Battle Creek River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Battle Creek River |
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Overlooking the Battle Creek River
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| Country | United States |
| State | Michigan |
| Counties | Eaton, Calhoun |
| Municipalities | Charlotte, Bellevue, Battle Creek |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Clarence Township 42°26′32″N 84°46′34″W / 42.44226°N 84.77609°W |
| River mouth | Kalamazoo River Battle Creek 42°19′21″N 85°11′38″W / 42.32254°N 85.193881°W |
| Length | 54.5 mi (87.7 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Basin size | 307 sq mi (800 km2) |
The Battle Creek River is a river located in the U.S. state of Michigan. It is also sometimes called simply "Battle Creek" on official maps. This river is a tributary, which means it flows into a larger river. The Battle Creek River joins the Kalamazoo River in the city of Battle Creek, Michigan. The Kalamazoo River then flows into Lake Michigan.
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About the Battle Creek River
The Battle Creek River is an important waterway in Michigan. It helps carry water from a large area of land.
Where Does the River Start?
The Battle Creek River begins at Duck Lake. This lake is located in Clarence Township, which is in the northeast part of Calhoun County.
How Does the River Flow?
From Duck Lake, the river first flows north towards the city of Charlotte. After that, it turns and flows southwest. It passes through the village of Bellevue. Finally, the river reaches the city of Battle Creek. Here, it flows into the Kalamazoo River.
What is a Drainage Basin?
A river's drainage basin is the entire area of land where all the rain and melted snow eventually drain into that river. The Battle Creek River's drainage basin is quite large. It covers about 196,750 acres (which is about 796 square kilometers). This area includes parts of northern Calhoun County, southern Eaton County, and southeastern Barry County in southwest Michigan.
Other Streams Joining the River
Many smaller streams flow into the Battle Creek River. These smaller streams are called "tributaries." Some of the tributaries that join the Battle Creek River include:
- Wanadoga Creek
- Ellis Creek
- Crooked Brook
- Goose Creek
- Ackley Creek
- Indian Creek
- Big Creek
How Long is the River?
The Battle Creek River is about 53.3 miles (or 85.8 kilometers) long. It flows downhill gently. For every mile it travels, the river drops about 1.25 feet in elevation.
How Did the River Get Its Name?
The name "Battle Creek River" comes from an old story or "local lore." This story says that the river was named after an event that happened in the winter of 1823–1824. A group of surveyors, led by a man named Colonel John Mullet, had a conflict with some local Native Americans in the area. This event is said to have given the river its name.
