{"id":13788,"date":"2023-11-27T15:45:13","date_gmt":"2023-11-27T14:45:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.aboutriver.com\/?p=13788"},"modified":"2023-11-27T15:45:13","modified_gmt":"2023-11-27T14:45:13","slug":"what-states-mississippi-river-flow-through","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.aboutriver.com\/what-states-mississippi-river-flow-through\/","title":{"rendered":"What States Mississippi River Flow Through"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Introduction<\/h2>\n

The mighty Mississippi is the largest river in the United States and it is a cultural, historical and ecological artery for the entire country. It meanders over 2,000 miles, from Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico, and is held in reverence by many Americans. It is not just a majestic waterway but also a super-highway of travel, communications, economic trading and a popular tourist attraction. The river is full of surprises and provides great rewards to all who venture along its mighty path. So, which states does the Mississippi river flow through?<\/p>\n

Environmental Impact<\/h2>\n

It is impossible to ignore the environmental impact of the Mississippi. The water has a significant impact on the landscape and its inhabitants, particularly on wildlife. With its immense pressure, the mighty river can reshape its channel, flood large areas of land, erode steep banks and in extreme cases, can even change its course. This might seem catastrophic, however it has also created an array of advantageous landscapes for a huge variety of plants and animals. The water has created vast wetlands and flood plains, largely filled with an abundance of aquatic life.<\/p>\n

The mighty Mississippi is generally categorized into three distinct segments – the Upper Mississippi, the Middle Mississippi and the Lower Mississippi. As it passes through each state, it changes its speed, turbidity, width and ecology.<\/p>\n

The Headwaters<\/h2>\n

The Mississippi starts its 2,320 mile journey at Lake Itasca, located in northern Minnesota. It flows with gentle ease as it meanders through the northern prairies, including Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa. In this region of the country, the Mississippi is called the Upper Mississippi. As it passes through these states, it receives inputs from many creeks and tributaries, including the Missouri River.<\/p>\n

Illinois & Missouri<\/h2>\n