Missouri River — (2024)

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America’s Longest River

Missouri River — (1)

Just west of Bozeman, Montana—where the Gallatin, Jefferson, and Madison rivers converge at Three Forks—America’s longest river is born. The Missouri River will travel more than 2,300 miles before it joins the Mississippi in its namesake state at St. 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. About one-fourth of all the agricultural land in the U.S. is found in the Missouri River watershed, which provides more than one-third of the country’s wheat, flax, barley, and oats. Its significance to American culture past and future cannot be overstated.

The Missouri River long ago garnered the nickname the “Big Muddy,” inspired by the enormous loads of sediment it pushed through the river system. However, the amount of sediment transported has diminished as dams, levees, and channelization increased over time. Today, the river might be more accurately described as a gentle giant.

Only in its upper reaches does the Missouri shed that image. There, even a slow-motion summer float through the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument can offer a back-to-the-wilderness sensation, where the 149-mile Wild and Scenic section of the river winds downstream from Fort Benton, Montana, to the Charlie Russell National Wildlife Refuge. Lewis and Clark spent three weeks in 1805 exploring the Wild and Scenic area now considered the premier component of the Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail. River runners can still camp at the same sites used by the explorers.

Fishermen may encounter some rare native species in the area, including prehistoric-looking paddlefish or the endangered pallid sturgeon among some 150 species of fish within the entire Missouri River Basin. The basin also supports 300 species of birds and a variety of mammals including trophy elk, whitetails, and mule deer that support a significant seasonal hunting economy.

Even the occasional wayward grizzly has been reported near Fort Benton. Several other threatened and endangered species are making a stand along the Missouri, although restoring fish and wildlife populations to historic levels will require flow modifications, protecting and restoring habitat, and adaptively managing the river system.

Did You know?

Lewis and Clark made their way upstream against the Missouri’s unbridled spring current in 1805. In May 1673, the French explorers Louis Jolliet and Jacques Marquette were the first Europeans to document their discovery of the river.

In the height of the fur trade, steamboats traveled as far as Fort Benton, MT, a trade stop that became one of the biggest settlements between Minneapolis and Seattle during its heyday.

A section of the Black Eagle Dam in Great Falls was dynamited to save nearby factories from inundation when the upstream Hauser Dam failed in 1908, causing catastrophic flooding for miles.

The upper Missouri River system is the largest remaining stronghold for endangered pallid sturgeon, which weigh about 85 pounds and can live up to a century. Its lineage traces back 70 million years.

What states does the river cross?

Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota

Missouri River — (2)

The Backstory

Major floods have always been a fact of life along the Missouri. And they’ve taught us many lessons on river management along the way.

For more than 75 years, Congress has directed the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to administer flood control, navigation, and irrigation on the Missouri by impounding, channelizing, and dredging the river. The resulting series of massive reservoirs on the upper river and the deep, narrow channel on the lower river has actually made flood damages worse, putting surrounding communities, wildlife, recreation, and river health in jeopardy.

As flooding on the Missouri increases in frequency and severity with climate change, communities need better flood protection solutions. Levees and dams can no longer be the only line of defense. We need a smarter, more natural approach. Restoration of the Missouri’s floodplains and wetlands, which absorb and store floodwater, must play a critical role in the next century of flood management.

The Future

Sound science and public involvement are the keys to achieving smarter river management that safeguards communities and the environment. That begins with the recognition that levees, dredging, and impoundments actually increase the frequency and severity of floods.

The preferred alternative is to try to reconnect the naturally broad, shallow river to its floodplain wherever possible. That means removing some levees, changing the timing of dam releases to mimic the historic river flow, and reinvigorating the riparian cottonwood forests that absorb water and provide the richest wildlife habitat on the Great Plains. This adaptive approach will not only cost less to maintain but will also benefit fish, wildlife, and the recreation economy—resulting in a triple bottom line win.

Missouri River — (2024)

FAQs

Missouri River —? ›

Just west of Bozeman, Montana—where the Gallatin, Jefferson, and Madison rivers converge at Three Forks—America's longest river is born. The Missouri River will travel more than 2,300 miles before it joins the Mississippi in its namesake state at St.

