made to help meaningful places live on as beautiful wall art.

Ted’s Vintage Art began with a simple idea: old maps deserve to be seen, not forgotten. We restore historic maps and turn them into meaningful wall art that connects people to hometowns, family history, favorite places, and the stories tied to them.

Carefully Restored

Historic maps are digitally restored to improve clarity while preserving their original character.

Museum-Quality Printing

Printed with archival inks on premium materials designed for lasting detail and color.

Made to Order

Each print, framed map, and canvas is produced specifically for the customer.

Solid Wood Frames

Framed maps use real wood frames with protective plexiglass and ready-to-hang hardware.

Thousands of Places

Explore cities, counties, states, parks, railroads, lakes, military locations, and places around the world.

Safe Delivery

Orders are carefully packaged, and damaged items are replaced at no additional cost.

  • Made in the USA
  • Carefully packaged
  • Free replacement if damaged
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Explore More Vintage Map Collections

Continue exploring collections connected to similar places, subjects, historic themes, transportation, and preserved cartography.

Vintage Cape Cod Maps
12 maps

Cape Cod Maps

Step back in time and experience the rich coastal heritage of Massachusetts with our Cape Cod vintage map collection. This curated selection features beautifully restored old maps of Cape Cod and its surrounding towns, harbors, and villages—capturing the timeless charm of this historic region. Whether you're a longtime Cape resident, a seasonal visitor, or simply someone who cherishes coastal New England, these vintage maps of Cape Cod offer a unique and meaningful way to connect with the area’s past. The collection includes detailed reproductions of antique maps originally published in the 1800s and early 1900s. You'll find stunning depictions of well-known Cape Cod towns like Provincetown, Chatham, Hyannis, Falmouth, Orleans, and Sandwich, as well as more localized views of bays, peninsulas, and maritime routes that once guided sailors through these iconic waters. Each map has been carefully restored and reproduced to retain its original character, offering a glimpse into how Cape Cod looked over a century ago. These Cape Cod maps make excellent gifts for history enthusiasts, coastal decor lovers, or anyone who holds fond memories of summer days spent along the Cape. They're available in multiple formats—including unframed prints, framed art, and canvas wraps—so you can choose the perfect presentation for your home, office, or cottage by the shore. At Ted’s Vintage Art, we pride ourselves on offering museum-quality prints that highlight both the artistry and historical value of each map. Every piece in our Cape Cod collection is printed in the USA and shipped with care from our facility, ensuring exceptional quality from start to finish. Whether you're decorating a beach house, looking for a thoughtful housewarming gift, or just exploring your Cape Cod roots, our vintage map collection is a beautiful way to celebrate the geography and history of the Cape. Browse the full selection and discover a map that speaks to your personal connection with one of New England’s most beloved coastal destinations.

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Vintage Wisconsin Maps
191 maps

Wisconsin Maps

Wisconsin, also known as the ‘Badger State’ and ‘America’s Dairyland,’ took statehood in 1848. Since then, there have been many beautiful, antique maps created that illustrate its history. Our historic map archives have Wisconsin state maps featuring almost every county in the state, including Milwaukee, Dane, Waukesha, Brown, Racine, Outagamie, Winnebago, Kenosha, Rock, and Marathon. Our most commonly requested maps are for the cities of Milwaukee, Madison (the state’s capital), Green Bay, Kenosha, Racine, Appleton, Waukesha, Eau Claire, Oshkosh, and Janesville. If you are looking for a map for a specific Wisconsin city or region and don't see it on this page, contact us. We would be happy to check our archives. Wisconsin is perhaps most well-known for being a leading producer of cheese. About a quarter of America’s cheese comes from the state. And as one of the nation’s leading dairy producers, the United States also gets a fair amount of milk and butter products from Wisconsin. The state is also known for its beer brewing history, specifically in Milwaukee, which is the home to Miller and Schlitz. Pabst also once brewed its beers in Milwaukee before shuttering its brewery there in late 2020. In other economic sectors, Wisconsin is known for being a major manufacturer of paper products and the United States’ leading producer of ginseng. The state’s largest employers are Wal-Mart, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Milwaukee Public Schools, the U.S. Postal Service, and the Wisconsin Department of Corrections. Wisconsin also has a thriving tourism industry. Popular local attractions include the Circus World Museum in Baraboo, Harley-Davidson Museum in Milwaukee, and the sprawling estate of famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright, located in southwestern Wisconsin. In the summer months, Door County, with its harbors, bays, and quaint villages, is quite popular. As a result, the population of the county grows exponentially in the summer from about 28,000 to 250,000. For locals, outdoor recreation is abundant. Wisconsin has a large number of lakes and rivers that attract boaters and anglers. The state is also known for its white-tailed deer hunting and is considered one of the best places in the nation for hunters seeking a trophy buck. Famous names hailing from Wisconsin include illusionist Harry Houdini, comedian Chris Farley, actor Mark Ruffalo, and pianist and singer Liberace. In addition, writer Laura Ingalls Wilder, known for writing the “Little House on the Prairie” series (which would later become a popular television series), was born in Wisconsin. A museum was created in her honor in her hometown of Pepin. Finally, we have some fun facts to share about Wisconsin. For instance, did you know the first-ever ice cream sundae was served in the state in 1881? Or that someone did the math and determined that it takes on average 100 hours of fishing to catch a 33.4-inch muskie? Or that Barbie’s hometown is in the state? Well, sort of. The iconic doll that originated in the 1950s is from the fictional town of Willows, Wisconsin, where she attended high school.

