Cane River Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cane River Lake |
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Cane River Lake near Melrose Plantation in south Natchitoches Parish
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 Cane River Lake
Location in Louisiana
Cane River Lake
Location in the United States
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| Location | Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana |
| Coordinates | 31°38′10.74″N 93°0′13.96″W / 31.6363167°N 93.0038778°W |
| Type | oxbow lake |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Max. length | c. 35 mi (56 km) |
| Max. width | 100 ft (30 m) |
| Average depth | 8 ft (2.4 m) |
| Max. depth | 15 ft (4.6 m) |
| Settlements | Natchitoches, Natchez, Bermuda, Melrose |
Cane River Lake (which means "Lake of the Cane River" in French) is a special waterway in Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana, United States. It is about 35 miles (56 km) long. This lake was once part of the mighty Red River. It is known as an oxbow lake because of its unique curved shape.
The lake flows right through the historic town of Natchitoches. Many old plantations, like the famous Melrose, are found along its beautiful shores.
Contents
What is an Oxbow Lake?
An oxbow lake is a U-shaped lake. It forms when a wide bend of a river is cut off. This happens when the river finds a straighter path. Over time, the old bend becomes a separate lake. Cane River Lake is a great example of this natural process.
Cane River Lake and Famous People
Cane River Lake has been important to several well-known people.
Grits Gresham: An Outdoorsman
Between 1966 and 1979, the lake became very famous. This was thanks to a nationally known outdoorsman named Grits Gresham. He was a host on a TV show called The American Sportsman. Grits Gresham also wrote many books and articles. These were about hunting, fishing, and guns. He helped many people learn about the outdoors and about Cane River Lake.
Henry C. Dethloff: A Historian's Youth
Henry C. Dethloff was an American historian. He grew up right on Cane River. As a young person, he was very adventurous. He once swam all the way across the stream underwater! This shows how much the lake meant to those who lived near it.
Exploring the Cane River Area
The area around Cane River Lake is rich in history and nature. It is part of the Cane River National Heritage Area. This area protects the unique culture and history of the region. Visitors can explore old plantations and learn about the past. The lake itself is a popular spot for fishing and other water activities.
Images for kids
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Cane River Lake in Natchitoches, Louisiana
