Minnehaha Creek facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Minnehaha Creek |
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Minnehaha Creek as it flows over Minnehaha Falls, shown in all four seasons.
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| Native name | Wakpa Cistinna |
| Country | United States |
| State | Minnesota |
| Region | Minneapolis, Edina, Hopkins, and Minnetonka |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Lake Minnetonka 686 feet (209 m) 44°57′16″N 93°29′10″W / 44.9544078°N 93.4860652°W |
| River mouth | Mississippi River 44°54′32″N 93°12′02″W / 44.9088543°N 93.2004996°W |
| Length | 22 miles (35 km) |
| Basin features | |
| River system | Mississippi River at Minneapolis |
| Basin size | 181 square miles (470 km2) |
| Tributaries |
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| GNIS | 647923 |
Minnehaha Creek (which means Mniȟáȟa Wakpádaŋ in the Dakota language) is a stream that flows for 22 miles (about 35 kilometers) in Minnesota, USA. It starts at Gray's Bay Dam on Lake Minnetonka and flows east. The creek passes through several cities like Minnetonka, Hopkins, Saint Louis Park, and Edina, before reaching Minneapolis. A famous part of its journey is when it flows over Minnehaha Falls in Minnehaha Park, just before it joins the mighty Mississippi River.
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History of Minnehaha Creek
The area around Minnehaha Creek and Lake Minnetonka has a long and interesting history. Long ago, a group of Native Americans known as the Mound Builders lived here. They built large earth mounds for different purposes. By the 1700s, the Mdewakanton People, a part of the larger Dakota nation, lived in this region.
The Meaning of "Minnehaha"
The name "Minnehaha" comes from the Dakota language. It means "waterfall" or "rapid water." This name perfectly describes the creek's journey, especially as it rushes over the beautiful Minnehaha Falls.
Early Explorers
The first Euro-American explorers to write about their trip up the creek were Joe Brown and Will Snelling. They traveled by canoe from Fort Snelling, exploring the waterways.
Understanding the Creek's Watershed
A watershed is like a giant bowl that collects all the water from rain and snow. This water then drains into a specific river, lake, or stream.
Minnehaha Creek's Watershed Area
The Minnehaha Creek's watershed is quite large, covering 181 square miles (about 470 square kilometers). This area includes all the land that drains into the creek, including the big Lake Minnetonka.
Managing the Water
To keep the creek and its watershed healthy, a special group called the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District helps manage it. They work to protect the water quality and natural areas for everyone to enjoy.
