Influencer Maps 'Secret' Minnesota City Google Couldn't

After years of legal maneuvers, North Oaks removed itself from Google Maps - until one man took matters into his own hands.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 8:57pm

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A highly detailed, glowing 3D illustration of a drone hovering over a city skyline, with neon cyan and magenta lights illuminating the cityscape. The drone is the central focus, representing the technology used to map the 'secret' city that Google couldn't.A drone's-eye view of the once 'secret' city of North Oaks, Minnesota, now mapped in vivid digital detail thanks to the persistence of a local influencer.North Oaks Today

For over 17 years, the wealthy Minnesota city of North Oaks successfully petitioned Google to remove its residential streets from the mapping service, creating a 'secret' digital paradise. But one local influencer, Chris Parr, was determined to digitally map the elusive community himself, overcoming obstacles like 'no trespassing' signs and drone restrictions to complete what Google couldn't.

Why it matters

This story raises questions about the balance between public digital transparency and individual/community privacy. North Oaks' decision to opt out of Google Maps reflects a growing trend of wealthy enclaves seeking to control their digital footprint, even if it means becoming a 'secret' city. Parr's successful mapping of the area using unconventional methods also highlights the power of determined individuals to challenge the status quo.

The details

After some research, Parr realized his only option was to use a drone to map North Oaks. He obtained the necessary certifications, but a key drone-flying rule - keeping the machine in sight at all times - prevented him from accessing the entire city. He then tried to map a park within North Oaks, but was thwarted because it is considered a private community. Undeterred, Parr posted on Craigslist offering payment for an invitation into the exclusive community. He was eventually contacted by a woman named Maggie Smith, who offered him an invite, but she never showed up. Parr then launched his drone and was able to complete the map that Google legally couldn't.

  • In 2008, the North Oaks City Council successfully petitioned Google to remove its residential streets from the mapping service.
  • For over 17 years, North Oaks remained a 'secret' city, hidden from Google Maps.

The players

Chris Parr

A local influencer living 14 minutes away from North Oaks who was determined to digitally map the 'secret' city that Google couldn't.

Maggie Smith

A North Oaks resident who offered Parr an invitation to the exclusive community, but never showed up to their meeting.

North Oaks City Council

The governing body that successfully petitioned Google to remove the city's residential streets from the mapping service, creating a 'secret' digital paradise for its residents.

Google

The tech giant that was legally prevented from fully mapping the North Oaks community due to the city's unusual request.

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What they’re saying

“It was a highly unusual request for an entire town to make.”

— Google spokeswoman

What’s next

Parr's successful mapping of North Oaks using unconventional methods could inspire other individuals to take on similar digital mapping challenges in other communities that have opted out of public mapping services.

The takeaway

This story highlights the growing tension between public digital transparency and individual/community privacy. While North Oaks' decision to remove itself from Google Maps reflects a desire for exclusivity, Parr's actions demonstrate the power of determined individuals to challenge the status quo and bring hidden places into the digital realm.