List of lakes of the St. Johns River facts for kids

The St. Johns River is the longest river in Florida, stretching about 310 miles (500 kilometers) from its start to where it meets the Atlantic Ocean. What makes this river special is that it flows north, which is unusual for a major river in North America. It's also quite wide and slow-moving, almost like a chain of lakes in many places.

This amazing river gets its start from a series of lakes and wetlands in central Florida. These lakes are like natural reservoirs, holding water that eventually flows together to form the mighty St. Johns River. Let's explore some of the main lakes that help create this important waterway.

The River's Journey: From Lakes to Ocean

The St. Johns River begins its long journey in a marshy area in Indian River County, Florida. It's not just one single spring, but many small streams and wetlands that feed into the first lakes. These lakes are crucial because they collect the water that eventually becomes the river.

Lakes at the River's Start

The very first lakes that contribute to the St. Johns River are found in its upper basin. These areas are often wetlands, which are important habitats for many plants and animals.

• Blue Cypress Lake: This is one of the main lakes considered to be a starting point for the St. Johns River. It's a large, shallow lake known for its beautiful cypress trees.
• Lake Hell 'n Blazes: This lake is part of the upper St. Johns River basin. Its unique name comes from early settlers who found it a challenging place to navigate.
• Sawgrass Lake: Another lake in the upper basin, surrounded by sawgrass marshes. These marshes act like natural filters for the water.

Lakes Along the Middle St. Johns

As the river flows north, it connects to several other significant lakes. These lakes expand the river's width and provide important habitats and recreational areas.

• Lake Washington: This is a large lake that the St. Johns River flows through. It's a popular spot for fishing and boating.
• Lake Winder: Another lake in the chain, contributing to the river's flow.
• Lake Poinsett: This lake is also part of the river system, adding to its volume.
• Ruth Lake: A smaller lake that is connected to the river's path.
• Puzzle Lake: This lake is known for its complex shape, almost like a puzzle, with many small islands and channels.

Major Lakes of the Lower St. Johns

Further north, the river widens considerably, forming some of Florida's largest lakes. These lakes are vital for the river's ecosystem and for the communities along its banks.

• Lake Harney: This is a large, shallow lake that the St. Johns River flows through. It's an important area for wildlife.
• Lake Jesup: One of the largest lakes in the St. Johns River system, Lake Jesup is known for its abundant wildlife, including many alligators and birds.
• Lake Monroe: This lake is a significant part of the river, and the city of Sanford is located on its southern shore. It's a popular spot for water sports.
• Lake Dexter: The river flows through this lake, which is located north of Lake Monroe.
• Lake George: This is the second-largest lake in Florida and a major part of the St. Johns River. It's a very wide and open body of water, important for both nature and recreation.

Lakes Connected to the River

Some lakes are not directly in the main flow of the St. Johns River but are connected to it by channels.

• Doctors Lake: This lake is linked to the St. Johns River by a channel. It's a popular residential area with access to the larger river system.

The St. Johns River is a unique and important natural resource for Florida. The many lakes that form its path are not just sources of water, but also vital ecosystems that support a wide variety of plants and animals. Protecting these lakes helps keep the entire river healthy for future generations.