What 3 rivers make up the Missouri? ›

Just west of Bozeman, Montana—where the Gallatin, Jefferson, and Madison rivers converge at Three Forks—America's longest river is born. The Missouri River will travel more than 2,300 miles before it joins the Mississippi in its namesake state at St.

Where does the Missouri River start and end? ›

It flows 2,341 miles from its headwaters at the confluence of the Gallatin, Madison, and Jefferson Rivers in the Rocky Mountains at Three Forks, Montana, to its confluence with the Mississippi River at St. Louis, Missouri.

Which is longer the Mississippi or Missouri River? ›

Length. 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.

How deep is the Missouri River at its deepest point? ›

It is estimated that some of its deeper areas can reach depths up to 150 feet. However, this river connects and combines with another (the Mississippi River), becoming one of the world's largest flowing systems. It is reported that the depth can reach approximately 200 feet at this point.

What is the biggest river in the United States? ›

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. It ends in Louisiana.

What is the longest river in the United States? ›

The Mississippi River rises in Lake Itasca in Minnesota and ends in the Gulf of Mexico. It covers a total distance of 2,340 miles (3,766 km) from its source. The Mississippi River is the longest river of North America.

What is the oldest city on the Missouri River? ›

Genevieve, the first permanent white settlement in what is now Missouri, was founded by 1750.

What is the longest river in the world? ›

The Amazon is the longest river in the world and also the largest river by discharge volume and drainage basin area. With about 7 million square kilometres, the Amazon basin is nearly twice as big as the Congo river basin. The Amazon crosses Peru (headwaters), Bolivia, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela and Brazil (mouth).

Does the Yellowstone River flow into the Missouri River? ›

The Yellowstone River is the last major undammed river in the lower 48 states, flowing 671 miles (1080 km) from its source southeast of Yellowstone into the Missouri River and then, eventually, into the Atlantic Ocean. It begins in the Absaroka Mountain Range on Yount Peak.

What is the fastest flowing river in the United States? ›

1. The Mississippi River. The average discharge rate of the Mississippi River is 593,000 cubic feet per second.

What is the fastest river in the world? ›

Interesting Facts about the Fastest Rivers In the World

The world's fastest river is the Amazon, which flows at an average speed of around 7 miles per hour. However, the river's speed can increase to around 10 miles per hour during high rainfall.

What is the longest free flowing river in the United States? ›

Cutting a diagonal northeast channel across Montana for nearly 700 miles to its confluence with the Missouri River in North Dakota, the Yellowstone River is the longest free-flowing river in the lower 48 states.

What was the largest fish caught in the Missouri River? ›

On a historical note, in his 1950 book, Steamboating: Sixty-Five Years on Missouri's Rivers, Captain Bill Heckman reported the largest fish ever caught in the Missouri River was a blue catfish. It weighed 315 pounds and was taken just below Portland in 1866.

Can you swim in the Missouri River? ›

Swimming. Swimming and tubing on the Missouri is extremely dangerous and is strongly discouraged . A fast river current (normally 4-7 mph) can quickly exhaust even the strongest swimmer.

Has anyone floated the entire Missouri River? ›

For 88 days, spanning 2,341 miles, he paddled on his canoe from Three Forks, Montana, to St. Louis, Missouri, where he ended his journey. He said it was during some of his toughest moments out on the water that he learned more about himself.

What is the strongest river in America? ›

List of U.S. rivers by discharge
NoRiverOutflow
1Mississippi RiverGulf of Mexico
2Ohio RiverMississippi River
3Saint Lawrence RiverGulf of Saint Lawrence
4Columbia RiverPacific Ocean
51 more rows

What are the 5 big rivers in us? ›

Identify major rivers of the United States of America: Mississippi, Ohio, Rio Grande, Colorado, Hudson.

