Schoolcraft River facts for kids
The Schoolcraft River is a river in northern Minnesota, United States. It flows for about 30 miles (48 kilometers) and eventually joins the famous Mississippi River.
The Schoolcraft River is special because it's considered the first important river that flows into the Mississippi after the Mississippi starts. It's almost as big as the Mississippi itself at that point!
How the Schoolcraft River Got Its Name
The river is named after a man named Henry Schoolcraft. He was an explorer who mapped this area a long time ago, in 1831. He also found Lake Itasca, which is known as the true source of the Mississippi River.
Before it was called the Schoolcraft River, it had another name: the "Naiwa River." In the Ojibwe language, the river's name is Ozaawindibe-ziibi. This means "Yellow-head River." It was named after a guide named Ozaawindib. He helped Schoolcraft find a nearby lake, which Schoolcraft then named Lake Itasca.
Where the River Flows
The Schoolcraft River begins in a lake called Schoolcraft Lake. This lake is in the middle of Hubbard County. From there, the river flows north and east.
It travels through the beautiful Paul Bunyan State Forest. It also flows through another lake called Lake Plantagenet. Finally, the Schoolcraft River joins the Mississippi River just south of a city called Bemidji. This happens right before the Mississippi River enters Lake Bemidji.
Fun Activities on the River
The Schoolcraft River is a great place for outdoor fun! Many people enjoy canoeing on its waters. It's also a popular spot for fishing. People often try to catch walleye, which is a type of fish.
