Where Does The Mississippi River Run Through
As the second-longest river in North America, the Mississippi River begins in northern Minnesota near Lake Itasca, and winds south for nearly 2,350 miles before it empties into the Gulf of Mexico. What might be surprising is that the Mississippi River touches or bisects over 10 U.S. states, including Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Louisiana. Here, we explore how the Mississippi River shapes the geography of each state that it flows through and how humans have used the river throughout history.
Minnesota
In Minnesota, the Mississippi River originates at Lake Itasca and then flows south and east until it reaches Minneapolis-St. Paul in the southeastern region of the state. This stretch of the Mississippi is known for its incredibly clear water, lined with tall trees that offer plenty of shade for recreational areas and rest stops. This section is also a humidified basin that is home to numerous animals and plants that have been undisturbed, largely due to the lack of industrialization from the forest line to the Twin Cities. In particular, bald eagles and other birds find the area beneficial for migration and sustenance.
For centuries, the Mississippi River has served as a means of transportation for Minnesota settlers. In fact, the first Europeans to explore the region used the river as their primary route. The Native Americans in Minnesota also utilized the river for their trade routes and to travel to different tribes or areas far from home. Today, the Mississippi is still largely used as a transportation route, with numerous riverboats and barges making use of its many tributaries and locks.
Wisconsin
At the Wisconsin-Minnesota border, the Mississippi River continues its southerly journey until it reaches La Crosse, in southwestern Wisconsin. This section of the river is characterized by its limestone-lined banks, which offer additional scenic beauty and recreational opportunity. Tourists flock to this area to take advantage of camping, fishing, and boating, during which time they can observe the wildlife, from birds and beavers, to lizards and other small animals.
The Mississippi River in Wisconsin is largely home to historical sites, such as Fort Crawford, which dates back to the 1830s, and the Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge, which was established to protect migratory birds. Remnants of other Native American civilizations also dot the banks of the Mississippi in Wisconsin. In addition to its historical significance, the river is still being used as an industrial hub, as numerous companies rely on its various tributaries and locks to transport goods.
Iowa
In Iowa, the Mississippi River continues its southerly journey and eventually flows through the city of Davenport, which is located in the east-central part of the state. Davenport is a major hub for barge traffic, as goods are loaded and unloaded at various ports throughout the city. In addition to goods, Davenport also serves as a major tourist destination as visitors come to enjoy its numerous festivals, restaurants, and riverfront activities.
In terms of historical significance, the Mississippi River was a major factor in the development of Iowa. After its establishment as a state in 1846, Iowans looked to the river as a means of transportation, allowing them to quickly connect with trading partners and suppliers. In addition, the river provided an abundant source of food and other resources, which allowed the early settlers to thrive. Today, the Mississippi River still serves as a source of food and transportation, and is also home to various recreational activities.
Illinois
As the Mississippi River continues its journey south, it eventually reaches the city of St. Louis, Missouri, where it then crosses a bridge into the state of Illinois. Licoln and Alton, two popular cities in Illinois, are situated along the river, offering visitors an array of attractions, from theme parks and theaters, to an array of historical sites and other attractions. In terms of wildlife and habitats, the Illinois side of the Mississippi River is home to a variety of birds, fish, and mammals, as well as a range of vegetation. Through conservation and other efforts, the state has managed to preserve much of the natural beauty on this side of the river.
Historically, the Mississippi River was a major factor in the development of Illinois, providing settlers with a mode of transportation, as well as an abundant source of food and other resources. Native Americans also made use of the river, and the state’s earliest settlements were located along its banks. Today, the river provides transportation of goods, numerous recreational opportunities, and is home to a variety of wildlife. The state of Illinois is also actively working to conserve the river’s natural beauty, while also allowing its citizens to develop and grow alongside the river.
Missouri
In Missouri, the Mississippi River flows south and east, where it eventually reaches the city of St. Louis, gateway to the west. St. Louis is unique in that it is one of the few cities located on both sides of the river, with the state of Illinois to the east and the state of Missouri to the west. This city was founded in 1763 and has become a major hub of transportation, culture and industry. The Gateway Arch is a testament to the city’s proud history, and the active efforts to conserve the area and ensure its future.
The Mississippi River has played a major role in the development of Missouri and has been home to countless Native American cultures and European settlements. Missouri was the starting point for the popular “Lewis & Clark” Expedition and the town of Hannibal is home to the beloved author Mark Twain. Today, the Mississippi River is still a major transportation and recreational hub, as the locks and tributaries open up to recreational boaters and commercial industries.
Kentucky
In Kentucky, the Mississippi River changes directions and begins its southern journey once again. This section of the river is famous for its various lakes and is a popular destination for fishermen, birders, and boaters. In addition to its numerous amenities, this region of the river is home to some of the most spectacularly scenic landscapes, including island-studded islands, waterfalls, and woodlands.
Historically, Kentucky was inhabited by Native Americans who relied on the Mississippi River for their livelihood. European settlers also used the river as an early means of transportation and commerce, with steamboats being a popular choice for taking goods from city to city. Today, the river is still an important transport route, as barges and other vessels pass through the locks and tributaries. Tourism has also grown in this region of the river, with its majestic scenery and abundance of attractions.
Tennessee
In Tennessee, the Mississippi River reaches Memphis and then continues its journey south until it reaches the state’s western border. Memphis is home to a bustling music and cultural scene, as the birthplace of rock ‘n’ roll and the home of the blues. On the Tennessee side of the river, many visitors come to enjoy the attractions, festivals, and charming towns that offer plenty of recreational opportunities.
Since ancient times, the Mississippi River has been a source of food and transportation for the Tennessee region. Native American tribes and European settlers relied heavily on the river to provide sustenance and transportation. In the 19th century, Memphis became an important port and commercial hub, with goods loaded and unloaded via the river. Today, the river is still playing an important part in the state’s infrastructure, and its scenic environment continues to draw tourists and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Arkansas
As the Mississippi River continues its journey southward, it passes through the state of Arkansas. On the Arkansas side of the river, many visitors come to take in the majestic beauty of the region, which includes winding rivers and creeks, wooded areas, and rolling hills. In addition, the area is well known for its rich cultural and historical background, as the site of several Native American villages and archaeological sites.
Historically, the Mississippi River was a major factor in the development of Arkansas, providing Native Americans and European settlers with a mode of transportation, as well as an abundant source of food and other resources. The river played an even more important role during the civil war, when Union forces used it to blockade Confederate territory. Today, the river is still an important source of transportation, as barges following the locks and other tributaries move goods throughout the United States.
Mississippi and Louisiana
On its final leg, the Mississippi River reaches the states of Mississippi and Louisiana. In Mississippi, the river passes by some of the most famous cities in the state, including Vicksburg, Natchez, and New Orleans, before it empties into the Gulf of Mexico. This section of the river is known for its vibrant culture and rich history, with numerous festivals, museums, and attractions. In addition, the area is home to plenty of wildlife, from migratory birds to fish and other animals taking refuge in the swampy wetlands.
In Louisiana, the Mississippi River has been an important factor in the development of the state, providing a means of transportation for European settlers and Native Americans. In addition to this, the abundance of fish and other wildlife made it a hot spot for commercial fishing, and its accessibility to the Gulf made it into a major port during the 18th and 19th centuries. Today, the river is still heavily relied upon for commercial purposes, while also providing numerous attractions and recreational opportunities.
