Leaf River (Illinois) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Leaf River |
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| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Carroll County southeast of Shannon, Illinois 42°07′46″N 89°41′59″W / 42.1294444°N 89.6997222°W |
| River mouth | Confluence with the Rock River north of Oregon, Illinois 676 ft (206 m) 42°05′50″N 89°19′20″W / 42.0972222°N 89.3222222°W |
| Length | 31 mi (50 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Progression | Leaf River → Rock → Mississippi → Gulf of Mexico |
| GNIS ID | 411890 |
The Leaf River is a cool waterway in northwestern Illinois, United States. It's like a smaller stream that flows into a bigger one. The Leaf River is about 31 mi (50 km) long. It's a tributary, which means it feeds into the Rock River.
Think of it like this: the Leaf River is a branch, and the Rock River is a bigger branch. Both of these rivers are part of an even larger system. They are connected to the mighty Mississippi River. This whole network of rivers and streams is called a watershed. It means all the water in this area eventually flows into the Mississippi River and then all the way to the Gulf of Mexico.
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Where the Leaf River Flows
The Leaf River starts its journey in Carroll County. This is in the northeastern part of the county, near the town of Shannon. From there, it begins to flow towards the east.
Journey Through Ogle County
As the river continues its path, it crosses into northwestern Ogle County. Along the way, it passes by a couple of small towns. These towns are Adeline and Leaf River. It's pretty neat that one of the towns is named after the river itself!
Joining the Rock River
Finally, the Leaf River reaches its destination. It meets and joins the Rock River. This meeting point is located between the towns of Byron and Oregon. The Leaf River flows into the Rock River from the west side.
Why Rivers are Important
Rivers like the Leaf River are super important for many reasons. They provide water for plants and animals. They also help shape the land around them over many years. People have used rivers for travel and trade for a long time. They are a vital part of our natural world.