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Vintage California Maps
546 maps

California Maps

The Golden State of California officially became a part of the United States in 1850. By then, the California Gold Rush was well underway, and people were flocking to the state in a quest to find riches. In our historic map archives, we have dozens of old California maps featuring every county in the state, including Los Angeles, San Diego, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, Santa Clara, Alameda, Sacramento, Contra Costa, and Fresno. Our most commonly requested maps are for Los Angeles, San Diego, San Jose, San Francisco, Fresno, Sacramento, Long Beach, Oakland, Bakersfield, and Anaheim. If you are looking for a map for a specific California town and don’t see it on this page, contact us, and we will check our archives. With over 39.5 million residents, California is the most populous state. And it’s also the third-largest U.S. state behind Alaska and Texas. The state’s name derives from the Spanish Las Californias, which originally referred to a region encompassing the peninsula of Baja California to Alta California. The name is believed to have come from a 16th-century Spanish romance novel. California’s geography includes 840 miles of coastline, the majestic Sierra Nevada mountain range, incredible redwood forests, rich agricultural valleys, and expansive desert regions such as Death Valley (one of the hottest places on Earth). California's climate ranges from blistering hot summers to freezing temperatures that produce snow in the higher elevations. In the spring and summer months, fields of bright orange California poppies (the official state flower) bloom throughout much of the state. Every year, the explosion of color along California’s byways attracts the attention of both locals and visitors alike. The state’s economy is a diverse mix of major industries such as finance, government, real estate, technology, science, and agriculture. California’s ports and harbors are also big business in California because they handle about a third of all U.S. imports. And did you know that more than 17 million gallons of wine are produced each year in California, famous for being home to Napa Valley? Of course, California is also home to the show business capital of the world, Hollywood. Major motion-picture companies first began setting up production in Hollywood in the early 1900s. In 1923, the famous Hollywood sign was erected, although it originally read 'HOLLYWOODLAND' and was a temporary advertisement for a housing development. Of course, the sign ended up staying and becoming an icon, minus the 'LAND' part. By the 1930s, Hollywood studios were producing around 600 films each year. Fast forward to today, and Hollywood is synonymous with glitz, glamour, and celebrity. Here’s a fun fact - did you know that actress Joanne Woodward was the first to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame? She received her star in 1960. Finally, if you’re hoping to win the lottery someday and bask in riches, you might think about taking a trip to Baker, California, and stopping by a little place called Country Store. The popular pit stop on the way to and from Las Vegas has a reputation for selling a lot of winning lottery tickets. While you’re there, you can also visit the World’s Largest Thermometer, which is just down the road.

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Vintage New York Maps
500 maps

