Trade River facts for kids

The Trade River is a river about 50.8 miles (81.8 km) long in northwestern Wisconsin, United States. It flows into the St. Croix River. A tributary is a smaller river or stream that flows into a larger one.

Long ago, this river was known as "Atanwa" or "Ottoway." These names come from the Ojibwe language, an Indigenous language. They mean "trade," which is how the river got its modern name. Interestingly, the part of the St. Croix River where the Trade River joins it was once called the Grave-marker River.

The River's Journey

The Trade River starts in a special forest area called the Straight Lake Tunnel Channel Woods. This area is in northern Polk County, Wisconsin. From there, the river flows north for a while. Then, it turns west.

Meeting Other Branches

A few miles south of Frederic, the Trade River meets its South Fork. The South Fork begins in wet, marshy areas north of Luck. It flows north, running somewhat beside State Highway 35, until it joins the main river.

The Trade River then continues its journey west. It flows through farmlands and a series of lakes. These lakes are found in northern Polk County and southern Burnett County.

West of State Highway 87, another branch joins the river. This is the North Fork Trade River. It flows from Isaac Lake, passing through an area called Canute Creek Flowage.

Flowing Through Forests

Soon after, the river enters the Governor Knowles State Forest. Here, it flows through "pine barrens." These are areas with sandy soil where pine trees and other tough plants grow. The river travels through the town of Sterling. Finally, the Trade River joins the larger St. Croix River.

Cities and Towns Along the River

• Trade River, Wisconsin
• Trade Lake, Wisconsin