Cedar River (Antrim County, Michigan) facts for kids

The Cedar River is a cool stream located in Antrim County, Michigan. It's about 11.6-mile-long (18.7 km), which is like walking for a few hours! This river is an important part of the Elk River Chain of Lakes Watershed, which eventually flows into the big Lake Michigan.

The Cedar River starts in the southwest part of Chestonia Township. From there, it mostly flows west. It ends when it joins the Intermediate River in the town of Bellaire.

There's also a smaller stream called the North Branch Cedar River. This branch begins where Chestonia and Kearney townships meet. It flows southwest and joins the main Cedar River about a mile east of Bellaire.

What Rivers and Streams Join the Cedar River?

Many smaller streams and lakes flow into the Cedar River, adding to its water. Here are some of them, listed from where the Cedar River ends back to its beginning:

• Blair Lake
• (left side) North Branch Cedar River
• (left side) Woolcott Creek
• (right side) Scotts Spring

Where Does the Cedar River Get Its Water?

The area of land where all the rain and snowmelt drain into a river is called its drainage basin. The Cedar River's drainage basin covers parts of several areas in Antrim County. This means that water from these places eventually makes its way into the Cedar River.

• City of Bellaire
• Chestonia Township
• Custer Township
• Kearney Township
• Mancelona Township