Sugar Creek (Driftwood River tributary) facts for kids
Sugar Creek is a river in east-central Indiana, United States. It flows for about 82.4 miles (132.6 kilometers). Sugar Creek is a tributary of the Driftwood River. This means it's a smaller river that flows into a larger one.
The water from Sugar Creek eventually travels a long way! It joins the Driftwood River, then the White River, the Wabash River, and finally the Ohio River. All these rivers are part of the huge watershed of the Mississippi River. A watershed is an area of land where all the water drains into a common river or lake.
People believe Sugar Creek got its name because of the many sugar trees that grew along its banks a long time ago. These trees are famous for their sweet sap, which is used to make maple syrup!
Where Sugar Creek Flows
Sugar Creek starts in the western part of Henry County. From there, it generally flows southwest. It travels through several counties in Indiana, including Madison County, Hancock County, Shelby County, and Johnson County.
As it winds its way, Sugar Creek passes by small towns like Spring Lake and New Palestine. Its journey ends in southeastern Johnson County, about 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) west of Edinburgh. Here, Sugar Creek meets another river called the Big Blue River. When these two rivers join, they form the Driftwood River.
Water Flow and Importance
Sugar Creek is an important part of the local environment. It helps carry water across the land and supports many plants and animals. Near Edinburgh, the river usually carries about 532 cubic feet of water every second. This measurement helps scientists understand how much water is flowing in the river. Rivers like Sugar Creek are vital for the health of the land and the communities around them.
