Cedar Creek (Missouri River tributary) facts for kids
Cedar Creek is a cool stream in Boone and Callaway counties in the Missouri state of the U.S.A.. It's like a smaller river that flows into the much bigger Missouri River.
Cedar Creek: A Missouri Stream
Cedar Creek starts in the northeastern part of Boone County. Imagine it beginning about five miles east of a town called Hallsville. It's also about one mile west of the border with Audrain County.
Where Does it Start and Go?
The stream flows south from where it begins. After about five miles, it starts to form the border between Boone and Callaway counties. This means one side of the creek is in Boone County, and the other side is in Callaway County!
Cedar Creek then goes under a big road called Interstate 70. This happens about eight miles east of the city of Columbia. After that, the creek flows into the Mark Twain National Forest. This is a large area of protected land.
The stream continues to flow south and southwest through the national forest. When it leaves the forest, it turns east and is no longer the county line. It flows east for about a mile, then turns south again. It goes under another road, U. S. Route 63. Finally, Cedar Creek joins the Missouri River. This meeting point is about four miles northwest of Cedar City. It's also right across the river from Jefferson City, which is Missouri's capital!
The Katy Trail, a famous biking and walking path, crosses Cedar Creek just before it meets the Missouri River.
The exact starting point (headwaters) of Cedar Creek is at 39°06′26″N 92°08′01″W / 39.10722°N 92.13361°W. The place where it joins the Missouri River (confluence) is at 38°38′24″N 92°12′37″W / 38.64000°N 92.21028°W.
How Cedar Creek Got Its Name
Cedar Creek got its name because of the many cedar trees that grow along its banks. These trees are quite common in the area.
