Lost River (Clearwater River tributary) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lost River |
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|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Minnesota |
The Lost River is a river in northwestern Minnesota, United States. It flows for about 76.2 kilometers (47.4 miles). This river is a tributary of the Clearwater River. A tributary is a smaller river or stream that flows into a larger one.
The Lost River is part of a much bigger system of waterways. Its waters eventually reach Hudson Bay in Canada. This journey happens through several other rivers and a large lake. First, its water flows into the Clearwater River. Then, it joins the Red Lake River, which flows into the Red River of the North. The Red River then empties into Lake Winnipeg, a huge lake in Canada. Finally, water from Lake Winnipeg flows through the Nelson River all the way to Hudson Bay. This entire network of rivers and lakes is called a watershed.
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What's in a Name? The Story of the Lost River
The Lost River got its interesting name because of how it used to flow. Long ago, parts of the river actually disappeared underground! It would pass under areas called bogs.
What is a Bog?
A bog is a type of wetland. It's like a swampy area where the ground is very soft and wet. Bogs are often covered with moss and other plants. The water in bogs is usually still and can be very dark.
How the River Got "Lost"
Before people started to drain these wet areas, the Lost River would flow into a bog. It would then seem to vanish, only to reappear further downstream. This made it seem like the river was "lost" underground. Over time, many of these bogs were drained. This changed how the river flows today.
Where Does the Lost River Flow?
The Lost River flows through several counties in Minnesota. These include Red Lake County, Polk County, and Clearwater County. It is an important part of the natural landscape in this region.
