Otter Creek (North Fork Salt River tributary) facts for kids

Otter Creek is a lovely stream located in the state of Missouri, United States. It flows through three different counties: Macon, Monroe, and Shelby. Otter Creek is like a smaller helper stream, known as a tributary, that eventually joins a larger river. It flows into the North Fork of the Salt River.

Where Does Otter Creek Begin?

Every stream or river has a starting point, called its headwaters. For Otter Creek, its journey begins in the eastern part of Macon County and the western part of Shelby County. This area is found between the small communities of Anabel and Clarence. It's also just south of a major road called U.S. Route 36.

Otter Creek's Journey

From its starting point, Otter Creek flows generally towards the southeast. As it travels, it passes under Missouri Route 151. It also flows between the communities of Enterprise and Maud. After this, the stream enters Monroe County.

The creek continues its path to the southeast. It flows past the town of Granville. Then, it goes under another road, Missouri Route 15, which is about three miles north of Paris.

Where Otter Creek Ends

After flowing southeast, Otter Creek turns and flows eastward for about three miles. It passes under U.S. Route 24. The stream then enters the waters of Mark Twain Lake. This lake is where Otter Creek used to meet, or have its confluence, with the North Fork of the Salt River.

How Otter Creek Got Its Name

Otter Creek was given its name for a very simple reason! Long ago, many otters lived in and around the stream. These playful animals were a common sight, and so the people decided to name the creek after them.