Does the Mississippi River Flow into Lake Michigan?
At 2,340 miles long, the Mississippi River is one of the longest, and most powerful rivers in the world. The river is a key feature of the United States, flowing south from Minnesota, through ten states, to the Gulf of Mexico. But one question that has stumped visitors to the region is ‘does the Mississippi River flow into Lake Michigan?’
On the surface, it makes sense to assume that the two bodies of water meet. The flow of the Mississippi River turns east through Wisconsin and then down the border of Illinois and trailing off in Indiana. Similarly, the path of Lake Michigan proceeds north into Wisconsin, down the Eastern Coast of Michigan, and entering Illinois and Indiana towards the bottom. But despite their close proximity to one another, the two waters never meet.
So why is this? To answer this question, it is important to understand the true path of the Mississippi River and its many tributaries. While the main flow of the Mississippi ends in the Gulf of Mexico, it has many tributaries that branch off its main channel, some in Wisconsin, of which none make it to Lake Michigan.
The main branch of the Mississippi River is called the Upper Mississippi River, and it runs south alongside the Illinois River, eventually bypassing Lake Michigan. However, the paths of these two rivers split in Alton, Illinois. From here, the Illinois River continues south. Meanwhile, the Upper Mississippi turns east towards St. Louis and into the Gulf of Mexico. This is why the two bodies of water never touch.
It is important to recognize the unique path of the Mississippi River, as it is often thought that its path is completely linear from north to south. But the many different tributaries of the river create a very complex path, curving and winding through many of the United States.
The flow of the Mississippi is also considerable, but it is nothing compared to the powerful force of one of its tributaries, the Missouri River. The Missouri River is the longest tributary of the Mississippi, flowing 2,341 miles north and eventually entering the Mississippi in Greene County, Missouri. The power of the Missouri River is stunning and with the addition of its waters to the Mississippi, it’s no wonder the river captures the interest of many. But its path is far from the Gulf of Mexico, or Lake Michigan.
The Role of the Great Lakes in the Mississippi Watershed
When viewed as a whole, the area where the Mississippi River flows is known as the Mississippi Watershed (or sometimes the ‘Mississippi River Basin’). This gigantic watershed covers a total of 40% of the United States, and includes some of the country’s most iconic bodies of water, including the Great Lakes.
The Great Lakes contain 21% of the world’s fresh water supply and their importance to the Mississippi Watershed is huge. Together, the Great Lakes (which includes Lake Michigan) are a crucial part of the movement of water within the watershed. As water evaporates from the Great Lakes and then falls back down as rain, it helps water to continually move from the upper parts of the watershed, towards the bottom.
Therefore, while Lake Michigan and the Mississippi River do not directly meet, they are part of the same vast system of waterflow and they rely on each other to maintain the balance of the Mississippi Watershed.
River Pollution Along the Mississippi Watershed
One of the main threats to the Mississippi River and its tributaries is river pollution. As the Mississippi watershed is so vast, it is quite easy for various pollutants to make their way into the river, and as the Mississippi is a major source of drinking water, this can have a major impact on the water supply of many US states.
Over the past few decades, the federal government of the United States has taken steps to reduce river pollution in the Mississippi Watershed, including putting together a comprehensive plan to address all major sources of water pollution. There have also been some notable victories in the fight against river pollution, including a recent proposal to create a new law in Wisconsin to regulate chemical runoff into the Mississippi.
But, while there have been improvements, there is still much to be done. River pollution is still a major concern in the Mississippi Watershed and it is important that communities, local and federal governments continue to work together to ensure that waterways remain clean and safe for human, plant, and animal life.
The Significance of the Mississippi Watershed
For anyone seeking a quick answer to the question ‘does the Mississippi River flow into Lake Michigan?’ the answer is no. But the story behind this question goes much deeper than just two bodies of water. Beyond the surface of the water, the Mississippi River and Lake Michigan and the huge Mississippi Watershed are closely connected and both are vital parts of the US and its ecology.
The value of the Mississippi Watershed to the United States is tremendous, and it is important that we continue to abide by laws that maintain the water’s cleanliness, as well as understanding and appreciating the beauty of the river’s complex path.
The Impact of Climate Change on the Mississippi Watershed
In recent years, climate change has become a major topic of discussion and its effects have been noted far and wide. In the Mississippi Watershed, climate change presents some unique issues including water shortages in some areas of the region and more extreme weather events.
As temperatures rise and rainfall patterns become more erratic, the water supply of the Mississippi Watershed is likely to experience some major changes, including changes to its ecosystems and the fish species within. Scientists are already predicting a drop in the population of certain fish species due to the effects of climate change. Meanwhile, other species of animals that are already endangered may struggle even further in the face of a changing climate.
To combat the effects of a changing climate, it is important for us to look at ways to reduce carbon emissions, combat deforestation, and protect the habitats of species living in the Mississippi Watershed. This is the only way that we can ensure the future of this incredible body of water, and all its plants and animals, for generations to come.
Preserving and Celebrating the Mississippi
Despite the challenges posed by a changing climate, the importance of the Mississippi River should not be overlooked. The Mississippi, its tributaries, and the Great Lakes of the Mississippi Watershed are all part of a much larger and interconnected eco-system. As such, all efforts must be taken to ensure its longevity and sustainability, from reducing pollution to preserving its many habitats.
At the same time, the beauty of the Mississippi and its many tributaries should be celebrated. The Mississippi River is a truly special part of the United States, and its unique path, vibrant wildlife, and sheer power should never be taken for granted.
