Swartz Creek facts for kids

Swartz Creek is a stream, also known as a creek, located in the central part of Michigan, United States. It is about 34 miles (55 kilometers) long. This creek is a tributary of the Flint River, which means it's a smaller stream that flows into the larger Flint River. Swartz Creek has two main parts: the East Branch and the West Branch.

The name "Swartz" comes from the German word Schwarz, which means "black". The creek got this name because its water often looks muddy or dark.

Where Does Swartz Creek Flow?

Swartz Creek flows through different areas in Michigan, starting in Oakland County and ending in Genesee County. It's an important part of the local water system, helping to carry water from smaller areas into larger rivers.

The East Branch Journey

The East Branch of Swartz Creek begins in Holly Township in Oakland County. It starts from several lakes located within the Holly State Recreation Area.

From there, the East Branch flows through a few small lakes in Fenton Township. It then turns north and continues through Mundy Township. Finally, it flows along the west side of Bishop International Airport. This is where it meets up with the West Branch of the creek. This meeting point is just north of Interstate 69, near the Bristol Road on-ramps. After joining, the creek continues flowing northeast through the city of Flint until it empties into the Flint River.

The West Branch Journey

The West Branch of Swartz Creek starts southwest of the city of Swartz Creek in Gaines Township.

It flows northeast through the city of Swartz Creek and then through Flint Township. This is where it connects with the East Branch, near Bristol Road and I-69. Long ago, the very beginning of the West Branch was a swamp called "Gaines' Dead Marsh" or "Dead Man's Swamp." This swamp was later drained by a person named Henry Howland Crapo to create farmland. This swamp was the original source of the muddy water that gave the creek its "black" name.

Smaller Streams Joining Swartz Creek

Many smaller streams and drains flow into Swartz Creek, adding to its water. These smaller waterways are also called tributaries.

East Branch Tributaries

• Indian Creek: This creek joins the East Branch at Cook Road, east of US-23.
  • Dawe Creek: This smaller creek flows into Indian Creek south of Cook Road, east of Torrey Road.
• Seaver Drain: This drain meets the East Branch at Cook Road, west of Fenton Road.
• Brewer Drain: This drain joins the East Branch between Brewer Road and US-23, south of Reid Road and north of Grand Blanc Road.

West Branch Tributaries

• Hewitt Drain: This drain joins the West Branch east of the Bristol Road on-ramps.
  • Howland Drain: This drain meets Hewitt Drain just north of Maple Road, between Linden Road and Jennings Road.
• Kimball Drain: This drain meets the West Branch just north of the railroad, along the southern border of the city of Swartz Creek.
  • Lum Drain: This drain flows into Kimball Drain northeast of Morrish and Reid Roads.