Montreal River (Wisconsin–Michigan) facts for kids
- For other rivers with the same name, including another one in Michigan, see Montreal River (disambiguation)
Quick facts for kids Montreal River |
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| Country | United States |
| State | Michigan, Wisconsin |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Pine Lake Oma, Wisconsin 1,611 ft (491 m) 46°16′11″N 90°08′51″W / 46.26972°N 90.14750°W |
| River mouth | Lake Superior Oronto Bay 610 ft (190 m) 46°33′56″N 90°25′00″W / 46.56556°N 90.41667°W |
| Length | 47.8 mi (76.9 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Basin size | 270 sq mi (700 km2)approx. |
| Tributaries |
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The Montreal River is a river in the northern United States. It flows through parts of Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. This river is about 47.8 miles (76.9 km) (76.9 km) long. It drains an area of about 270 square miles (700 km2) (700 km²) of forest land.
For most of its path, the Montreal River forms part of the border between Wisconsin and Michigan. The Ojibwe people have a special name for this river: Gaa-waasijiwaang. This name means "where there is whitewater", which describes parts of the river well.
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Where the Montreal River Starts and Ends
The Montreal River begins at Pine Lake. This lake is located in a town called Oma in eastern Iron County, Wisconsin. From there, the river flows north.
The River's Path
As it flows, the Montreal River reaches the border between Iron County, Wisconsin, and Gogebic County, Michigan. It then turns northwest and follows this state line. The river passes by two "twin cities": Hurley, Wisconsin and Ironwood, Michigan.
After flowing past Ironwood and Hurley, the Montreal River goes over four waterfalls. These waterfalls are named Peterson, Interstate, Saxon, and Superior Falls. The last two, Saxon and Superior Falls, are very close to where the river meets Lake Superior.
Meeting Lake Superior
The Montreal River finally flows into Oronto Bay. This bay is on the southwestern shore of Lake Superior. The river's mouth is about 15 miles (24 km) (24 km) northwest of Ironwood. This spot is also the westernmost point of Michigan.
The West Fork Montreal River
The West Fork Montreal River is another important part of this river system. It starts at Island Lake, which is in the middle of Iron County, Wisconsin. This fork flows generally north for about 24.7 miles (39.8 km) (39.8 km). It runs roughly parallel to the main Montreal River.
Waterfalls on the West Fork
The West Fork Montreal River also has four named waterfalls. These are Kimball Falls, Rock Cut Falls, Gile Falls, and Spring Camp Falls. The West Fork joins the main Montreal River after it flows past the city of Montreal, Wisconsin.
The River's Surroundings
Both the Montreal River and its West Fork flow through an area called the Gogebic Range. This is a range of hills located near Hurley and Ironwood. The rivers are found in the Laurentian Mixed Forest Province region. This area is also known as the "north woods" of the upper Midwest.
