Bass River (Massachusetts) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bass River |
|
|---|---|
Looking up Bass River
|
|
| Country | United States |
| State | Massachusetts |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Mill Pond NW of South Yarmouth 41°42′19″N 70°11′40″W / 41.7053°N 70.1944°W |
| River mouth | Nantucket Sound S of South Yarmouth 0 ft (0 m) 41°38′46″N 70°11′48″W / 41.6461°N 70.1968°W |
Bass River is a special kind of river called an estuary. It is also the name of a small village in South Yarmouth, Massachusetts, United States. An estuary is where fresh water from a river mixes with salty ocean water.
This river acts like a natural border. It separates the towns of Yarmouth and Dennis. At its widest part, the river flows into Nantucket Sound. Further north, the river becomes less salty. It flows into Follins Pond, then turns into a smaller stream. This stream goes even further north to Mill Pond.
Exploring Bass River
The mouth of Bass River is a fun place. It is located between Smugglers Beach in Yarmouth and West Dennis Beach in Dennis. West Dennis Beach is a very popular spot for kite boarding. This is where people use a large kite to glide across the water on a board.
Once you are inside the river, you will see a large area of land. It is covered with green sea grass. In the middle of this grassy area is a big bay. Locals call this special island 'Marsh Island'.
Channels of the River
Marsh Island divides Bass River into two main parts. The right side of the river is known as the 'Old Field Channel'. This channel leads towards West Dennis.
The left side is the main channel of the river. Along this side, you will find several interesting places. These include Windmill Beach, the Bass River Yacht Club, and Ship Shops Marina. You will also see the Bass River Marina and Yacht Club. After passing the marina, the river goes under the Route 28 bridge. From there, it continues for about five more miles into the land.
River History and Fun Facts
Bass River was once thought to be a good place for a canal. A canal would be a waterway built to connect different bodies of water. This canal would have gone all the way across Cape Cod. It is also the largest river that the Mid-Cape Highway crosses over.
The river is home to a friendly competition. This happens between the West Dennis Yacht Club and the Bass River Yacht Club. These clubs also race against other clubs. They compete in sailing events organized by the Southern Massachusetts Sailing Association. On the Yarmouth side of the river, you can find the Bass River Golf Course. The town of Yarmouth owns and runs this golf course.
