Straight River (southern Minnesota) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Straight River |
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The Straight River in Owatonna in 2007
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 Location of the mouth of the Straight River in Faribault, Minnesota
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| Native name | Wakpá Owóthaŋna |
| Country | United States |
| State | Minnesota |
| Counties | Rice, Le Sueur, Steele, Freeborn |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Geneva Township, Freeborn County 1,214 ft (370 m) 43°49′58″N 93°15′46″W / 43.83278°N 93.26278°W |
| River mouth | Cannon River Faribault Township, Rice County 958 ft (292 m) 44°18′36″N 93°16′13″W / 44.31000°N 93.27028°W |
| Length | 55.6 mi (89.5 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Basin size | 450 sq mi (1,200 km2) |
The Straight River is a river in southeastern Minnesota, United States. It flows into the Cannon River. The Straight River is about 55.6 miles (89.5 km) long. It is part of the larger Mississippi River system. The river helps drain an area of about 450 square miles (1,165 square kilometers). This area is mostly farmland.
The name Straight River comes from the Dakota name Wakpá Owóthaŋna. This name means "Straight River." Even though it's called "Straight River," the river actually winds and bends a lot. However, the valley it flows through is quite straight. In the 1800s, the river's strong flow was used to power flour mills.
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River's Journey: From Source to Mouth
The Straight River starts in Geneva Township. This area is in northern Freeborn County. The very beginning of the river has been changed by ditches built for farms.
Flowing North Through Minnesota
From its start, the river flows north. It goes through Steele County. Then it enters southern Rice County. Along its path, the river passes through two cities: Owatonna and Medford. Finally, the Straight River joins the Cannon River in the city of Faribault.
Nature Along the Straight River
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources says the Straight River is a good place for canoeing. Most of the river flows through farmland. But right along the riverbanks, there is a narrow strip of woods. These woods are called a riparian zone.
Trees and Fish
The trees in this wooded area are mostly elm, willow, poplar, and maple. The river has parts with small, rocky areas called riffles. There is also a section with rapids in Clinton Falls Township. Many types of fish live in the river. These include northern pike, crappie, smallmouth bass, and carp.
Other Streams Joining In
Several smaller streams flow into the Straight River.
- Turtle Creek joins in central Steele County.
- Maple Creek starts at Rice Lake. It flows into the Straight River in Owatonna.
- Crane Creek comes from Waseca. It joins the Straight River north of Owatonna.
- Medford Creek also flows into the Straight River.
How Fast the River Flows
The United States Geological Survey measures how much water flows in the river. They have a special station near Faribault. Between 1966 and 2005, the river's average flow was 293 cubic feet per second (8 m³/s).
River Flow Records
The highest flow ever recorded was on June 12, 2004. On that day, the river flowed at 6,080 cubic feet per second (172 m³/s). The lowest flow recorded was on October 27, 1976. It was only 10 cubic feet per second (0 m³/s).
