Kankakee River facts for kids
The Kankakee River is a cool river in the United States. It flows for about 133 miles (214 km). You can find it in northwestern Indiana and northeastern Illinois. This river winds through farms and open lands. It's located south of Lake Michigan. The Kankakee River eventually joins the Illinois River.
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Discover the Kankakee River
The Kankakee River is an important waterway. It helps drain a large area of land. The river starts in St. Joseph County, Indiana. It then flows west across northern Indiana. After that, it crosses into Illinois. Finally, it meets the Des Plaines River to form the Illinois River. This meeting point is near Channahon, Illinois.
Where Does the Kankakee River Flow?
The Kankakee River begins as a small stream. It flows through several counties in Indiana. These include St. Joseph, LaPorte, Porter, Jasper, and Newton counties. As it moves west, it gets wider.
Once it enters Illinois, the river passes through Kankakee and Will counties. The land around the river is mostly flat. It used to be a huge wetland. Now, much of it is farmland.
A Look Back: Kankakee River's Past
For thousands of years, the Kankakee River was very different. It was part of a massive wetland. This area was known as the Grand Kankakee Marsh. It was one of the largest wetlands in North America.
The Grand Kankakee Marsh
The Grand Kankakee Marsh was a huge natural area. It covered about 500,000 acres (2,000 km²). This marsh was full of diverse plants and animals. It was a paradise for wildlife. Many birds, fish, and mammals lived there.
Native American tribes also lived along the river. They used the marsh for hunting and fishing. The marsh was a vital resource for them. It provided food and materials.
Changes Over Time
In the late 1800s and early 1900s, things changed. People wanted to turn the marsh into farmland. They dug many ditches and straightened parts of the river. This process is called drainage.
Drainage helped create rich farmland. But it also destroyed most of the marsh. The river became much narrower and faster. This changed the ecosystem. Today, only small parts of the original marsh remain.
Wildlife and Nature Along the River
Even after many changes, the Kankakee River is still home to lots of wildlife. Efforts are being made to restore some of its natural areas. These areas provide important habitats.
Amazing Animals of the Kankakee
The river and its remaining wetlands support many animals. You can find various types of fish here. These include smallmouth bass, channel catfish, and northern pike. Fishing is a popular activity.
Many birds also live near the river. You might see ducks, geese, and herons. Some rare birds, like sandhill cranes, also visit. Mammals like deer, raccoons, and muskrats live along the banks.
Plants and Habitats
Along the Kankakee River, you can find different plant communities. There are forests with oak and hickory trees. There are also prairies with tall grasses and wildflowers. In the remaining wetland areas, you'll see cattails and other water plants.
These different habitats are important. They provide food and shelter for the animals. Protecting these areas helps keep the river healthy.
Fun Activities on the Kankakee River
The Kankakee River offers many ways to have fun outdoors. It's a great place for families and friends.
Fishing and Boating
Fishing is very popular on the Kankakee River. People come from all over to catch fish. The river has many good spots for fishing. Boating is also a favorite activity. You can go kayaking, canoeing, or motorboating. It's a wonderful way to explore the river.
Exploring Parks and Trails
Several parks are located along the Kankakee River. Kankakee River State Park in Illinois is a great example. It offers hiking trails, picnic areas, and camping. You can enjoy nature and learn about the river's history.
Many trails follow the river's path. These are perfect for walking, running, or biking. They offer beautiful views of the water and surrounding nature.
Protecting the Kankakee River Today
People are working hard to protect the Kankakee River. Conservation groups and local communities are involved. They want to keep the river clean and healthy.
Efforts include reducing pollution. They also work to restore wetlands. These projects help improve water quality. They also create more habitats for wildlife. Protecting the Kankakee River ensures it remains a valuable natural resource for future generations.
Images for kids
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Michigan ice lobe at the Valparaiso Moraine location during the Pleistocene Ice Age
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Sandy shore along the Kankakee River, 3 km west of Illinois–Indiana state line
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Fisherman beside dam on the Kankakee River at Momence, Illinois, on the north bank, looking southwest
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Turkey Foot Wetland Conservation Area (East Yellowstone Park Road, off US 30
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Aukiki Wetland Conservation Area (SR 49 north of Wheatland, Indiana)
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Dunns Bridge over the Kankakee (County Rd 500 E)
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Kankakee River in winter (SR 49)
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Kankakee River in flood, Momence, Illinois (January 1, 2009
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Kankakee River State Park, Old Bridge Piers (January 1, 2009)
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See also
In Spanish: Río Kankakee para niños
