Belle River (Michigan) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Belle River |
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|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Dryden Township, Lapeer County, Michigan |
| River mouth | St. Clair River at Marine City, Michigan 574 ft (175 m) 42°42′25″N 82°29′50″W / 42.70694°N 82.49722°W |
| Length | 73.5 mi (118.3 km) |
The Belle River is a river in the U.S. state of Michigan. It flows for about 73.5 miles (118.3 kilometers). This river ends by joining the St. Clair River in Marine City.
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Discovering the Belle River
The Belle River is an important waterway in Michigan. It travels through several counties before reaching the St. Clair River. Understanding its journey helps us learn about the local geography.
Where Does the Belle River Begin?
The main part of the Belle River starts in a marshy area. This spot is in the southern part of Dryden Township. It's close to where Lapeer and Oakland counties meet.
From there, the river flows mostly north and then east.
The North Branch of Belle River
The Belle River also has a "North Branch." This branch begins from Long Lake. Long Lake is in Attica Township in Lapeer County.
Water from marshy areas flows into Long Lake, feeding the North Branch. This branch then flows east and later turns south. It joins the main Belle River near Imlay City.
The River's Journey Through Michigan
After the North Branch joins, the Belle River flows mostly south and east. It enters St. Clair County. The river passes by the northern side of Memphis.
It then turns southeast and goes through a small part of Macomb County. Interstate 94, a major highway, crosses over the river in this area.
The river continues its path east and southeast. It flows through China Township and East China Township. Finally, it turns south and runs alongside the St. Clair River for a few miles. Its journey ends in downtown Marine City.
What is a Watershed?
A river's watershed is all the land where water drains into that river. The Belle River's watershed covers parts of four different counties. These are Lapeer, Macomb, Oakland, and St. Clair counties. This means rain and snowmelt from these areas eventually flow into the Belle River.
