Songo River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Songo River |
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| Country | United States |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Maine 268 ft (82 m) |
| River mouth | Sebago Lake State Park 267 ft (81 m) |
| Basin features | |
| Basin size | 114 sq mi (300 km2) |
The Songo River is a short but important river located in the state of Maine, USA. It is only about 3.1-mile-long (5.0 km), which is roughly the length of 50 football fields! Even though it's not very long, this river plays a big role in connecting two popular lakes in Maine.
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The Songo River: Maine's Waterway
The Songo River acts like a watery highway. It connects Brandy Pond and Long Lake to the much larger Sebago Lake. Imagine a chain of beautiful lakes, and the Songo River is a crucial link in that chain.
Where Does It Flow?
The river starts its journey from the southern end of Long Lake, near a smaller body of water called Brandy Pond. From there, it flows south. Its destination is Sebago Lake, one of Maine's largest and most famous lakes. The river meets Sebago Lake right inside Sebago Lake State Park, a popular spot for visitors.
The Amazing Songo Lock
One of the most interesting parts of the Songo River is the Songo Lock. You might be wondering, "What's a lock?" A lock is like a special water elevator for boats! It helps boats move between two bodies of water that are at different heights.
How Does a Lock Work?
Think of it this way: Long Lake is a little bit higher than Sebago Lake. Without the lock, it would be hard for boats to travel between them. The Songo Lock has gates that open and close. When a boat enters the lock, the gates close, and water is either added or removed. This raises or lowers the boat to the correct level, allowing it to continue its journey.
A Piece of History
The Songo Lock is very special because it's the last remaining lock from the old 19th-century Cumberland and Oxford Canal. This canal was built a long time ago to help transport goods and people by boat. Today, the Songo Lock still works, helping many boats navigate between Long Lake and Sebago Lake. It's a cool reminder of history that's still useful today!
