{"id":12098,"date":"2023-11-29T10:30:15","date_gmt":"2023-11-29T09:30:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.aboutriver.com\/?p=12098"},"modified":"2023-11-29T10:30:15","modified_gmt":"2023-11-29T09:30:15","slug":"what-continent-is-mississippi-river-in","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.aboutriver.com\/what-continent-is-mississippi-river-in\/","title":{"rendered":"What Continent Is Mississippi River In"},"content":{"rendered":"
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The Mississippi River is an iconic river located primarily in the United States. It is the second longest river in the country, running from Lake Itasca in Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico. Measuring an impressive 2,320 miles long, the Mississippi River also flows into and through ten states, including Missouri, Illinois and Louisiana. People often wonder, “What continent is the Mississippi River located in?” The answer is that the entirety of the Mississippi River winds its way through North America.<\/p>\n

The Mississippi Estuary, a large portion of the Lower Mississippi river where it empties out into the Gulf of Mexico, is one of the most productive ecosystems in the United States and supports a variety of plant and animal life. In fact, the Mississippi Estuary is one of the most diverse estuaries in North America, home to more than 700 species of fish, birds and aquatic mammals.<\/p>\n

The Mississippi River is also a major economic asset for the United States, providing drinking water for eighteen million people, providing transportation for various goods, and producing hydroelectric power. Experts estimate that the Mississippi River’s economic influences amount to over $400 billion per year, making it one of the most valuable bodies of water in the world. <\/p>\n

The Upper Mississippi River is well-known for recreational activities such as fishing, camping, and boating. The river is a popular destination for bird watching as well; over 320 species of birds have been observed using the river’s habitats since 1998. <\/p>\n