Pumpkin Creek (Nebraska) facts for kids
Pumpkin Creek is a stream in Morrill County, Knox County, and Banner County, Nebraska in the United States. It's a natural waterway that flows through parts of Nebraska.
Quick facts for kids Pumpkin Creek |
|
|---|---|
| Other name(s) | Gonneville Creek |
| Country | United States |
| State | Nebraska |
| Region | Great Plains |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Scotts Bluff County, Nebraska 4,600 ft (1,400 m) |
| River mouth | North Platte River Banner County, Nebraska southeast of Bridgeport, Nebraska 3,500 ft (1,100 m) |
| Length | 50 mi (80 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Basin size | 450,700 sq mi (1,167,000 km2) |
What's in a Name?
Pumpkin Creek has an interesting history behind its name. It was once known as Gonneville Creek. The name "Pumpkin Creek" came from the many wild pumpkins found along its sides.
People aren't sure if these pumpkins grew there naturally. Some believe the Pawnee might have planted them. Either way, the pumpkins gave the creek its unique name!
Where Does Pumpkin Creek Flow?
Pumpkin Creek starts in the southwest part of Scotts Bluff County. It begins high up, about 4,600 feet above sea level. That's like being on top of a very tall mountain!
From its start, the creek flows about 50 miles (80 kilometers) towards the east. It flows downhill, dropping about 20 to 21 feet for every mile it travels. This gentle slope helps the water move along.
Finally, Pumpkin Creek flows into the North Platte River. This happens southeast of a town called Bridgeport. At this point, the creek is about 3,500 feet above sea level. It's a long journey from its high starting point!
