Ontonagon River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ontonagon River |
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The Ontonagon River just below the confluence of its east and middle branches, as viewed from near US Highway 45
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| Physical characteristics | |
| River mouth | Lake Superior 46°52′35″N 89°19′40″W / 46.87633°N 89.32791°W |
| Type: | Wild, Scenic, Recreational |
| Designated: | March 3, 1992 |
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The Ontonagon River (ON-tə-NAH-gən) is a river in Michigan, United States. It flows into Lake Superior at the village of Ontonagon. This village is located on the western part of Michigan's Upper Peninsula.
The main part of the river is about 25 miles (40 km) long. It is formed when several longer branches join together. Some parts of these branches are special. They have been named a National Wild and Scenic River. This means they are protected for their natural beauty. You can also find beautiful waterfalls on the river, like Agate Falls and Bond Falls.
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The Ontonagon River: A Michigan Gem
The Ontonagon River is an important waterway in Michigan. It is known for its beautiful scenery and its connection to the history of the area. The river's journey ends when it empties into Lake Superior.
Where the River Flows: Its Many Branches
The Ontonagon River is made up of several main parts, called branches. These branches all flow through the Ottawa National Forest. Let's explore them:
The West Branch Ontonagon River
- This branch is completely within Ontonagon County.
- It starts at Lake Gogebic near the town of Bergland.
- It flows mostly to the east-northeast for about 34.5 miles (55.5 km).
- Along its way, it collects water from the South Branch.
- It also passes through a dam that creates the Victoria Reservoir.
The South Branch Ontonagon River
- This branch forms in the southwest part of Ontonagon County.
- It begins where Tenmile Creek and the Cisco Branch Ontonagon River meet.
- The Cisco Branch starts in Cisco Lake in eastern Gogebic County.
- It flows north-northeast for about 32.7 miles (52.7 km) to join the South Branch.
- The South Branch then flows north for about 33.3 miles (53.6 km).
- It passes by the community of Ewen before joining the West Branch.
The Middle Branch Ontonagon River
- This branch is about 70.7 miles (113.8 km) long.
- It starts from Crooked Lake in eastern Gogebic County.
- At first, it flows east, passing the town of Watersmeet.
- After collecting the Tamarack River, it turns north.
- It flows into Ontonagon County, where it collects the Baltimore River and then joins the East Branch.
The East Branch Ontonagon River
- This branch is about 59.3 miles (95.4 km) long.
- It starts from Jingle Lake in northern Iron County.
- It flows generally northwest through Houghton County.
- Finally, it enters Ontonagon County, where it joins the Middle Branch.
After all these branches come together, the main Ontonagon River flows north-northwest. It travels for about 24.7 miles (39.7 km) in Ontonagon County. Its journey ends when it flows into Lake Superior at the village of Ontonagon.
Special Protection: A Wild and Scenic River
On March 3, 1992, certain parts of the Ontonagon River's upper branches received a special title. They were named the Ontonagon National Wild and Scenic River. This means these sections are protected by the government. The goal is to keep them natural and beautiful for everyone to enjoy.
The protected parts include:
- The upper sections of the East and Middle branches within the Ottawa National Forest.
- The entire Cisco Branch.
- A middle section of the West Branch, from Cascade Falls to the Victoria Reservoir.
A Giant Copper Rock: The Ontonagon Boulder
In the mid-1800s, something very interesting was found in the Ontonagon River. It was a huge piece of almost pure copper! This giant rock is known as the Ontonagon Boulder. It was a very important discovery because of its size and purity. Today, you can see this amazing copper boulder. It is on display at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C..
