Chippewa River (Minnesota) facts for kids

Map of the Minnesota River watershed with the Chippewa River highlighted (including its East Branch)

The Chippewa River is a river in Minnesota, United States. It is about 153 miles (246 km) long. This river flows into the Minnesota River. From there, its waters eventually reach the mighty Mississippi River.

A river that flows into a larger river is called a tributary. The Chippewa River is a tributary of the Minnesota River. All the land that drains water into a river system is called its watershed. So, the Chippewa River is part of the huge Mississippi River watershed.

The river got its name from the Chippewa Indians.

Where the River Flows

A stereoscopic photo of the Chippewa River by Benjamin Franklin Upton

The Chippewa River starts from Stowe Lake in Douglas County. This is about 3 miles (5 km) northwest of Brandon. It begins near a group of lakes, including Lakes Aaron and Moses.

The river first flows west into Grant County. Then, it turns south and continues through several other counties. These include Pope, Stevens, Swift, and Chippewa counties.

Towns Along the River

The Chippewa River passes by a few towns. These towns are Hoffman, Cyrus, and Benson. Finally, the river joins the Minnesota River in the city of Montevideo.

Other Branches of the River

In Pope County, the Chippewa River meets the Little Chippewa River. This smaller river is about 41 miles (66 km) long. It flows southwest through Douglas and Pope counties.

Near Benson, the river is joined by the East Branch Chippewa River. This branch is about 64 miles (103 km) long. It starts in southeastern Douglas County. It flows south through Pope County, passing through several lakes. Then it turns west in Swift County before joining the main river.

River Flow

At a place called Watson, the river flows at an average speed. It moves about 236 cubic feet (6.7 cubic meters) of water every second.