Arikaree River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Arikaree River |
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Arikaree River Valley at the location of the Battle of Beecher Island near Wray, Colorado
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Republican River watershed; the Arikaree is in orange at far left
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| Native name | Ononio'he |
| Other name(s) | Arikara Fork Republican River |
| Country | United States |
| State | Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Elbert County, Colorado 5,908 ft (1,801 m) 39°22′36″N 103°46′44″W / 39.37667°N 103.77889°W |
| River mouth | Republican River Haigler, Nebraska 3,241 ft (988 m) 40°01′13″N 101°56′17″W / 40.02028°N 101.93806°W |
| Length | 156 mi (251 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Basin size | 1,743 sq mi (4,510 km2) |
| Tributaries |
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| Watersheds | Arikaree-Republican-Kansas- Missouri-Mississippi |
The Arikaree River is a river about 156 miles (251 km) long. It flows through the central Great Plains of North America. Most of this river is in the state of Colorado, United States.
The Arikaree River helps drain the land between the North and South Forks of the Republican River. After flowing a short way through Kansas, it joins the North Fork in Nebraska. This river is also a special protected area in Colorado. It helps keep rare and endangered plants and animals safe.
Contents
What's in a Name?
The Arikaree River gets its name from the Arikara Native American people. Their name means "horn," which is an interesting way to name a river!
Where Does the River Flow?
The Arikaree River starts in the very eastern part of Elbert County, Colorado. This area is on the western edge of the High Plains region. From there, the river generally flows northeast. It crosses the High Plains in eastern Colorado.
Journey Through States
Next, the river flows through the far northwestern corner of Kansas. Finally, it enters the southwestern part of Nebraska. Near the town of Haigler, the Arikaree River meets the North Fork Republican River. Together, they form the main Republican River.
Colorado's Highest Low Point
There's a special spot where the Arikaree River leaves Yuma County, Colorado and enters Cheyenne County, Kansas. This point is the lowest place in Colorado! It's at an elevation of 3,317 feet (1,011 meters). This makes it the highest lowest point of any U.S. state. It's even higher than the highest points of 18 other states and District of Columbia!
A Bit of History
An important event happened along the Arikaree River in 1868. This was the Battle of Beecher Island.
Protecting Nature: The Arikaree River Natural Area
The Arikaree River is a special place. It's part of the Colorado Natural Areas Program. This program protects it because it's one of the best examples of a natural river system in the Great Plains of Colorado.
Home for Wildlife
This area is a safe home for many native and rare animals. You can find different kinds of reptiles, fish, and amphibians here. It's also a sanctuary for many birds, like burrowing owls, ferruginous hawks, and greater prairie chickens. The plants along the river (called riparian plants) and in the native prairie are also very healthy and important.
See also
In Spanish: Río Arikaree para niños
