Black Vermillion River

The Black Vermillion River is a river in northeastern Kansas, flowing through Marshall, Nemaha, and Pottawatomie Counties. It consists of a main branch and the North Fork, which originates in northeast Marshall County and flows south. Near the small village of Vliets, the North Fork joins the main stream, which then continues southwest until it empties into the Big Blue River near the southern border of Marshall County. With a drainage basin of approximately 1,310 square kilometers, the river plays a vital role in the regional water system, but also contributes significantly to the sedimentation of Tuttle Creek Reservoir, which has lost approximately 47% of its capacity to sediment since its completion in 1961. The river traverses a landscape characterized by rolling, hilly till plains east of the Big Blue River and north of the Black Vermillion River, while a rockier topography reminiscent of the Flint Hills farther south prevails west and south of the river. Several historic truss bridges span its course, including one dating to 1908 east of Frankfort and others dating to around 1910 near Vliets and Vermillion, some of which are still open to traffic. The Black Vermillion River is also known for recreational activities such as swimming, fishing, canoeing, and kayaking, with its surroundings providing a scenic backdrop.