Ocqueoc River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ocqueoc River |
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River Road over the Ocqueoc River.
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| Country | United States |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Bismarck Township, Presque Isle County, Michigan |
| River mouth | Lake Huron at Ocqueoc Township, Presque Isle County, Michigan 584 feet (178 m) |
| Length | 34 miles (55 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Basin size | 94,394 acres (382.00 km2) |
| Tributaries |
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The Ocqueoc River (say it like Ah-key-ock) is a stream in Presque Isle County, Michigan. This county is in the northeastern part of the lower peninsula of the U.S. state of Michigan. The river is about 34.2 miles (55.0 km) long. It collects water from an area of about 94,394 acres (382.00 km2).
The name Ocqueoc comes from a French word. It means "crooked waters." This name fits the river well because it winds and turns a lot.
Contents
What is the Ocqueoc River Like?
The Ocqueoc River is the biggest river that stays completely within Presque Isle County. It gets its water from several lakes, including Ocqueoc Lake. It also has smaller streams, called tributaries, that flow into it. The biggest of these are the Little Ocqueoc River and Silver Creek.
The river starts in southern Bismarck Township. This is about 10 miles (16 km) southeast of Millersburg. Millersburg is the largest town in the area where the river collects its water.
Discover Ocqueoc Falls
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The Ocqueoc Falls are the largest waterfalls in the Lower Peninsula of Michigan. The water drops about 5 feet (1.5 m) here. These falls are a popular spot for visitors in Presque Isle County.
Near the falls, you can find the Ocqueoc Falls Bicentennial Pathway. This pathway has trails for hiking in the summer. In the winter, the trails are prepared for activities like cross-country skiing. The Ocqueoc River is special because it is one of the few rivers in the Lower Peninsula that flows north.
How the River Flows Underground
The Ocqueoc River flows through an area with lots of limestone. This type of ground is called karst. Because of this, some of the smaller streams that feed the river actually flow underground for parts of their journey. The Little Ocqueoc River is one example of this.
The upper parts of the river's watershed are often swampy. You can find trees like cedar, tamarack, balsam, poplar, aspen, and black ash there.
Fish and Fishing in the River
The river has different kinds of fish depending on the water temperature. The warmer upper parts of the river have warm-water fish. These include sunfish, pike, and bass. The lower parts of the river are cooler. Here, you can find salmon and trout.
A special way of fishing called "smelt dipping" is used near where the Ocqueoc River meets Lake Huron. People use nets to catch small fish called smelt.
Where Does the River Get Its Water?
The Ocqueoc River collects water from a large area called its drainage basin. This basin includes parts of several townships in Presque Isle County. These townships are:
- Bearinger Township
- Bismarck Township
- Case Township
- Millersburg
- Moltke Township
- Ocqueoc Township
Main Streams Flowing into the Ocqueoc River
Many smaller streams and lakes flow into the Ocqueoc River. Some of the main ones include:
- Ocqueoc Lake
- Silver Creek
- Little Ocqueoc River
- Indian Creek
- Upper Barnhart Lake
- Lower Barnhart Lake
- Lake Nettie
