The mighty Mississippi River has seen many iconic moments from literature to American history. It has also seen many rivers cross its path. In total, twelve river systems flow into the Mississippi River, many of them of significant size. All of these rivers have unique histories and serve important purposes to the people who live along them, as well as the flora and fauna that make the Mississippi their home. Read on to learn more about the rivers that cross the Mississippi.
The Missouri River
Undoubtedly the most significant of the rivers that cross the Mississippi is the Missouri River. Formed of two different forks (the longer South Fork and the shorter North Fork) at the confluence of the Gallatin ​River, Madison River, and Jefferson River, the Missouri is one of the longest rivers in the world, reaching 3,767 miles in length. It is an important passageway for freight ships that carry freight along the Mississippi, and it contains abundant wetlands, swamps, and floodplains that act as vital habitats for both wildlife and agriculture. It also acts as a political boundary, separating Montana from some other Midwestern states, along with the Great Plains from the rest of North America.
The White River
The White River runs through Arkansas, Missouri, Oklahoma and Texas before joining the Mississippi near its delta. At 1,290 miles in length, it is the longest tributary of the Mississippi River, consisting of two distinct forks. The White River is known for its scenic beauty and abundant wildlife, with its forests and wetlands providing habitat for a variety of birds, animals, and fish. Its power is evidenced by the destroyed bridges and buildings that were left behind in the devastating 1927 floods of the Mississippi Delta.
The Ohio River
One of the largest tributaries of the Mississippi, the Ohio River flows through six states, making its way from the north-central part of the United States to its delta at the Mississippi. It is the largest river in the Midwest and its total length reaches 981 miles. As such, its waters serve as important transportation and conveyance routes into and out of the Midwest, along with its use providing energy, drinking water, and recreation. Along its banks, many Native American tribes once called the Ohio River home, especially in the southern and southeastern quarter of the state. This is evidenced by its numerous archaeological sites with prehistoric origins.
The Arkansas River
The Arkansas River, which runs from Colorado and Kansas before meeting with the Mississippi at Arkansas, is the only river to cross the state from north to south. At 1,469 miles in length, it is the fourth-longest river in the United States and the second longest on the Mississippi. It has played an important role in America’s history, serving as a transportation route for Native Americans, traders and fur traders in the 18th and 19th centuries, as well as a bitterly fought-over river during the American Civil War. The modern-day Arkansas River provides recreational opportunities, such as fishing and water sports, but it is also important for industry and agriculture, providing water to over one million people and supporting many of the region’s farmers.
The Minnesota River
The Minnesota River is a 726-mile long river that flows through Minnesota and Wisconsin, eventually joining the Mississippi. It is one of the most important tributaries of the river, fuelling the artesian wells of the Mississippi Valley and through its wetlands and riparian forests, providing vital wildlife habitats. As such, the Minnesota River is of great importance to the Bird Conservation Region 3, which includes Minnesota and many other adjacent countries around Lake Pepin. Throughout the river’s history it has also been important for farming, trade, and transportation.
The Des Moines River
The Des Moines River is an important tributary of the Mississippi, running through Iowa and eventually joining with the Mississippi in the northwest of that state. This river is 525 miles in length and provides important wetland and riparian habitats for many species of fish, and migratory birds. The Des Moines River has been historically important for transportation, trade and hydropower production, with many dams and locks along the river. It provides drinking water to over one million people in Iowa and serves as an important recreational resource.
The Red River
The Red River, which travels for just over 1,360 miles, is the sixth-biggest tributary of the Mississippi. It runs through a number of states and two countries, originating in Texas and crossing Arkansas, Oklahoma and Louisiana before joining the Mississippi in Louisiana. It is named for its deep red color due to an overabundance of iron, and is navigable along most of its length. The Red River is famously known as the site of the 1803 Louisiana Purchase negotiations between the United States and France, in which the French transferred ownership of the Louisiana Territory. In recent times, its waters have been used for irrigation, hydropower, and navigation.
The Saint Croix River
The last of the significant rivers to flow into the Mississippi is the Saint Croix River. This river runs through the northern part of Wisconsin and Minnesota for about 246 miles, eventually joining the Mississippi at Prescott, Wisconsin. It has been an important site for canoeing, fishing, swimming and other outdoor activities, as well as an occasional shipping lane for larger vessels. Along its banks and on its islands are a number of camping sites, lodges, and other recreational spots.
The Snake River
The Snake River, running from Wyoming and Idaho before joining the Mississippi at Grand Tower, Illinois, is the longest tributary to the Mississippi that joins the river in the Midwest. Though its length is much shorter than many of the other rivers discussed here, at 1, 05 miles, it is a powerful river with a number of uses and strong historical ties. Its rapids and tributaries have been used for fishing, rafting, and other recreational activities, and it has been an integral passageway for Native American tribes and explorers throughout United States history.
The Rock River
The Rock River is the second longest tributary of the Mississippi, running for 600 miles between Wisconsin and Illinois. It is an important transportation route and is used for fishing, canoeing, and water sports throughout the summer. The Rock River is also an important source of hydropower, providing energy to many cities in Wisconsin and Illinois. Itsbanks are home to some of the most beautiful scenery in the Midwest, with an abundance of wildlife, including the bald eagles that call this river home.
The Illinois River
The Illinois River is the fifth longest tributary of the Mississippi, traveling through a number of states beginning in Wisconsin and ending in Illinois. It has been an important transportation route for centuries, with its locks and dams allowing for freight and other shipping to take place. It is also an important recreational river, home to a wide variety of fish, birds, and other wildlife. The Illinois River is also an important source of drinking water for many of the people who live along its banks.
The Wabash River
The Wabash River is the third longest tributary of the Mississippi and one of the most significant rivers to cross the state of Indiana. It is also the longest free-flowing river east of the Mississippi and a major source of clean drinking water to much of the state. Along its banks, you’ll find lush forests, fertile agricultural land and important historical sites. In recent years, dams and locks were built to open the Wabash up for barge and boat transportation, making it an integral part of modern-day Indiana.
