The River Raisin is a river in southeastern Michigan that flows approximately east-southeastward into Lake Erie. The river gained its namesake from the wild grapes along the river banks which were spotted by early French explorers in the area. The name raisin—French for "grape"—remains after the word "river," a descendant of the original French name. Today, the River Raisin watershed, particularly along the river itself, has become a haven for agriculture and industry. It also features numerous dams, the largest of which is in Dundee; others are found in Monroe. The dams are used to regulate water flow and help to prevent flooding.