Tomorrow/Waupaca River facts for kids
The Tomorrow/Waupaca River is a river located entirely within the state of Wisconsin in the United States. It has two names because it changes its name partway along its journey!
The Tomorrow/Waupaca River
Where Does It Flow?
The river begins its journey as the Tomorrow River in northeast Portage County. It starts near the towns of Polonia and Rosholt. As it flows, it passes through the villages of Nelsonville and Amherst.
After leaving the village of Amherst, the Tomorrow River enters the Town of Amherst. Here, it meets another stream called Bear Creek. When these two waterways join, the river's name changes to the Waupaca River.
The Waupaca River then flows into Waupaca County. It travels through the city of Waupaca. In Waupaca, it meets the Crystal River and continues its path through Weyauwega. Finally, the Waupaca River joins the Wolf River in eastern Waupaca County.
How Long Is It?
The Waupaca River section of this waterway is 44.8 miles (72.1 km) long. The Tomorrow River section, which is the upper part, is 22.1 miles (35.6 km) long.
What's in a Name?
The name "Waupaca" comes from the Native Americans who lived in the area long ago. In their language, "Waupaca" meant "tomorrow." They called it this because it would take them a full day, or 24 hours, to travel the river's entire length. This meant they would not reach the end until the next day, which was always "tomorrow."
It's a bit of a mystery why later settlers decided to rename the first part of the river in English, calling it the Tomorrow River, before it reaches Bear Creek. Today, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources officially recognizes the river by both names: the "Tomorrow/Waupaca River."
