Yellow River (Wisconsin River tributary) facts for kids
The Yellow River is a special waterway in Wisconsin, United States. It's like a smaller river that flows into a bigger one. The Yellow River joins the Wisconsin River, which is a much larger and well-known river. You can find the Yellow River flowing through different parts of Wisconsin, including Clark, Wood, and Juneau counties.
About the Yellow River
The Yellow River starts its journey in the eastern part of Clark County. It then travels through several towns in Wood County, such as Pittsville, Dexter, and Babcock. After that, it continues into Juneau County, passing through Necedah.
Where Does It Flow?
After leaving Necedah, the Yellow River flows into a large body of water called Castle Rock Lake. This lake is where the Yellow River finally meets the Wisconsin River. This meeting point is close to Buckhorn State Park, a beautiful area where people can enjoy nature.
Lake Dexter
In a town called Dexterville, the Yellow River has a special feature. A dam was built across the river there, which created a lake known as Lake Dexter. Dams help control the flow of water and can create lakes for various uses, like recreation.
River Bends
The part of the Yellow River between Necedah and Castle Rock Lake has many interesting bends. These are called "oxbows." An oxbow is a U-shaped bend in a river that looks a bit like the U-shaped part of an ox's collar. Over a long time, rivers naturally create these curvy paths as they flow.
What's in a Name?
The Yellow River has a unique name in the Menominee language. The Menominee are a Native American tribe from Wisconsin. In their language, the river is called Mēkon-Sēpēw. This name means "plume or feather river." It's a beautiful way to describe the river, perhaps because of how the water might look or flow, like a feather.