Bear River (Michigan) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bear River |
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The Bear River flowing through downtown Petoskey
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| Country | Michigan, United States |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Walloon Lake |
| River mouth | Little Traverse Bay |
| Length | 14.7 miles (23.7 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Tributaries |
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The Bear River is a small, clear river in the state of Michigan, United States. It is about 14.7 miles (23.7 km) long. This makes it the biggest stream that flows into Little Traverse Bay. Little Traverse Bay is part of Lake Michigan.
The river starts from Walloon Lake. This lake is on the border between Charlevoix County and Emmet County. The river flows out from the southeast end of the lake. This is near the town of Walloon Lake.
The Bear River flows east for about 2 miles (3 km). Then it turns north through Bear Creek Township. It angles northwest and finally empties into Little Traverse Bay. This happens in the city of Petoskey. Petoskey was actually called "Bear River" until 1873. The river has also been known as "Bear Creek" and "Ellis Creek" in the past.
The Bear River is a great place for outdoor fun. It has excellent fishing, especially for smelt. You can also enjoy peaceful canoeing or kayaking on its waters. For much of its journey in Emmet County, River Road and a railway line run alongside the river.
What Streams Flow Into the Bear River?
Smaller streams that flow into a larger river are called tributaries. The Bear River has several of these.
- Spring Brook (flows in from the left side)
- South Branch Spring Brook (flows into Spring Brook from the right)
- Gimlet Creek (flows into South Branch Spring Brook from the right)
- North Branch Spring Brook (flows into Spring Brook from the left)
- South Branch Spring Brook (flows into Spring Brook from the right)
- Hay Marsh Creek (flows in from the right side)
- Walloon Lake (this is where the Bear River starts)
- Schoofs Creek (flows into Walloon Lake)
Where Does the Bear River Get Its Water?
A drainage basin is an area of land where all the water drains into a specific river or lake. The Bear River system, including Walloon Lake, collects water from many places.
It drains all or parts of these cities and townships:
- In Charlevoix County:
- Bay Township
- Boyne Valley Township
- Chandler Township
- Evangeline Township
- Hudson Township
- Melrose Township
- In Emmet County:
- Bear Creek Township
- Petoskey
- Resort Township
- Springvale Township
