Missouri River (2024)

FAQs

What are 5 facts about the Missouri River? ›

America's Longest River

Louis, forming the world's fourth longest river system as it rolls south to the Gulf of Mexico. Considered the “Center of Life” for the Great Plains, the Missouri has served as the main artery for exploration, food, trade, and transportation for millions of people over thousands of years.

Agricultural runoff, irresponsible development, and industrial waste are all contributing to a river that is filled with toxic chemicals.

The Mississippi River is the second longest river in North America, flowing 2,350 miles from its source at Lake Itasca through the center of the continental United States to the Gulf of Mexico. The Missouri River, a tributary of the Mississippi River, is about 100 miles longer.

It is formed by the confluence of the Jefferson, Madison, and Gallatin rivers in the Rocky Mountains area of southwestern Montana (Gallatin county), U.S., about 4,000 feet (1,200 metres) above sea level. The Missouri proper has a total course of 2,315 miles (3,726 km).

The Missouri was formed about 30 million years ago. However, the present course was formed about 115,000 years ago when streams from the Rocky Mountains were diverted by glaciers. The Missouri River is the longest river in North America and the 4th longest in the world (when combined with the Mississippi River system).

The Missouri River is the longest river in the United States. Its muddy waters flow for more than 2,500 miles. The Missouri River starts in Montana and flows mainly south and east to end its journey near St. Louis, Missouri, where it empties into the Mississippi River.

The actual depth of the river channel typically ranges from 10-20 feet, with sharply decreasing depth outside of the channel.

The name Missouri derives from 8emessourit, an Algonquian term that refers to “people with canoes (made from logs),” and the popular mistranslation “muddy water” derives from Pekitanoui, an Algonquian name for the river.

Threats to the river and land around it include: Fish and wildlife habitat destruction. Water quality problems involving sediment and pollution.

Is the Missouri River water drinkable? ›

By far the largest source of drinking water for Missourians is surface water from the Missouri River. The abundant supply of water in the Missouri River and its closeness to the state's major population centers is what makes the use of this river as a drinking water source so popular.

The two longest rivers in the United States are the Mississippi River and the Missouri River. The Mississippi River runs through ten U.S. states. It starts in Minnesota near the border we share with Canada.

At its widest point, the Mississippi River is 11 miles across! Near Grand Rapids, Minnesota, Lake Winnibigoshish is less than 50 miles from Lake Itasca, so the narrowest and widest parts of the river aren't too far apart.

The state with the most rivers in the USA is Alaska. With over 3,000 rivers and streams, it's no surprise that this state is nicknamed "The Land of Rivers." The longest river in Alaska is the Yukon River at 1,980 miles long. Other major rivers in Alaska include the Kuskokwim River, Tanana River, and Copper River.

The 39-mile reach begins immediately downstream from Fort Randall Dam at Pickstown, South Dakota, and continues to Running Water, South Dakota. Flows on this reach are influenced by controlled releases from Fort Randall Dam. The water discharge rate can change hourly. The normal rate of flow is 3 to 5 mph.

USGS lists the Missouri as the longest American river (2,540 miles) and the Mississippi River as the 2nd (at 2,340 miles).