Where five rivers are born

Here is a good way to picture Hillsdale County: it sits on a divide, and the water starts here instead of arriving from somewhere upstream. The county’s recreation plan describes Hillsdale as Michigan’s only county without water flowing in from other areas. It says local springs and lakes form the beginnings of five rivers. The Michigan DNR also describes the county as the headwaters of five major rivers.

Three systems head toward Lake Michigan: the St. Joseph River that begins at Baw Beese Lake, plus the Kalamazoo and Grand rivers. Two head toward Lake Erie: the River Raisin and the other St. Joseph River, which joins the Maumee system. The two St. Joseph rivers are separate waterways headed in opposite directions.

“Headwaters” does not mean all five rivers spring from one dramatic spot. Their beginnings are spread among lakes, springs, wetlands, and small channels across the county. What connects them is the high ground. Rain falling in one part of Hillsdale County can start toward Lake Michigan; rain a short drive away can start toward Lake Erie.