Rogue River (Michigan) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Rogue River |
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| Country | United States of America |
| State | Michigan |
| Cities | Belmont, MI, Rockford, MI, Sparta, MI |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Large Muck Fields near Grant, MI Grant Township, MI 833 ft (254 m) 43°18′27″N 85°45′18″W / 43.3076°N 85.75513°W |
| River mouth | Grand River Plainfield Township, MI 663 ft (202 m) 43°03′42″N 85°35′09″W / 43.06158°N 85.58573°W |
| Length | 48 mi (77 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Basin size | 234 sq mi (610 km2) |
The Rogue River is a river in the U.S. state of Michigan. It flows through Kent and Newaygo counties. Part of the river runs through the Rogue River State Game Area. It is about 48 miles (77 km) (77 km) long. The area of land that drains into the river, called its drainage basin, is 234 square miles (610 km2) (606 km2).
Contents
Where Does the Rogue River Start and End?
The Rogue River begins near Grant. Its starting points are ditches that drain an old lake bed. This area is used for farming. Because of this, the stream here has been straightened. This means there isn't much good habitat for fish.
The river flows south and eventually joins the Grand River. This meeting point is southeast of Belmont in Plainfield Township. A golf course, the Blythefield Country Club, is located near where the Rogue River flows into the Grand River.
What's in a Name? The River's History
The river was first called "Rouge River." But in the 1800s, a mapmaker from Wisconsin made a mistake. They printed the name as "Rogue River" instead. This printing error is why the river has its current name today.
In the past, the Rogue River was very important. It was a key waterway for local Native American tribes and traders. Later, in the late 1800s, during the time when many trees were cut down for wood (the lumber era), the river helped move timber. Logs floated down the Rogue River to sawmills in the Grand River valley. A riverboat named Algoma also traveled north along the Rogue River. This boat gave its name to Algoma Township in Kent County.
Enjoying the Rogue River Today
The Rogue River is special because it is named a "Country Scenic" river. This is under Michigan's Natural Rivers Act. Many people enjoy the river for different activities.
Fishing and Floating
The river is a popular spot for people who like to fish for trout. It is also a favorite place for local young people. They have been floating down the river on inner tubes since the mid-1900s.
River Size and Features
The Rogue River changes in width as it flows. In its upper parts, it is about 15 feet (4.6 m) (4.6 m) wide. Near its end, it can be as wide as 80 feet (24 m) (24 m). The river is usually about 1 to 4 feet (0.3 to 1.2 m) (0.3 to 1.2 m) deep. However, there are deeper spots, sometimes called "holes," that can be up to 15 feet (4.6 m) (4.6 m) deep.
The Rockford Dam
In the city of Rockford, a structure called the Rockford Dam holds back the water of the Rogue River.
Protecting the River
In July 2010, the Rogue River was given a special title: a Trout Unlimited Home River. This means that groups like Trout Unlimited provide money and support. This funding helps to improve the river's habitat for fish and other wildlife. It also helps with planning how the land around the river is used.
Images for kids
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Map showing the Rogue River in Michigan.
