Blindman River facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Blindman River
The Blindman River, near Rimbey, Alberta
Country	Canada
Province	Alberta
Physical characteristics
Main source	Medicine Lake Provincial Grazing Reserve 1,003 m (3,291 ft) 52°53′13″N 114°34′39″W / 52.88694°N 114.57750°W / 52.88694; -114.57750
River mouth	Red Deer River 859 m (2,818 ft) 52°21′17″N 113°45′26″W / 52.35472°N 113.75722°W / 52.35472; -113.75722 (Sturgeon River mouth)

The Blindman River is a river located in the middle-south part of Alberta, Canada. It starts its journey south of a place called Winfield, Alberta. From there, it flows towards the southeast. Eventually, it joins a bigger river, the Red Deer River, close to the city of Red Deer.

The Blindman River near Rimbey, Alberta

As the Blindman River travels, it passes under Alberta Highway 20 many times in its upper parts. It then flows near the town of Rimbey. The river also gets water from Gull Lake, which adds to its flow. Finally, it goes under Alberta Highway 2 at Red Deer before joining the Red Deer River.

The Blindman River has cut deeply into the ground where it meets the Red Deer River.

Why is it called the Blindman River?

There are two main ideas about how the Blindman River got its name.

The Cree Hunting Party Story

One idea suggests that a group of Cree hunters were traveling near the river. They became snowblind, which means their eyes were hurt by bright sunlight reflecting off snow. They had to stop and rest on the river banks until their eyes got better. Because of this, the hunting party named the river pas-ka-poo, which means Blindman in their language.

The River's Shape Story

The second idea says that the name Blindman describes the river itself. This theory suggests the river was called "Blindman" because it has many meanders. Meanders are like big, winding curves and bends in the river's path. If you imagine trying to find your way along a very twisty path, it might feel like you're "blind" to where you're going next!

The Paskapoo Formation

The Paskapoo Formation is a type of rock found in the area. It was first studied and described along the banks of the Blindman River. This rock formation actually gets its name from the Cree word pas-ka-poo, which is the same word linked to the river's name.

What Rivers and Lakes Join the Blindman?

Rivers and streams that flow into a larger river are called tributaries. Here are some of the smaller waterways that join the Blindman River:

• Anderson Creek
• Lloyd Creek
• Boyd Creek
• Potter Creek
• Gull Lake (which flows into the river)