Eel River (White River tributary) facts for kids
The Eel River is a river in southwestern Indiana. It's about 52.8 miles (85 kilometers) long. This river is a "tributary," which means it's a smaller river that flows into a larger one. The Eel River flows into the White River.
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The Journey of the Eel River
The Eel River starts in the southwestern part of Putnam County. It begins where two smaller streams, Mill Creek and Big Walnut Creek, join together. This joining point is called a "confluence."
Where the Water Goes
From its start, the Eel River generally flows south and a little bit west. After a while, it turns southeast. It travels about 18 miles (29 kilometers) before it meets the White River near a town called Worthington.
The water from the Eel River doesn't stop there! It continues its journey. From the White River, it flows into the Wabash River. Then, the Wabash River joins the Ohio River. Finally, the Ohio River flows into the mighty Mississippi River, which carries all that water all the way to the Gulf of Mexico. It's a long trip for a drop of water!
Counties It Flows Through
As the Eel River makes its way, it passes through several counties in Indiana. These include Greene, Owen, Clay, and Putnam counties.
Other Eel Rivers?
It's interesting to know that there are actually two rivers named Eel River in Indiana! This one is the southern of the two.
Streams Joining the Eel River
The Eel River gets water from several smaller streams that flow into it. These are also called tributaries.
Big Walnut Creek
One important stream is Big Walnut Creek. It has a large area of land that drains water into it, covering about 318 square miles (824 square kilometers).
Mill Creek and Cataract Lake
Another stream that feeds the Eel River is Mill Creek. Before joining the Eel River, Mill Creek flows into a lake called Cagles Mill Lake. This lake is also known as Cataract Lake.
River Flow Facts
Scientists measure how much water flows in rivers. At a place called Bowling Green, Indiana, the Eel River typically carries about 943 cubic feet of water per second each year. That's a lot of water moving by!
