Panther Creek (Mackinaw River tributary) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Panther Creek |
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|---|---|
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Woodford County south of Minonk, Illinois 40°52′57″N 89°01′32″W / 40.8825336°N 89.0256328°W |
| River mouth | Confluence with the Mackinaw River southeast of Eureka, Illinois 630 ft (190 m) 40°39′40″N 89°11′47″W / 40.6611475°N 89.1964714°W |
| Length | 26 mi (42 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Progression | Panther Creek → Mackinaw → Illinois → Mississippi → Gulf of Mexico |
| GNIS ID | 415347 |
Panther Creek is a cool creek, or small river, located in the state of Illinois in the United States. It starts its journey near a town called Minonk. From there, it flows southwest for about 26 miles (42 kilometers).
Eventually, Panther Creek joins the Mackinaw River near Eureka. The biggest town located in the area that Panther Creek drains is El Paso, Illinois.
What is Panther Creek?
Panther Creek is an important waterway in central Illinois. It helps carry water from a large area of land. This area is called its "drainage basin" or "watershed."
Where Does it Flow?
Panther Creek drains a big part of eastern Woodford County. The land around the creek is mostly used for farming. Farmers grow lots of corn and soybeans there. This area used to be part of a huge grassland called the Illinois Grande Prairie.
After Panther Creek flows into the Mackinaw River, its water continues on a long journey. The Mackinaw River then flows into the Illinois River. Finally, the Illinois River joins the mighty Mississippi River, which eventually empties into the Gulf of Mexico. So, the water from Panther Creek travels a very long way!
Don't Get Confused!
It's good to know that there are other creeks named Panther Creek. There is a much smaller Panther Creek in Cass County. That one flows through a special nature area called the Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area. The Panther Creek we are talking about here is the one in Woodford County.
