Henderson Creek (Illinois) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Henderson Creek |
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|---|---|
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Knox County west of Wataga, Illinois 41°01′57″N 90°18′11″W / 41.0325376°N 90.3031815°W |
| River mouth | Gladstone Township, Henderson County, Illinois 525 ft (160 m) 40°52′31″N 91°01′51″W / 40.8753161°N 91.0306991°W |
| Length | 65 mi (105 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Progression | Henderson Creek → Mississippi → Gulf of Mexico |
| GNIS ID | 410049 |
Henderson Creek is a river about 65 miles (104 km) long. It is a tributary (which means it flows into) the mighty Mississippi River. Henderson Creek joins the Mississippi in Henderson County, Illinois, close to the towns of Gladstone and Oquawka.
This creek starts in Knox County, near Wataga, and flows towards the west. As it travels, other smaller creeks join it. For example, South Henderson Creek and Middle Henderson Creek add their waters in Warren County. Further west, in Henderson County, North Henderson Creek and Cedar Creek also flow into it.
About 3 miles (5 km) downstream, Henderson Creek breaks through some hills called bluffs. These bluffs form the edge of the Mississippi River valley. After this, the creek flows for another 10 miles (16 km) southwest, running right next to the Mississippi River. Along this path, it collects water from several small streams that come down from the bluffs, like Fall Creek and Jinks Creek.
Contents
Towns and Counties Along the Creek
Many towns and counties in Illinois are part of the Henderson Creek area. This means the creek or its smaller branches flow through or near them.
Towns and Villages
The following towns and villages get their water from or are drained by Henderson Creek:
- Alexis
- Biggsville
- Galesburg
- Gladstone
- Henderson
- Kirkwood
- Little York
- Monmouth
- North Henderson
- Rio
- Seaton
Counties in the Creek's Basin
The Henderson Creek basin (the entire area that drains into the creek) includes parts of these counties:
Nature and Recreation Areas
Henderson Creek flows through or near some important natural areas where people can enjoy the outdoors.
- Big River State Forest near Oquawka
- Oquawka State Wildlife Refuge
