Baldwin River (Michigan) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Baldwin River |
|
|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Lake County, Michigan |
| River mouth | Pere Marquette River 817 ft (249 m) |
The Baldwin River is a stream in the U.S. state of Michigan. It is about 25.2-mile-long (40.6 km). This river is special because it was the first place in the United States where a type of fish called brown trout was introduced!
Where the River Starts and Flows
The Baldwin River begins in a spot called Wide Waters. This area is on the southern edge of the Baldwin Luther Swamp in Newkirk Township, Lake County. Several smaller streams also join the river from the hills nearby.
The river flows south, then turns southwest. It passes through Cherry Valley Township before reaching the village of Baldwin. In Baldwin, another stream named Sanborn Creek joins the river.
After this, the river continues flowing southwest. It eventually empties into the Pere Marquette River. From there, the water travels onward to Lake Michigan.
A Special Fishy Story
The Baldwin River holds an important place in American history, especially for fish lovers! On April 11, 1884, something very significant happened here. The U.S. Fish Commission released 4,900 young brown trout into the river. These tiny fish, called fry, came from a fish hatchery in Northville, Michigan.
This event was the very first time that brown trout (Salmo trutta) were introduced into U.S. waters. It was a big step that helped these fish become common in many rivers and streams across the country.
Streams Joining the Baldwin River
Many smaller streams and bodies of water flow into the Baldwin River. These are called tributaries. Here are some of them, listed from the mouth of the river back to its source:
- Sanborn Creek
- Foreman Lakes
- Leverentz Lake
- Cole Creek
- South Branch Cole Creek
- North Branch Cole Creek
- Big Spring
- Wide Waters
- Baldwin Luther Swamp
