Mineral River facts for kids
The Mineral River is a river in Michigan, United States. It's about 18.7 miles (30.1 kilometers) long and flows into Lake Superior, one of the Great Lakes. This river is located in the western part of Michigan's Upper Peninsula, specifically in Ontonagon County.
Mineral River: A Michigan Waterway
The Mineral River starts its journey in the Ottawa National Forest. This is a large forest area known for its beautiful nature. From there, the river flows generally northwards. It eventually reaches Lake Superior, which is a very large and important lake. The river meets Lake Superior about 11 miles (18 km) west-southwest of a town called Ontonagon.
What's in a Name?
The official name, "Mineral River," was decided by the United States Board on Geographic Names in 1976. Before that, the river was also known by another name: "Beaver Creek." It's interesting how places can have different names over time! The name "Mineral River" might suggest that minerals were found in the area, which is common in this part of Michigan.
The River's Journey
Rivers like the Mineral River are important parts of the natural world. They carry water from higher elevations, like the Ottawa National Forest, down to larger bodies of water, such as Lake Superior. This flow helps shape the land and provides homes for many plants and animals. The journey of the Mineral River shows how water connects different parts of the landscape.
