{"id":11785,"date":"2023-12-14T12:40:07","date_gmt":"2023-12-14T11:40:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.aboutriver.com\/?p=11785"},"modified":"2023-12-14T12:40:07","modified_gmt":"2023-12-14T11:40:07","slug":"which-rivers-flow-into-the-mississippi-river","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.aboutriver.com\/which-rivers-flow-into-the-mississippi-river\/","title":{"rendered":"Which Rivers Flow Into The Mississippi River"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Often called the “Father of Waters,” the Mighty Mississippi River is one of the longest rivers in the world at 2,340 miles long. It begins in Minnesota and winds its way through the center of the continental United States, eventually dumping into the Gulf of Mexico. But before it reaches the gulf, it has other rivers that flow into it along the way. Here’s a look at some of the rivers that flow into the Mississippi River.<\/p>\n

Illinois River<\/h2>\n

The Illinois River is the most important tributary of the Mississippi River. This river starts in Chicago and flows for about 270 miles through Illinois and part of Missouri, feeding into the Mississippi just north of St. Louis. Historically, the confluence of these two rivers was an important location for Native Americans as it allowed easy passage between the Great Lakes, the Mississippi Valley, and the Rockies. The Illinois also serves as an important source of freshwater for the watershed near St. Louis.<\/p>\n

Wisconsin River<\/h2>\n

The Wisconsin River is a tributary of the Mississippi River that flows about 260 miles through central Wisconsin. It begins in northern Wisconsin near the Michigan border and merges with the Mississippi near Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin. The Wisconsin River is known for its scenic beauty, with steep rock bluffs and rugged sandstone formations along its banks. Its many dams also make it a popular destination for recreational activities like boating and fishing.<\/p>\n

Minnesota River<\/h2>\n

The Minnesota River is another tributary of the Mississippi, beginning in the Big Stone Lake in western Minnesota. From there it winds through central Minnesota, meeting up with the Mississippi near St. Paul. Along its 234-mile journey it passes through several major cities, including Shakopee, Minneapolis, and St. Paul. Navigation on the Minnesota River is limited due to its shallow depth, so it is largely used for recreational activities like canoeing and fishing.<\/p>\n

St. Croix River<\/h2>\n