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Mink River
Rogers Lake
Mink River Estuary.jpg
Mink River, September 2005
Mink River is located in Wisconsin
Mink River
Mink River
Location in Wisconsin
Mink River is located in the United States
Mink River
Mink River
Location in the United States
Location Door County, Wisconsin
Coordinates 45°14′13″N 87°02′22″W / 45.237064°N 87.039356°W / 45.237064; -87.039356
Primary outflows Rowleys Bay, Lake Michigan
Max. length 1.4 miles (2.3 km)
Surface elevation 581 feet (177 m)
Settlements Liberty Grove

The Mink River is a special freshwater area located near the northern tip of the Door Peninsula in Wisconsin, United States. It's about 1.4 miles (2.3 kilometers) long. This river is famous for its excellent bass fishing and is home to more than 200 different kinds of birds.

The Mink River flows southeast into a unique area called an estuary on Rowleys Bay. This bay is part of Lake Michigan. The river's mouth is about 4 miles (6.4 kilometers) southeast of the village of Ellison Bay.

What is an Estuary?

An estuary is a place where a river meets the sea or a large lake. It's a mix of fresh water from the river and salt water (or in this case, the large freshwater of Lake Michigan). Estuaries are very important natural areas.

They are often called "nurseries of the sea" because many young fish and other creatures grow up there. The mix of waters brings lots of nutrients, making estuaries rich in food for wildlife.

Wildlife at Mink River

The Mink River estuary is a fantastic place for nature lovers. It's especially known for two main things: its fish and its birds.

Fishing Fun

If you love to fish, the Mink River is a great spot! It's well-known for its excellent bass fishing. Bass are popular sport fish that are fun to catch. The calm waters of the estuary provide a perfect home for them.

Birdwatching Paradise

The Mink River is a true paradise for birds. More than 200 different species of birds have been seen here. This means you could spot many kinds of ducks, geese, wading birds, and even raptors.

In 1989, scientists studied the Mink River Estuary and found 35 different bird species living in just two parts of the area. This shows how diverse and important this habitat is for birds. It's a great place to go birdwatching and see many beautiful feathered friends!

Location and Importance

The Mink River is located in Door County, Wisconsin. This area is known for its beautiful natural scenery and many outdoor activities. The river's estuary is a protected natural area.

Protecting places like the Mink River estuary is very important. They help keep the environment healthy and provide homes for many plants and animals. They also offer great opportunities for people to enjoy nature, like fishing, kayaking, and birdwatching.

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