Macatawa River

Macatawa River

The Macatawa River in Holland Township
Basin
Main source Zeeland Township, Ottawa County, Michigan
42°51′02″N 85°54′48″W / 42.85058°N 85.91337°W / 42.85058; -85.91337 (Primary source of Macatawa River)[1]
River mouth Lake Macatawa, Michigan
42°47′20″N 86°07′29″W / 42.78891°N 86.12476°W / 42.78891; -86.12476 (Mouth of Macatawa River)Coordinates: 42°47′20″N 86°07′29″W / 42.78891°N 86.12476°W / 42.78891; -86.12476 (Mouth of Macatawa River)
Basin size 174 sq mi (450 km2)
Physical characteristics
Length 16.8 mi (27.0 km)

The Macatawa River, also known as the Black River, is located in the lower part of Ottawa County, Michigan, which drains into Lake Macatawa and eventually into Lake Michigan. The main stream is 16.8 miles (27.0 km) long.[2]

The name Macatawa is a mis-phoneticization of the Native American "Muck-i-ta-wog-go-me", which means "black water".[3] The region was inhabited by Ottawas, Chippewas and Potawatomie tribes prior to European Settlement.

The Macatawa River Greenway is a corridor of land along the river including a number of private and public parcels that provides a green highway for wildlife and recreational opportunities for people along the water. Land along the Macatawa River open to the public includes: Upper Macatawa Natural Area, Hawthorn Pond, Adams Street Landing, Ridge Point Community Church Natural Area, Paw Paw Park, Windmill Island, Window on the Waterfront Park, Dunton Park, Kollen Park and Holland State Park.

A number of entities contribute to the management of the public areas along the Macatawa River Greenway including: Outdoor Discovery Center Macatawa Greenway (non-profit), Ottawa County Parks and Recreation Commission, City of Holland, Zeeland Township, Holland Township and Park Township.

This small river is the site of the annual tug-of-war by Hope College students called The Pull.[4]

References

  1. ↑ "Macatawa River". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey.
  2. ↑ A Hydrologic Study of the Macatawa River Watershed Michigan Department of Natural Resources
  3. ↑ The Indians of the Grand River Valley phoenix-printing.com, Monday 18 June 2007
  4. ↑ Hope College |The Pull


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