Suwannee River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Suwannee |
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The Suwannee River near Lake City, Florida
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Suwannee River Drainage Basin
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| Country | United States |
| Cities | Fargo, Georgia, White Springs, Florida, Branford, Florida |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge Fargo, Georgia |
| River mouth | Gulf of Mexico Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge, Suwannee, Florida 0 ft (0 m) 29°17′18″N 83°9′57″W / 29.28833°N 83.16583°W |
| Length | 246 mi (396 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Tributaries |
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The Suwannee River is a famous river in the southern United States. It flows through south Georgia and then into Florida. This river is known for its dark, tea-colored water, which is why it's called a "blackwater river." It stretches for about 246 mi (396 km), making it quite long! Long ago, this area was part of the Gulf Trough, a prehistoric strait that separated Florida's peninsula from its panhandle.
Contents
Exploring the Suwannee River's Path
The Suwannee River begins in a very special place. Its journey starts in the Okefenokee Swamp near the town of Fargo, Georgia. This swamp is a huge, wild wetland.
River's Journey Through Florida
As the river flows, it heads southwest into the Florida Panhandle. Here, the land drops, and the river goes over limestone rocks. This creates a rare "whitewater" rapid in Florida. After this exciting part, the Suwannee turns west near White Springs, Florida.
It then meets up with two other rivers: the Alapaha River and the Withlacoochee River. These three rivers joining together form the southern border of Hamilton County, Florida.
Meeting More Rivers
The Suwannee River then bends south near Ellaville, Florida. It continues past Luraville, Florida. Further south, it connects with the Santa Fe River (Florida) from the east. This meeting point is just south of Branford, Florida.
Where the River Ends
Finally, the Suwannee River reaches its end. It flows into the Gulf of Mexico near the town of Suwannee, Florida. This is where its long journey finishes, emptying its waters into the sea.
Bridges Over the Suwannee
Many bridges cross the Suwannee River, helping people travel across it.
Bridges in Georgia
- Suwannee River Sill at Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge
- US 441 at Fargo, Georgia
Bridges in Florida
- CR 6
- US 41 at White Springs, Florida (Ed Scott Bridge)
- SR 136 at White Springs, Florida
- Interstate 75
- US 129 at Suwannee Springs, Florida
- SR 249
- US 90 at Ellaville, Florida
- Interstate 10
- CR 250 at Dowling Park, Florida
- CR 51 at Luraville, Florida (Hal W. Adams Bridge)
- US 27 at Branford, Florida
- CR 340 near Bell, Florida
- US 19/US 98/Alternate US 27 at Fanning Springs, Florida (Joe H. Anderson Sr. Bridge)
Images for kids
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Suwannee river map
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"Historic Suwannee River" sign with the first line of sheet music from "Old Folks at Home", at Interstate 75's crossing of the Suwannee.
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1908 postcard: "Away Down the Suwanee River"
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Fanning Springs Park
See also
In Spanish: Río Suwannee para niños
