Pine River (Mississippi River tributary) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Pine River |
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Country | United States |
Physical characteristics | |
Main source | Minnesota |
The Pine River is a river in northern Minnesota, United States. It flows for about 57 kilometers (35 miles) before joining the mighty Mississippi River. This makes it an important part of the larger Mississippi River system.
What is the Pine River?
The Pine River is a freshwater river that helps carry water from lakes and land into the Mississippi River. It is known for its winding path and the beautiful natural areas it flows through. Rivers like the Pine River are very important for the environment. They provide homes for fish and other wildlife. They also offer places for people to enjoy nature, like fishing or boating.
Where Does the River Flow?
The Pine River starts in Cass County, Minnesota. It begins at the end of Pine Mountain Lake, which is southeast of a town called Backus. From there, the river takes a winding journey, mostly flowing towards the southeast.
As it travels, the Pine River passes by the city of Pine River. It then enters Crow Wing County. In this county, the river flows through several lakes. These include Upper Whitefish Lake, then Lower Whitefish Lake, followed by Rush Lake, and finally Cross Lake. After these lakes, the river continues its winding path southeast. It flows through the beautiful Crow Wing State Forest. The Pine River eventually joins the Mississippi River about 6.5 miles (10.5 kilometers) northwest of Ironton.
How Did the River Get Its Name?
The name "Pine River" comes from the Ojibwe language. It is an English translation of the original Ojibwe name for the river. This shows the long history and connection that the Ojibwe people have with this area and its natural features.