What is the longest river in North America called? ›

Northern America

The Missouri River is the longest river in North America and the United States (2,341 mi (3,767 km)). The second longest river in North America and the United States is the Mississippi River (2,320 mi (3,730 km)). The Rio Conchos (350 mi (560 km)) is the longest river in Mexico.

Which US state has the most rivers? ›

Alaska has the most water

Alaska contains approximately 12,000 rivers, 3 million lakes larger than 5 acres, and numerous creeks and ponds, accounting for more than 14% of the state's total area.

What are the 3 largest rivers in the US? ›

Table
#NameLength
1Missouri River2,341 mi 3,768 km
2Mississippi River2,340mi 3,766 km
3Yukon River1,979 mi 3,190 km
4Rio Grande1,759 mi 2,830 km
33 more rows

Is there a river in every state? ›

However, there are many partial state boundaries, particularly in the Midwest, Northeast, and South, that are defined by rivers; in fact, only five states (Colorado, Hawaii, Montana, Utah, and Wyoming) completely lack any borders defined by rivers or waterways.

Why is the Missouri River so gross? ›

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

What is the oldest city in America? ›

Founded in 1565, St. Augustine is the oldest continuously occupied settlement of European and African-American origin in the United States. Forty-two years before the English colonized Jamestown and fifty-five years before the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock, the Spanish established at St.

What is oldest city in the world? ›

Jericho, Palestine

A small city with a population of 20,000 people, Jericho, which is located in Palestine, is believed to be the oldest city in the world. Indeed, some of the earliest archeological evidence from the area dates back 11,000 years.

What is the deepest river in the world? ›

The Congo is the deepest river in the world. Its headwaters are in the north-east of Zambia, between Lake Tanganyika and Lake Nyasa (Malawi), 1760 metres above sea level; it flows into the Atlantic Ocean.

Which country has most rivers? ›

List of countries by waterways length
RankCountryWaterways
World2,293,412
1Russia317,505
2Brazil153,348
3China138,357
107 more rows

Is Amazon or Nile longer? ›

The Amazon might also be the world's longest river—depending on whom you ask. Most scientists believe the South American river is at least 4,000 miles (6,400 km) long—still shorter than the Nile, which is widely held to be the world's longest river at about 4,132 miles (6,650 km).

What river runs through the Grand Canyon? ›

Most of the flow of the Colorado River through Grand Canyon originates in the Rocky Mountain region. From its origin to its mouth in the Gulf of California, many hands have claimed the Colorado waters for such purposes as irrigation and water supply.

Can you swim in the Yellowstone River? ›

Swimming in Yellowstone National Park

Due to the thermal activity in the park, most rivers and lakes in Yellowstone are closed to swimmers. However, if you're up for an adventure, the park has opened up a few alluring areas to the public.

Did the Missouri river ever flow north? ›

The Missouri first flows northward and northeastward (via Great Falls) through western Montana before turning eastward across the northern portion of the state.

What is the deepest river in the United States? ›

Key Points: At a depth of 216 feet (though some sources argue its 202 ft), the Hudson River is the deepest river in the United States. The Hudson River's headwaters are located in the Lake Tear of the Clouds in New York's Adirondack Park. It travels 315 miles from that point to Upper New York Bay.

Which is the most cleanest river in the world? ›

Summary of 6 of the Clearest Rivers in the World
RankRiverLocation
1Blue RiverGreenland
2Rio da PrataBrazil
3Rio SucuriBrazil
4Verzasca RiverSwitzerland
2 more rows
Feb 4, 2023

What is the wildest river in America? ›

The Mississippi River is frequently considered to be the widest river in the United States.

What is the slowest river in America? ›

James River (Dakotas)

What is the swiftest river in the United States? ›

Fastest Free-Flowing Navigable River in North America

The Stikine River, Shtax'héen in Tlingit, or Bitter River, is known for its tremendous size and complex braided waters. It is the fastest free-flowing navigable river in North America.

What is the most turbulent river in the world? ›

NASA images of the Congo Basin. The river itself is as turbulent as its history, though it begins peacefully enough in the savannas just south of Lake Tanganyika. Gradually the river widens and picks up speed until it enters the "Gates of Hell," a 75-miles long canyon of impassable rapids.

