Perry Creek (Missouri River tributary) facts for kids

Perry Creek is a stream about 28.9 miles (46.5 kilometers) long in the state of Iowa. It's like a smaller river that flows into a bigger one, the Missouri River. Perry Creek starts in the middle of Plymouth County and flows mostly towards the southwest.

It crosses into Woodbury County right at the edge of Sioux City. You can find it near places like Briar Cliff University. When it reaches Sixth Street in Sioux City, the creek goes underground through a special pipe called a conduit. This pipe carries the water all the way to the Missouri River, right by the downtown area.

Perry Creek flows through many neighborhoods where people live. In the past, it had problems with flooding, which means the water would overflow its banks. Recently, a big project funded by the U.S. government has been working to control these floods and keep the area safe.

What is Perry Creek?

Perry Creek is a natural waterway that helps carry water across the land. It's called a "tributary" because it flows into a larger river, the Missouri River. Think of it like a smaller branch joining a bigger tree trunk.

Where Does Perry Creek Start and End?

Perry Creek begins in the central part of Plymouth County, Iowa. This is where its journey starts. From there, it flows in a general direction towards the south and southwest.

The creek then enters Woodbury County, Iowa as it reaches the city limits of Sioux City, Iowa. This means it flows from the countryside into a more populated area.

Finally, Perry Creek ends its journey by joining the Missouri River. Before it reaches the Missouri, it flows underground through a special tunnel or pipe. This helps manage the water flow, especially in the city.

Why is Flood Control Important for Perry Creek?

For many years, Perry Creek caused problems for the communities along its path because of flooding. When heavy rains fell, the creek would overflow, sending water into homes and businesses. This caused a lot of damage and made life difficult for people living nearby.

How Does Flood Control Work?

To solve the flooding problem, a big project was started. This project is called a "flood control project." It involves building special structures and making changes to the creek's path to help manage the water. The goal is to prevent the creek from overflowing, even during heavy storms.

The money for this project came from the U.S. government. This means that taxpayers from all over the country helped pay for the improvements to Perry Creek. These projects are important because they protect communities and keep people safe from natural disasters like floods.