Vermilion River (Illinois River tributary) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Vermilion River |
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|---|---|
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Confluence of the North Fork and South Fork, Avoca Township, Livingston County, Illinois 40°49′11″N 88°30′29″W / 40.8197559°N 88.5081124°W |
| River mouth | Confluence with the Illinois River, Oglesby, Illinois 449 ft (137 m) 41°19′10″N 89°04′04″W / 41.319479°N 89.0678602°W |
| Length | 75 mi (121 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Progression | Vermilion River → Illinois → Mississippi → Gulf of Mexico |
| GNIS ID | 424127 |
The Vermilion River is a river in Illinois, United States. It is about 75 miles (121 km) long. This river flows north and is a tributary of the Illinois River. A tributary is a smaller river or stream that flows into a larger river.
There is another river in Illinois also called the Vermilion River. That one flows south into the Wabash River. Both the Illinois River and the Wabash River also have a smaller river called the Little Vermilion River. It can be a bit confusing!
Long ago, before many people settled here, the north-flowing Vermilion River and the south-flowing Middle Fork Vermilion River were almost in a straight line. They drained a large wet area near Roberts. Some people think that early settlers might have seen these as one long river. This river might have flowed in two different directions from the middle.
It's also possible that these rivers were once a canoe route. People could travel by canoe between the Illinois River and the Wabash River. They would carry their canoes through the wet lands near Roberts. This might be why both rivers share the same name.
The north-flowing Vermilion River starts in Livingston and Ford counties. It flows north until it reaches the Illinois River near Oglesby. This part of the river is famous for its exciting whitewater sections. These are rare in Illinois, making the Vermilion River a special place for water sports.
Contents
Cities and Towns Along the Vermilion River
Many cities and towns get their water or are near the Vermilion River. Here are some of them:
Counties the River Flows Through
The Vermilion River flows through or helps drain parts of several counties. These counties are:
Places to Visit and Enjoy the River
There are several parks and natural areas where you can enjoy the Vermilion River. These places offer chances to explore nature and see the river up close.
- Matthiessen State Park
- Sandy Ford Nature Preserve
- Play Park, Pontiac
- Humiston Woods
- Township park
Images for kids
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The Vermilion River flowing through Pontiac, Illinois.
