Tiffin River facts for kids
The Tiffin River is a river that flows for about 55 miles (88.5 km) in northwestern Ohio. It's a tributary, which means it's a smaller river that flows into a larger one. The Tiffin River joins the Maumee River, which then flows into Lake Erie.
This river starts in southeastern Michigan and flows through mostly farming areas. Long ago, French traders called it Crique Féve, or "Bean Creek." They gave it this name because many bean plants grew along its banks.
In 1822, the river was officially renamed the Tiffin River. It was named after Edward Tiffin, who was the very first governor of Ohio. Even today, the upper part of the river, north of the Ohio Turnpike, is still often called Bean Creek.
Journey of the Tiffin River
The Tiffin River actually begins as Bean Creek in southeastern Michigan. It starts near Devils Lake in a hilly area called the Irish Hills.
From Michigan to Ohio
Bean Creek first flows west through a small village called Addison. It then turns south and travels about 8 miles (13 km). Along its journey, it meets other small streams like Posey Creek and Hillsdale Creek.
The creek continues southwest, passing through areas like Medina and Canandaigua. It then flows south for about 5 miles (8 km) before reaching the city of Morenci. After Morenci, Bean Creek crosses into Fulton County, Ohio.
Becoming the Tiffin River
Once in Ohio, Bean Creek meets another stream called Old Bean Creek. At this point, the river officially becomes known as the Tiffin River. It starts to wind and curve a lot more as it flows southwest.
The Tiffin River passes near the village of Stryker. For its last 35 miles (56 km), it turns south. Finally, the Tiffin River joins the larger Maumee River about 2 miles (3.2 km) west of Defiance.
