{"id":12428,"date":"2023-09-29T10:05:08","date_gmt":"2023-09-29T09:05:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.aboutriver.com\/?p=12428"},"modified":"2023-09-29T10:05:08","modified_gmt":"2023-09-29T09:05:08","slug":"what-is-the-widest-part-the-mississippi-river","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.aboutriver.com\/what-is-the-widest-part-the-mississippi-river\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is The Widest Part The Mississippi River"},"content":{"rendered":"
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The Spectacular Mississippi River<\/h2>\n

The Mississippi River is one of the world’s longest and most important rivers. It is often referred to as the “Father of Waters” and for centuries, it has been the economic, agricultural, and cultural engine of America. It has a drainage basin of 1.2 million square miles, and it extends for 2,350 miles from the center of the United States to the Gulf of Mexico. It is home to hundreds of species of fish, birds, and wildlife, and it offers breathtaking views along the way. Many people are unaware of just how wide the river is, so many often ask: what is the widest part of the Mississippi River? <\/p>\n

A Brief History of the Mississippi River<\/h2>\n

The Mississippi River has a long and storied history. For hundreds of years, Native Americans inhabited the land along the river and used it for travel and trading. European trading companies established outposts on the river in the 1600s and 1700s, and colonization soon followed. After the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, the United States established control of the entire Mississippi River Basin. In the years since, the river has been the setting for countless books, films, and songs, and for many it is the symbol of American gateway to the west. <\/p>\n

The Widest Part of the Mississippi River<\/h2>\n

The widest part of the Mississippi River is located just upriver from St. Louis, Missouri. Here, the river expands to over one and a quarter miles wide, though the exact width is dependent upon the water levels. This area of the river is commonly referred to as the “Gulf of Mexico” for its impressive width and sweeping vistas. <\/p>\n

This wide part of the Mississippi River is an important habitat for aquatic life, and is home to over 100 species of fish. In addition to fish, the river’s levees also provide habitat for many species of birds, amphibians, and reptiles. <\/p>\n