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Middle Fork Vermilion River facts for kids

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Middle Fork Vermilion River
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 / 40.4042016; -88.0180938 (Middle Fork Vermilion River origin)
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 / 40.1036474; -87.7172458 (Middle Fork Vermilion River mouth)
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
Baby softshell surveys a bar on the Middle Fork
Baby softshell surveys a bar on the Middle Fork
Bald Eagle on Nest
Bald eagle on nest, spring 2011

The Middle Fork of the Vermilion River is a tributary of the Vermilion River (Wabash River) in Illinois. The Middle Fork rises in Ford County and flows southeast to join the Vermilion near Danville.

In its natural state, the Middle Fork drained a large upland marsh in what is now Ford County. The Middle Fork has been extended into the marsh by drainage ditches. Including the ditches, the Middle Fork is about 77 miles (124 km) long.

Parks and access points

The Middle Fork is Illinois' only designated National Wild and Scenic River. Parks and access points include:

Cities, towns and counties

The following cities, towns and villages are among those in the watershed of the Middle Fork:

Parts of the following counties are drained by the Middle Fork:

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