Influencer maps ultra-exclusive Minnesota community hidden from Google

North Oaks residents unhappy after drone footage exposes their secretive enclave

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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An influencer in Minnesota has gone viral after using a drone to map the ultra-wealthy and secretive community of North Oaks, which has been intentionally hidden from Google Maps for decades. North Oaks is one of the nation's wealthiest zip codes, with palatial estates worth millions, but the residents have gone to great lengths to keep the community out of the public eye, including using license plate readers, security cameras, and legal maneuvers to prevent outsiders from accessing the area. The influencer, Chris Parr, was able to gain access and document the neighborhood, much to the chagrin of North Oaks residents who are now considering legal action.

Why it matters

This story highlights the lengths that the ultra-wealthy will go to in order to maintain their privacy and exclusivity, as well as the power of technology and determined individuals to uncover even the most secretive of communities. It raises questions about the role of public information and transparency, versus the rights of private citizens to maintain their seclusion.

The details

Chris Parr, a digital content creator from Minnesota, used a drone to map the North Oaks community after discovering that it was the only area in the state not visible on Google Maps. North Oaks is an exclusive enclave of multimillion-dollar homes, with residents that include executives and CEOs of major Minnesota companies. The community has gone to great lengths to maintain its secrecy, including using license plate readers, security cameras, and legal action to prevent outsiders from accessing the area. In 2008, North Oaks even threatened to sue Google for including the neighborhood on Street View. Parr was able to gain access to the community by posting a Craigslist ad and paying a resident $10 to allow him entry to a public park, from which he was able to capture aerial footage of the neighborhood. The North Oaks Homeowner's Association is now considering legal action against Parr for his unauthorized mapping of the community.

  • In 2008, North Oaks threatened to sue Google for including the neighborhood on Street View.
  • In 2026, Chris Parr used a drone to map the North Oaks community and posted the footage online.

The players

Chris Parr

A digital content creator from Minnesota who used a drone to map the ultra-exclusive North Oaks community, which had previously been hidden from Google Maps.

North Oaks Homeowner's Association (NOAHA)

The organization that represents the residents of North Oaks and is considering legal action against Chris Parr for mapping the community without authorization.

Andrew Hawkins

The president of the North Oaks Homeowner's Association, who is reportedly considering taking legal action against Chris Parr.

Maggie Smith

A North Oaks resident who agreed to allow Chris Parr access to the West Rec Park in exchange for $10, enabling him to capture aerial footage of the community.

Elaine Filadelfo

A Google representative who commented on the rare instance of an entire town requesting to be removed from Google's Street View feature.

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What they’re saying

“This is very rare where an entire town would request to be taken off.”

— Elaine Filadelfo, Google representative (CBC)

“Maps are a piece of public infrastructure. To have an incomplete map is a disservice to humanity.”

— Chris Parr (Daily Mail)

“There is a perception that a lot of executives, a lot of CEOs of Minnesota companies, live in North Oaks.”

— Chris Parr, Digital content creator (Daily Mail)

What’s next

The North Oaks Homeowner's Association is reportedly considering taking legal action against Chris Parr for mapping the community without authorization.

The takeaway

This story highlights the tension between the desire for privacy and exclusivity among the ultra-wealthy, and the public's right to access information about their communities. It raises questions about the role of technology and transparency in an age of increasing inequality.