Middle Fork Vermilion River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Middle Fork Vermilion River |
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|---|---|
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Confluence of a drainage ditch and Prairie Creek in Ford County southeast of Paxton, Illinois 40°24′15″N 88°01′05″W / 40.4042016°N 88.0180938°W |
| River mouth | Confluence with the Salt Fork forming the Vermilion River west of Danville, Illinois 535 ft (163 m) 40°06′13″N 87°43′02″W / 40.1036474°N 87.7172458°W |
| Length | 77 mi (124 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Progression | Middle Fork → Vermilion → Wabash → Ohio → Mississippi → Gulf of Mexico |
| GNIS ID | 413502 |
| Type: | Scenic |
| Designated: | May 11, 1989 |
The Middle Fork of the Vermilion River is a cool river in Illinois. It's like a smaller stream that flows into a bigger one, the Vermilion River. The Middle Fork starts in Ford County and then travels southeast. It joins the Vermilion River near a city called Danville.
Long ago, the Middle Fork helped drain a big wet area, like a marsh, in what is now Ford County. To help with drainage, people added ditches to the river. If you include these ditches, the Middle Fork is about 77 miles (124 km) (or 124 kilometers) long.
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Exploring the Middle Fork: Parks and Fun Places
The Middle Fork is super special because it's the only river in Illinois that's called a National Wild and Scenic River. This means it's protected for its amazing natural beauty and wildlife. You can visit these great spots along the river:
- Kickapoo State Recreation Area: A popular park where you can enjoy nature.
- Middle Fork State Fish and Wildlife Area: A great place to see fish and other animals.
- Middle Fork River, Champaign County Forest Preserve District: Another lovely spot to explore the river.
Towns and Counties Along the River
Many towns and parts of counties are connected to the Middle Fork River. The river's watershed (the area of land where all the water drains into the river) includes these places:
Towns and Villages
Counties Drained by the River
