Iowa River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Iowa River |
|
|---|---|
The Iowa River upstream of Marshalltown, Iowa
|
|
Map showing the Cedar (to the right) and Iowa (to the left) rivers
|
|
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Toolesboro, Iowa 42°51′38″N 93°36′50″W / 42.860524°N 93.6138214°W |
| River mouth | Belmond, Iowa 41°9′38″N 91°1′26″W / 41.16056°N 91.02389°W |
| Length | 323 mi (520 km) |
| Basin features | |
| River system | Mississippi River |
| Tributaries |
|
The Iowa River is an important river in the state of Iowa in the United States. It is a tributary, which means it flows into a larger river. The Iowa River joins the mighty Mississippi River.
This river is about 323 miles (520 km) (520 km) long. Small boats can travel on it up to Iowa City. This city is about 65 miles (105 km) (105 km) from where the Iowa River meets the Mississippi. The Cedar River is the biggest river that flows into the Iowa River.
Contents
Where the Iowa River Flows
The Iowa River starts in two main parts, like two arms. These are called the West Branch and the East Branch. Both of these parts begin in Hancock County. Each branch is about 38 miles (61 km) (61 km) long. They come together in a town called Belmond.
After joining, the Iowa River generally flows towards the southeast. It passes through many towns and cities. These include Iowa Falls, Steamboat Rock, Eldora, Marshalltown, Tama, and Marengo. The river also flows through the beautiful Amana Colonies in Iowa County.
In Johnson County, the river's flow is controlled by the Coralville Dam. This dam creates a large body of water called the Coralville Reservoir. The river then turns south and flows through Iowa City. It even passes by the University of Iowa campus.
A small dam, called a lowhead dam, is located at Burlington Street in Iowa City. This is the last dam before the Iowa River reaches the Mississippi. South of Iowa City, another river, the English River, flows into the Iowa River. Finally, in Louisa County, the Cedar River joins the Iowa River. From there, they flow together into the Mississippi River.
Fun Things to Do on the Iowa River
The Iowa River is a great place for outdoor activities. Many people enjoy fishing here. You can catch different kinds of fish in the river. Some popular fish include largemouth and smallmouth bass. You might also find walleye, northern pike, and different types of catfish. Crappie and other small fish, known as panfish, are also common.
The Coralville Reservoir is also used for fishing. Here, people sometimes catch carp and buffalo fish.
If you love nature, Pine Lake State Park is a wonderful place to visit. It is located right on the Iowa River near Eldora.
When the River Floods
Sometimes, the Iowa River can have very high water levels. This is called a flood. Floods happen when there is too much rain, and the river overflows its banks. The Iowa River has had some big floods in the past.
Two major floods happened in June 2008 and during the Great Flood of 1993. Other rivers that flow into the Iowa River, like the Cedar River and Shell Rock River, can also cause flooding.
See also
In Spanish: Río Iowa para niños
