Middle River (Iowa) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Middle River |
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The Middle River, looking upstream from the Summerset Trail in Warren County
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Map of the Des Moines River watershed with the Middle River highlighted
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| Country | US |
| State | Iowa |
| District | Warren County, Iowa, Madison County, Iowa, Adair County, Iowa, Guthrie County, Iowa |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | 1,466 ft (447 m) 41°35′24″N 94°41′42″W / 41.590°N 94.695°W |
| River mouth | Des Moines River US 758 ft (231 m) 41°28′55″N 93°24′07″W / 41.482°N 93.402°W |
| Length | 123 miles (198 km) |
| Depth |
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| Basin features | |
| Basin size | 489.5 square miles (1,268 km2) |
| Tributaries |
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The Middle River is a river in south-central Iowa, United States. It is a tributary of the Des Moines River. This means it is a smaller river that flows into a larger one. The Middle River is about 123 miles (198 km) long.
It helps drain an area of about 489.5 square miles (1,268 km²). All the water from this area flows into the Middle River. Through the Des Moines River, the Middle River's water eventually joins the Mississippi River. This entire area is part of the huge watershed of the Mississippi River.
Contents
Where the Middle River Flows
The Middle River starts in the southwestern part of Guthrie County. It begins its journey by flowing towards the southeast through Adair County.
Journey Through Iowa Counties
After Adair County, the river turns eastward. It flows through Madison County. Then, it moves east-northeast through Warren County.
Towns Along the River
As the Middle River travels, it passes by several towns. These towns include Casey, Winterset, Patterson, Bevington, Martensdale, Spring Hill, and Carlisle.
River Changes in Warren County
In Warren County, a large part of the Middle River's path has been changed. It has been straightened and channelized. This means people have made the river flow in a straighter, more controlled path.
Joining the Des Moines River
Finally, the Middle River joins the Des Moines River. This meeting point is in Warren County, near the town of Carlisle. It is about 13 miles (21 km) southeast of the city of Des Moines.
South Fork Middle River
The Middle River has a smaller stream that flows into it. This stream is called the South Fork Middle River. It is a short headwaters tributary. A headwaters tributary is a stream that forms near the very beginning of a river system.
South Fork's Path
The South Fork Middle River starts near the western edge of Guthrie County. It begins about a mile north of Adair. At its start, it is about 1,433 feet (437 meters) above sea level.
Where the South Fork Joins
The South Fork flows generally east-southeast for about 5 miles (8 km). It passes just south of Casey, Iowa. Then, it turns northeast and flows into the main Middle River. This happens just east of Casey, where the elevation is about 1,195 feet (364 meters).