New York Maps

From New York City’s impressive skyscrapers to the jaw-dropping magnificence of Niagara Falls, the state of New York has character. The state that is home to nearly 20 million people (8 million in New York City alone) took statehood in 1788. Many beautiful antique maps capture the heart of New York. Our historic map archives have many old New York maps featuring nearly every county in the state, including Kings, Queens, New York, Suffolk, Bronx, Nassau, Westchester, Erie, Monroe, and Richmond. Our most commonly requested maps are for New York, Hempstead, Brookhaven, Islip, Oyster Bay, Buffalo, North Hempstead, Babylon, Rochester, and Huntington. If you are looking for a specific New York map and don’t see it on this page, contact us, and we will check our archives. New York is the fourth most populous state in the United States, and its largest city is, of course, New York City, which draws tourists from around the world. Albany is the state capital. In New York City, the neon lights of Times Square, the lush beauty of Central Park (New York’s backyard), and the iconic Statue of Liberty National Monument are just a few of its attractions. Visitors also get a kick out of walking along Wall Street in the city’s Financial District, taking in a Broadway show, and seeing what it’s like to stand in the center of Grand Central Terminal. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Rockefeller Center, and the Empire State Building are also quite popular, among the many other attractions. New York City is also home to the National September 11 Memorial & Museum, which serves as a remembrance for the lives lost in the September 11, 2001 attacks. Adjacent to the museum is One World Trade Center, the main building that was rebuilt following the attacks. It is the tallest skyscraper in the Western Hemisphere. The building stands 1,776 feet tall, a number that represents the year America gained its independence. Outside the cityscape of New York City, you’ll find beautiful scenery that includes lakes, rivers, mountains, and forests. Niagara Falls, visited by around 8 million tourists every year, is one of the state’s crown jewels. With over 3,000 tons of water flowing every second, visitors are treated to a breathtaking experience. The state’s economy is driven by finance, insurance, health care, real estate, and high technology. Mass media, journalism, and publishing are also high on the list. In agriculture, you might be surprised to learn that New York is the largest producer of cabbage in the United States. Maple syrup, apples, cherries, dairy products, onions, and potatoes are also produced in the state. And New York is also the second-largest wine producer by volume behind California. Finally, the iconic ‘I ♥ NY’ slogan and logo began as an advertising campaign in 1977. Noted graphic designer Milton Glaser came up with the idea while riding in the back of a taxi cab. Glaser had a long, successful career creating iconic posters, logos, and artwork and passed away in 2020 at age 91.

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Loved by Customers Across the Country

Customers choose Ted’s Vintage Art to celebrate hometowns, preserve family history, remember meaningful places, and give gifts with a personal connection.

“Even Better Than I Expected”

The detail and print quality are excellent, and the finished piece looks beautiful in person. It feels like a genuinely meaningful piece rather than something mass produced.

Sarah M. Vintage city map
Verified buyer

“A Meaningful Piece of Family History”

The map immediately started conversations about familiar roads, towns, and places connected to our family. It is something we will enjoy for years.

Michael R. Historic county map
Verified buyer

“The Perfect Retirement Gift”

We gave the map to a longtime coworker at his retirement celebration. He was genuinely moved by the connection to a place that had meant so much to him.

Jennifer L. Retirement gift
Verified buyer

“Beautifully Packaged and Delivered Safely”

The framed map arrived well protected and in excellent condition. The craftsmanship was immediately noticeable, and it was ready to hang.

David P. Framed vintage map
Verified buyer

Frequently Asked Questions

Find helpful information about choosing a map, available display styles, production, delivery, and what to expect when your order arrives.

Start with the place, subject, or period that matters most to you. Then compare the map year, geographic coverage, visible landmarks, labels, orientation, and overall appearance. Product images can be enlarged so you can inspect the map before choosing.

Most maps are available as museum-quality unframed prints, ready-to-hang framed prints, and 1.5-inch wrapped canvas. Available sizes and frame colors are shown on each product page.

Framed maps are made with solid wood frames and protective plexiglass. They arrive with hanging hardware so they can be displayed after unpacking.

Yes. Historic maps are digitally restored to improve clarity, color, contrast, and overall presentation while preserving the character and detail of the original artwork.

Yes. Each unframed print, framed map, and wrapped canvas is made to order specifically for the customer rather than pulled from a shelf of preprinted inventory.

Most orders are delivered within approximately 7 to 10 days. Production and delivery may take longer during especially busy holiday periods.

Unframed prints are carefully rolled and shipped in a protective tube. Framed prints and canvases are boxed with protective padding to help them arrive safely.

Contact Ted’s Vintage Art with photos of the damage. Damaged items are replaced at no additional cost.

Still have a question?

Contact Ted’s Vintage Art for help choosing a map, size, or display style.

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Browse Vintage Maps by Location

Explore restored maps of states, cities, counties, countries, and meaningful places across the United States and around the world.

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New York City Chicago Boston California Texas Florida

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Find the Map That Means Something to You

Whether it is a hometown, a favorite destination, a place tied to family history, or a subject you have always loved, discover a vintage map worth displaying for years to come.

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  • Carefully restored
  • Made in the USA
  • Free U.S. shipping