South Park to Sheltered Acres Park

1. South Park to Sheltered Acres Main Segment Photo

Class at average July flow: 2
Length: 0.94 miles
Average drop/mile: 18.1ft/mile
Average CFS in July: No data, expect ~100 – ~140 CFS
Float time at average CFS: 15 minutes
Drive distance between launch and land: 1.7 miles
Straight line distance between launch and land: 0.48 miles

About This Float Segment:

This short and winding float is lined with trees and feels removed from town despite flowing in to the heart of Sheridan. There are a few rock structures to navigate through and usually low hanging branches to avoid. High water events can create strainers in this section. There are two fences that hang over the creek that are usually high enough to float under.

Quick and Dirty:

Known hazards: A couple of floats under fences. Overhanging trees and tight bends that create conditions for sweepers and strainers.
Wildlife: Hawks, falcons, buzzards, ducks, geese, box turtles, and minks.
Vegetation: Cottonwood (Populus spp.), Willow (Salix spp.), Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa), Showy Milkweed (Asclepias speciosa), Wild Rose (Rosa spp.), Red-osier dogwood (Cornus sericea)

Access Sites 1-2:

Download Tongue River Water Trail Map

Launch

GPS Location: 44.77496, -106.95035
Side of waterway: River left
Flow description at site: Slow moving, straight, deeper
Ease of access: Flat launch/land area, sheer bank but water is usually near top of bank.
Staging area: Large grass area right next to the water, direct access to parking.
Parking: Large gravel lot
Amenities: Bathroom with running water, water fountain, picnic tables.

Landing

GPS Location: 44.78183, -106.95252
Side of waterway: River right
Flow description at site: Swift moving, straight, shallow
Ease of access: Gentle slope launch/land area, less to no space during high water, moderate slope to staging area.
Staging area: Large grass area about 20ft from the water, direct access to parking.
Parking: On street at Kurtz Pl, usually not full.
Amenities: Porta-potty, picnic shelter, tennis court, and playground.

History

Dr. Delilah Turner Sprague Babcock Sonnesberger arrived in Sheridan in 1883. She moved from Johnson County, Wyoming Territory, where her family was known for being some of the early pioneers that moved to the northern frontier of Wyoming in 1878. In 1881, she was the first woman to cast her ballot in Johnson County. She was a prominent landowner in Sheridan and owned the entire southeastern part of town, which is in proximity of present day N. Scott Street and around Coffeen Avenue. Delilah was a physician and studied medicine in Illinois in 1876. She outlived her three husbands and most of her seven children. The 16th of August is a significant date in Delilah’s life; it is the same date she was born, died, and twice married. Delilah’s strong puritanical views are seen within her property deeds. She included clauses that prohibited the land from be used for houses of intemperance or ill repute.