This ridge separates the two principal drainage areas of Wisconsin. Water falling to the west runs down the Rock River into the “Father of Waters” and after 1,400 miles reaches the Gulf of Mexico. Water falling to the east drains into the Milwaukee River, then through the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence River for 2,000 miles into the Atlantic Ocean. At this point, the divide stands approximately 600 feet above Lake Michigan and 1,180 feet above sea level.