Boyne River (Michigan) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Boyne River |
|
|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Eastern Charlevoix County, northeast Antrim County, northwest Otsego County |
| River mouth | Lake Charlevoix at Boyne City |
| Length | 9.0 km (5.6 mi) (main branch) |
| Basin features | |
| Basin size | 40,320 acres (163.2 km2) |
The Boyne River is a cool stream in Northern Michigan, USA. It got its name from another famous river, the River Boyne in Ireland.
This river system is quite big! If you add up the main river and its two main branches (the north and south branches), it stretches for about 22 miles (35 km). All the water from an area of about 40,320 acres (163.2 km²) drains into the Boyne River. It's the second-largest river that flows into Lake Charlevoix, right after the Jordan River.
Contents
Where the Boyne River Flows
The main part of the Boyne River is about 5.6 miles (9.0 km) long. It starts where its north and south branches meet. This spot is less than a mile northwest of a small village called Boyne Falls.
From there, the main river flows northwest. It passes through Boyne City before finally emptying into Lake Charlevoix.
North and South Branches
The North Branch Boyne River is about 5.9 miles (9.5 km) long. It begins in Hudson Township in eastern Charlevoix County.
The South Branch Boyne River is longer, at about 10.5 miles (16.9 km). It starts in Elmira Township in northwest Otsego County. This branch also flows northwest, crossing a small part of Antrim County.
Ponds and Dams on the River
The Boyne River system has a few important spots where water is held back, often by dams. These are called impoundments or reservoirs.
- Boyne City Mill Pond: This pond is right inside Boyne City, close to where the river meets Lake Charlevoix. It's not really formed by a dam across the river. But it acts like one because it collects dirt and sand. It also makes the water warmer in summer, which can affect the river. Long ago, in 1901, people called it "Little Lake."
- Hydroelectric Dam: There's a dam owned by Boyne Resorts that makes electricity! It was built around 1906 to power nearby towns. Over the years, different companies owned and ran it. In 1963, the dam and the land around its reservoir were sold to the Boyne Mountain Lodge. Today, it still uses the existing dam and an 80-acre (0.32 km²) reservoir to produce electricity.
- Boyne River Pond: This pond is on the South Branch of the river, near Boyne Falls. Its dam was built even earlier, before 1900. Back then, the water flow from this dam powered a saw mill (for cutting wood) and a grist mill (for grinding grain). Today, the M-75 highway crosses the river right over this dam.
The land around where the Boyne River starts is mostly sandy. This sand can form steep riverbanks.
Fish in the River
The Boyne River is home to many different kinds of fish! You might find:
Smaller Streams (Tributaries)
Many smaller streams flow into the Boyne River. These are called tributaries. Think of them as little helpers that bring more water to the main river.
- Forest Lake (which was called Mud Lake in 1901)
- North Branch Boyne River
- Schoolhouse Creek
- Cramer Creek
- Licks Creek
- Kuznick Creek
- South Branch Boyne River
- Moyer Creek
The River's Drainage Area
The Boyne River system collects water from a large area of land. This area is called its drainage basin. It includes all or parts of these cities, townships, and villages:
- Antrim County
- Warner Township
- Charlevoix County
- Boyne Valley Township
- Evangeline Township
- Hudson Township
- Melrose Township
- Wilson Township
- Otsego County
- Elmira Township
- Hayes Township
