Murphy River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Murphy River |
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| Country | United States |
| State | Michigan |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Drummond Lake 46°28′57″N 88°27′13″W / 46.4824417°N 88.4537489°W |
| River mouth | Worm Lake 1,588 ft (484 m) 46°32′18″N 88°30′10″W / 46.5382739°N 88.5029149°W |
The Murphy River is a small but important river located in the beautiful Upper Peninsula of Michigan, in the United States. It flows for about 6.6 miles (around 10.6 kilometers) through Baraga County. This river is a key part of a larger water system that eventually reaches Lake Superior.
Where is the Murphy River?
The Murphy River starts its journey in a place called Drummond Lake. This lake is found in the northern part of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. From there, the river flows generally northwest.
Its Journey to Lake Superior
The Murphy River doesn't flow directly into Lake Superior. Instead, it's a "tributary," which means it flows into another body of water.
- The Murphy River flows into Worm Lake.
- Worm Lake then empties into the Rock River.
- The Rock River joins the Sturgeon River.
- Finally, the Sturgeon River flows into the mighty Lake Superior, one of the largest freshwater lakes in the world!
This shows how many rivers and lakes are connected, forming a big network of water. The Murphy River is a small but important link in this chain.
Why are Rivers Important?
Rivers like the Murphy River are super important for many reasons.
- Water Supply: They provide fresh water for plants, animals, and sometimes even people.
- Habitats: Rivers are home to many different kinds of fish, insects, and other wildlife.
- Transportation: Historically, rivers were like natural highways for people and goods.
- Nature's Path: They help carry water from higher places down to larger lakes and oceans, shaping the land as they go.
Even a smaller river like the Murphy River plays a vital role in its local environment and the larger ecosystem of the Great Lakes.
