Elk River (Kansas) facts for kids
The Elk River is a river in southeastern Kansas, United States. It's a smaller river that flows into a bigger one called the Verdigris River. The water from the Elk River eventually travels all the way to the Mississippi River! This means it's part of a very large system of rivers that drains a huge area of land.
Quick facts for kids Elk River |
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|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| State | Kansas |
| Region | Flint Hills |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Southwest Greenwood County, Flint Hills, Kansas, United States 735 ft (224 m) 37°36′31″N 096°31′30″W / 37.60861°N 96.52500°W |
| River mouth | Verdigris River Near Independence, Kansas, United States 224 ft (68 m) 37°15′24″N 095°41′39″W / 37.25667°N 95.69417°W |
| Length | 95 mi (153 km), Southeast |
| Basin features | |
| River system | Verdigris River |
Where Does the Elk River Flow?
The Elk River starts in the southwestern part of Greenwood County. It begins as many small streams that only flow sometimes.
The river then travels for about 95 miles (153 km) (153 km). It generally flows towards the east-southeast. The Elk River passes through several counties. These include Butler, Elk, and Montgomery counties.
Along its journey, the river flows past a few towns. These towns are Elk Falls, Longton, and Elk City. Finally, the Elk River joins the Verdigris River. This meeting point is near the northern edge of the city of Independence.
Fun at Elk City Lake!
Between the towns of Elk City and Independence, there's a big dam. The United States Army Corps of Engineers built this dam. Because of the dam, the river widens to form a large body of water called Elk City Lake.
Elk City Lake is a great place for outdoor fun! There is a state park nearby. Also, there are special federal lands around the lake. These areas offer many ways to enjoy nature. You can go hiking on three special trails. These trails are part of the National Trails System.
Discovering History at Elk River
The Elk River Archeological District is a very interesting place. It covers a large area of about 14,807 acres (59.92 km2). This district is located in Elk and Montgomery counties.
An archeological district is a special area. It is where scientists called archeologists find old things. These things help us learn about people who lived there long ago. This district has been recognized as important since 1978. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means it is a protected site because of its historical value.
