Leaf River (Minnesota) facts for kids
The Leaf River is a river in west-central Minnesota, United States. It is about 43.6-mile-long (70.2 km). The Leaf River flows into the Crow Wing River. From there, its waters eventually join the huge Mississippi River. This means the Leaf River is part of the Mississippi River's large watershed.
Where the River Flows
The Leaf River starts in a group of lakes called the Leaf Lakes. These lakes are West Leaf Lake, Middle Leaf Lake, and East Leaf Lake. They are located in the northeastern part of Otter Tail County.
The river then flows mostly towards the east. It passes by the town of Bluffton. The Leaf River continues into southern Wadena County.
The Leaf River joins the Crow Wing River from the west. This meeting point is in Thomastown Township. It is about 10 miles (16 km) north of the town of Staples. Just a little bit further downstream, the Partridge River also joins the Crow Wing River. Long ago, before many people settled here, there were fur trading posts along the Crow Wing River between where the Leaf and Partridge rivers join it.
The two biggest rivers that flow into the Leaf River are the Wing River and the Redeye River. Both of these rivers join the Leaf River in Wadena County.
Historical Agreements
The Leaf River played a role in some important historical agreements. These were called treaties, which are official agreements between different groups of people.
The Leaf River was a boundary line for the 1847 Treaty of Washington. This treaty was signed between the Pillager Chippewa people and the United States government.
It was also a boundary for the 1855 Treaty of Washington. This treaty was signed by the Mississippi Chippewa people, the Pillager Chippewa people, and the United States. These treaties involved agreements about land.
For example, land given to the United States by the Pillagers in 1847 was meant for the Menomini people. However, the Menomini decided not to move from Wisconsin. So, they later sold that land back to the United States in 1854.
Fishing in the Leaf River
Fishing is a popular activity on the Leaf River. Many different types of fish live in its waters.
Some of the fish you might find include:
- Walleye
- Rock bass
- Northern Pike
- Carp
- Suckers
