Lampasas River facts for kids
The Lampasas River (say it like "lam-PA-sis") is a river in the U.S. state of Texas. It starts near the city of Hamilton and flows southeast for about 75 miles (120 kilometers). This journey takes it through central Texas to a big man-made lake called Stillhouse Hollow Lake.
The river continues for a short distance after the lake. It then meets up with the Leon River to form the Little River (Texas). This happens near the town of Belton. The Lampasas River flows through Lampasas, Burnet, and Bell Counties.
The Lampasas River: A Texas Waterway
The Lampasas River is an important part of the water system in central Texas. It helps provide water for the area and supports different kinds of plants and animals. Understanding rivers like the Lampasas helps us learn about the natural world around us.
Where Does the River Flow?
The Lampasas River begins its journey in Hamilton County. From there, it travels southeast, cutting across the landscape of central Texas. It flows through Lampasas County, giving the county its name. Then it moves into Burnet County and finally reaches Bell County.
This river is about 100 miles (160 kilometers) long in total. Its path ends when it joins the Leon River. Together, they create the Little River, which eventually flows into the Brazos River.
Wildlife Along the Lampasas River
The Lampasas River is home to many different animals. One interesting resident is the American Alligator. This river is actually the northernmost and westernmost place where American Alligators naturally live. This means it's one of the coolest places (temperature-wise) where you might find them in the wild.
Alligators are large reptiles that love to live in slow-moving water. They are important predators in their environment. They help keep the ecosystem balanced by eating fish, birds, and other small animals. Seeing an alligator in the Lampasas River is a reminder of the diverse wildlife that calls Texas home. It's important to respect these animals and their natural habitats.
