Loup River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Loup River |
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Loup River at Nebraska Highway 39 crossing south of Genoa; looking downstream (east).
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The Loup River in Nebraska, showing the North and South Loup rivers
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 Location of the mouth of the Loup River in Nebraska
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| Country | United States |
| State | Nebraska |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Howard County, Nebraska 41°16′14″N 98°24′4″W / 41.27056°N 98.40111°W |
| River mouth | Platte River Platte County, Nebraska 1,424 ft (434 m) 41°23′58″N 97°19′17″W / 41.39944°N 97.32139°W |
| Length | 68 mi (109 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Basin size | 15,000 sq mi (39,000 km2) |
The Loup River is a river about 68 miles (109 km) long in central Nebraska, United States. It flows into the Platte River. This river helps drain a large farming area on the eastern edge of the Great Plains.
The name "Loup" means "wolf" in French. Early French trappers gave it this name because of the Skidi band of the Pawnee. The Skidi people were also known as the "Wolf People" and lived along the river's banks. The Loup River and its branches, like the North Loup, Middle Loup, and South Loup, are often called "the Loups." Together, they form over 1,800 miles (2,900 km) of streams and drain about one-fifth of Nebraska.
Where the Loup River Flows
The Loup River starts in eastern Howard County. It forms when the North Loup and Middle Loup rivers meet. This meeting point is about 5 miles (8 km) northeast of St. Paul.
The river then flows east-northeast. It passes by Fullerton, where the Cedar River joins it from the north. The Loup River continues flowing east-northeast, generally running parallel to the Platte River. It is usually about 15 miles (24 km) away from the Platte. Finally, the Loup River joins the Platte River from the northwest, about 4 miles (6 km) southeast of Columbus.
How the Loup River Helps with Power
Southwest of Genoa, there is a special dam that sends water into the Loup Canal. This canal carries water to places that make hydroelectric power. Hydroelectric power is electricity made using the force of moving water. These power facilities are in Monroe and Columbus. After the water is used to make power, the canal flows into the Platte River, a short distance from where the Loup River also joins the Platte.
Images for kids
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A robot, representing the "See also" section.
See also
- In Spanish: Río Loup para niños
