Chippewa River (Michigan)

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This article is about the river in Michigan, in the US. For other uses see Chippewa River (disambiguation).

The Chippewa River in the U.S. state of Michigan runs approximately 80 miles (129 km) through the central Lower Peninsula. The river begins in two different lakes in Isabella County, Lake Isabella and Coldwater Lake. The tributaries merge approximately 3.5 miles (5.6 km) southeast of both lakes. The river flows east into Midland County where it joins the Tittabawassee River in downtown Midland, Michigan under The Tridge. The river is named after the Chippewa people (the Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Council is located in Isabella County).

The river flows through Mt. Pleasant and is the focal point of four parks in the city: Riverside Park, Millpond Park, Nelson Park, and Island Park. In Island Park, the river flows completely around the park and creates a natural island in the center of the city. Three additional Isabella County parks utilize the river for recreation: Meridian Park, Deerfield Nature Park, and Majeski Landing.

The river flows at an approximate speed of 5 mph (8 km/h) and an average volume of 284 ft³/s (8 m³/s). It is locally known for bass fishing.^{[citation needed]} Chubs and redhorses are also abundant.^{[citation needed]} There are two canoe liveries on the river: Chippewa River Outfitters and Buckley's Mountainside Canoe Livery. The liveries offer canoe and kayak trips for a few hours to all day. The river flows through a gravel pit named Hubsher Gravel Pit. The river is a main water source for the city of Mt. Pleasant.