Prairie Creek (Cowskin Creek tributary) facts for kids

Prairie Creek is a small waterway, often called a stream, located in the western part of Douglas County, Missouri. It is a branch of Cowskin Creek, meaning its waters flow into Cowskin Creek. This stream starts near the city of Ava and then travels southwest.

Prairie Creek: A Missouri Stream

Prairie Creek is an important part of the natural water system in Douglas County. It helps carry water across the land. Streams like Prairie Creek are smaller than rivers. They often flow into larger rivers or lakes.

Where Prairie Creek Flows

The very beginning of Prairie Creek, called its headwaters, is just north of Ava, Missouri. From there, it flows south through the western part of the city. As it continues, the stream turns towards the southwest and then west.

While flowing through Ava, Prairie Creek passes under two main roads: Route 14 and Route 5. These roads are important for people traveling in the area. The stream's journey ends when it joins Cowskin Creek. This meeting point, called a confluence, is located just east of a place called Arno. Arno is about four miles west-southwest of Ava.

How Prairie Creek Got Its Name

The name "Prairie Creek" comes from the type of land found along its path. A Prairie is a large area of flat or rolling grassland. Long ago, there were open prairie lands next to this stream. So, people named the creek after the beautiful prairies it flowed through. This name helps us remember what the area looked like in the past.