Middle Fork Vermilion River

The Middle Fork of the Vermilion River is a tributary of the Vermilion River (Wabash River) in Illinois. The Middle Fork rises in Ford County and flows southeast to join the Vermilion near Danville.[2]

Middle Fork Vermilion River
Map
Physical characteristics
Source 
  locationConfluence of a drainage ditch and Prairie Creek in Ford County southeast of Paxton, Illinois
  coordinates40°24′15″N 88°01′05″W / 40.4042016°N 88.0180938°W / 40.4042016; -88.0180938 (Middle Fork Vermilion River origin)
Mouth 
  location
Confluence with the Salt Fork forming the Vermilion River west of Danville, Illinois
  coordinates
40°06′13″N 87°43′02″W / 40.1036474°N 87.7172458°W / 40.1036474; -87.7172458 (Middle Fork Vermilion River mouth)
  elevation
535 ft (163 m)
Length77 mi (124 km)
Discharge 
  locationOakwood, Illinois
  average416 cu/ft. per sec.[1]
Basin features
ProgressionMiddle Fork → Vermilion → Wabash → Ohio → Mississippi → Gulf of Mexico
GNIS ID413502
TypeScenic
DesignatedMay 11, 1989
Baby softshell surveys a bar on the Middle Fork.
Bald eagle on nest, spring 2011

In its natural state, the Middle Fork drained a large upland marsh in what is now Ford County. The Middle Fork has been extended into the marsh by drainage ditches. Including the ditches, the Middle Fork is about 77 miles (124 km) long.[3]

Parks and access points

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The Middle Fork is Illinois' only designated National Wild and Scenic River. Parks and access points include:

Cities, towns and counties

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The following cities, towns and villages are among those in the watershed of the Middle Fork:

Parts of the following counties are drained by the Middle Fork:

See also

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References

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