Cascade River (Minnesota) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Cascade River
The Cascade River in Cascade River State Park
Mouth of the Cascade River
Country	United States
State	Minnesota
County	Cook County
Physical characteristics
Main source	Mark Lake 47°52′12″N 90°36′40″W / 47.8698914°N 90.6112262°W / 47.8698914; -90.6112262
River mouth	Deer Yard Lake, Lake Superior 47°42′25″N 90°31′21″W / 47.7068378°N 90.5226208°W / 47.7068378; -90.5226208
Length	17.1 miles (27.5 km)
Basin features
Tributaries	Left: McDonald Creek, Thompson Creek, Fry Creek, Nester Creek, Belly Creek, North Branch Cascade River Right: Mississippi Creek, Mark Creek
Waterfalls	Cascade Falls

The Cascade River is a beautiful river in northeastern Minnesota, United States. It flows for about 17 miles (27.5 km) through Cook County. This river eventually empties into the huge Lake Superior, one of the Great Lakes. You can find it between the towns of Grand Marais and Lutsen. The lower parts of the river are even part of a special place called Cascade River State Park.

What's in a Name?

The Cascade River got its name because of the many amazing waterfalls you can see near where it meets Lake Superior. These waterfalls create a "cascade" effect as the water tumbles down. It's a truly beautiful sight!

Where Does the River Flow?

The Cascade River starts from a place called Mark Lake. From there, it flows generally southeast. It makes its way through forests and rocky areas before reaching Lake Superior. Along its journey, several smaller streams, called tributaries, join the Cascade River. These include streams like McDonald Creek and Mark Creek.

Exploring Cascade River State Park

A big part of the Cascade River flows through Cascade River State Park. This park is a popular spot for visitors who love nature. It offers many fun things to do:

• You can hike on trails that wind along the river.
• You can see amazing views of the waterfalls.
• You can enjoy picnics with your family and friends.
• The park also has places for camping.
• It's a great place to explore the natural beauty of Minnesota.

Waterfalls of the Cascade River

The waterfalls are the most famous feature of the Cascade River. As the river gets closer to Lake Superior, it drops over several rocky ledges. This creates a series of beautiful falls. These falls are easy to see from the park's trails. They are a highlight for anyone visiting the area.

Fishing in the River

The Cascade River is known as a "trout stream." This means it's a good place for fishing, especially for trout. Anglers (people who fish) enjoy trying to catch fish in its clear, cool waters. It's a peaceful activity for those who love to fish.