Waukegan River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Waukegan River |
|
|---|---|
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Waukegan, Illinois 623 ft (190 m) 42°20′55″N 87°50′35″W / 42.3486111°N 87.8430556°W |
| River mouth | Confluence with Lake Michigan, Waukegan, Illinois 577 ft (176 m) 42°21′20″N 87°49′32″W / 42.3555556°N 87.8255556°W |
| Length | 3 mi (4.8 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Progression | Waukegan River → Lake Michigan → Great Lakes → Saint Lawrence Seaway → Gulf of Saint Lawrence |
| GNIS ID | 420651 |
The Waukegan River is a small but important river in Lake County, Illinois. It's special because it's one of the very few rivers in Illinois that flows directly into Lake Michigan. This river helps drain parts of the city of Waukegan, Illinois, including its old downtown area.
About the Waukegan River
The Waukegan River is a short river, less than three miles long. It starts in Waukegan and flows towards Lake Michigan. It's unique because most rivers in Illinois flow in a different direction. They usually head west or south, eventually joining the Mississippi River.
Where Does It Flow?
The Waukegan River drains an area of about 7,785 acres. This includes a big part of the city of Waukegan. The city itself helps manage the flow and health of the river.
A Special River
Long ago, during the last Ice Age, huge glaciers covered much of North America. When the ice melted, it shaped the land. This created a situation where most of Illinois drains towards the St. Lawrence River in Canada. Only a very narrow strip of land in northeastern Illinois naturally drains into Lake Michigan. The Waukegan River is part of this special strip.
Just a short distance away, other parts of Waukegan drain into the Des Plaines River. This river flows in a completely different direction, showing how unique the Waukegan River's path is.
The River's Mouth
The place where the Waukegan River flows into Lake Michigan is marked by the Waukegan Harbor Light. This lighthouse helps guide boats into the harbor.
