Baraboo River facts for kids
The Baraboo River is a cool river in south-central Wisconsin, in the United States. It's about 70 miles (115 kilometers) long. A river like the Baraboo is called a tributary because it flows into a bigger river, which in this case is the Wisconsin River.
Think of it like a branch joining a main tree trunk! All the water from the Baraboo River eventually joins the Wisconsin River. From there, it travels all the way to the mighty Mississippi River. This whole area, where water drains into a main river, is called a watershed.
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How the Baraboo River Got Its Name
Have you ever wondered where the name "Baraboo" comes from? It's believed the river was named after a French trader. His name was Francois Barbeau. Some people also think the name might have come from a French word or phrase that changed over time.
Where the Baraboo River Flows
The Baraboo River starts in southeastern Monroe County. From there, it flows mostly towards the southeast. It travels through several counties in Wisconsin. These include Juneau, Sauk, and Columbia Counties.
The river passes by many towns along its journey. Some of these towns are Kendall, Elroy, Union Center, and Wonewoc. It also flows past La Valle, Reedsburg, Rock Springs, and North Freedom. Finally, it goes through West Baraboo and Baraboo.
The Baraboo River eventually joins the Wisconsin River from the west. This meeting point is about 3 miles (5 kilometers) south of Portage.
Bike Trail Along the River
In its upper part, before it reaches Elroy, a fun bike path runs right next to the river. This path is called the Elroy-Sparta Bike Trail. It's a great place for biking and enjoying nature!
Rivers That Join the Baraboo River
Just like branches joining a main river, smaller rivers and streams flow into the Baraboo River. These are called tributaries.
- West Branch Baraboo River: Near Union Center, the Baraboo River gets water from the West Branch Baraboo River. This branch starts in eastern Vernon County. It flows generally eastward, passing by Hillsboro.
- Little Baraboo River: A bit downstream from La Valle, the Little Baraboo River joins in. This river also starts in eastern Vernon County. It flows eastward and even briefly enters Richland County along its path.
Images for kids
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Baraboo River at dusk
