Big Buffalo Creek (Missouri) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Big Buffalo Creek |
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|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| State | Missouri |
| District | Benton and Morgan counties |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Morgan County 1,060 ft (320 m) 38°24′02″N 93°01′53″W / 38.40056°N 93.03139°W |
| River mouth | Big Buffalo Cove, Lake of the Ozarks Benton County, Missouri 659 ft (201 m) 38°16′38″N 93°05′25″W / 38.27722°N 93.09028°W |
| Basin features | |
| Tributaries |
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Big Buffalo Creek is a cool stream located in west-central Missouri, USA. It flows through parts of Morgan and Benton counties. This creek is an important tributary (a smaller stream that flows into a larger one) of the Osage River, and it eventually joins the famous Lake of the Ozarks.
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Where Does Big Buffalo Creek Start?
The journey of Big Buffalo Creek begins in Morgan County. Its very start, called the headwaters, is found just south of a special fish hatchery. This spot is about three miles southwest of a town called Stover.
The Creek's Path
From its starting point, the creek flows generally south and then southwest. It passes by the southern side of a small place known as Boylers Mill. As it continues its path, the stream crosses into Benton County. Here, it flows through a protected area called the Big Buffalo Creek Conservation Area.
Joining the Lake of the Ozarks
After its journey through the conservation area, Big Buffalo Creek turns south again. It then flows directly into the waters of the Lake of the Ozarks near the community of Zora. Before the Lake of the Ozarks was created by building a dam, Big Buffalo Creek used to meet the Osage River directly. This meeting point was just south of a community called Riverview.
What's in a Name?
The name "Big Buffalo Creek" helps tell it apart from another nearby stream. There is also a "Little Buffalo Creek" in the same area. Both creeks are located in Buffalo Township in Morgan County, which is how they got their names.
