G. p. kohnii is native to the central United States.

[citation needed] The specific name, kohnii, is in honor of amateur naturalist Joseph Gustave Kohn (1837–1906) of New Orleans, Louisiana, who collected the type specimen.

[4][3] G. p. kohnii is found along the Mississippi River and its tributaries, from Illinois and Missouri southward.

[citation needed] The gray carapace of G. p. kohnii is covered in yellow lines which resemble contour lines of a map.

[citation needed] The Mississippi map turtle is a popular pet for aquarists and is very enjoyable to watch.