What is the largest US city without a river? ›

Indianapolis is considered the largest city in the United States that is not constructed on a navigable body of water.

What is the only river without a dam? ›

In fact, only one major river — the Smith, on California's North Coast — remains undammed and unsullied by human development. "It flows pure and clean because we've prevented mining and extensive logging up there," says Palmer.

What is the narrowest river in the United States? ›

Roe River
Roe River flowing from Giant Springs
Location of mouth in Montana
Location
CountryUnited States
11 more rows

What is the rarest fish in Missouri? ›

Lake Sturgeon

The largest of Missouri's three sturgeons is rare and endangered in our state. One way to identify it is by its conical (not shovel-nosed) snout. And despite its name, in our state this fish is almost always found in big rivers—not lakes.

What is the hardest fish to catch in Missouri? ›

What is the Hardest Fish to Catch in Missouri?
  • Muskies – large predatory fish hesitant to bite hold of the bait.
  • Smallmouth bass – aggressive fighters who love cold, deep waters.
  • Lake sturgeon – rare, erratic, and speedy-moving fish.
Apr 8, 2023

What is the deepest river in Missouri? ›

Meramec River
CountryUnited States
StateMissouri
RegionOzarks
CitiesSteelville, Missouri, Sullivan, Missouri, Pacific, Missouri, Valley Park, Missouri, Arnold, Missouri
25 more rows

What is the cleanest river in Missouri? ›

The Black River is a crystal clear rock bottom river that is one of Missouri's cleanest river ways. Whether swimming, floating, snorkeling or just enjoying the sun, the Black River is the perfect spot.

Can you drink on rivers in Missouri? ›

Possession or use of drinking devices for the rapid consumption of large amounts of alcohol, commonly referred to as “beer bongs,” along with four-gallon containers which hold any alcoholic beverage are prohibited on the state's rivers except the Mississippi, Missouri, and Osage Rivers.

Is the Missouri River drying up? ›

Drought remains widespread across many of the states within the Missouri River Basin. Currently 57% of this region is in drought, with the most intense areas in Kansas and Nebraska, where exceptional drought (D4) has persisted since late summer 2022.

Have human remains been found in the Missouri River? ›

The Fremont County Sheriff's Office in western Iowa said Monday human remains found near the Missouri River were that of a missing Missouri man. The remains of Salvador Agustin Fonseca, 30, of Springfield, Missouri, were found on March 20, according to a news release.

Is there a river under the Missouri River? ›

The river beneath the Missouri River is water that flows around sand and gravel particles from the alluvium of water-deposited materials in the Missouri River Valley. So the very small streams of water, if you will, flowing around all the particles, is actually the river beneath the Missouri River.

What 3 major rivers run through the US? ›

Table
#NameMouth
1Missouri RiverMississippi River
2Mississippi RiverGulf of Mexico
3Yukon RiverBering Sea
4Rio GrandeGulf of Mexico
33 more rows

What three rivers make up the Three Rivers? ›

PITTSBURGH — One of the unique features of Pittsburgh's landscape is its three rivers. The Allegheny River and Monongahela River united at Point State Park to form the Ohio River. The Allegheny River is roughly 325 miles long and runs through New York and Pennsylvania. It's the main tributary of the Ohio River.

What are the 3 major rivers that empty into the Mississippi river? ›

Major tributaries
RiverLengthMouth
1. Upper Mississippi River1,250 mi (2,010 km)St. Louis, Missouri
2. Arkansas River1,469 mi (2,364 km)Franklin Township, Arkansas
3. Illinois River273 mi (439 km)Grafton, Illinois
4. Missouri River2,522 mi (4,059 km)Spanish Lake, near St. Louis, Missouri
2 more rows

What are 3 rivers that flow through the Midwest region? ›

Major river systems include the upper Mississippi River in Minnesota and Wisconsin; the Wisconsin, Chippewa, and St. Croix rivers in Wisconsin; and the Menominee and Escanaba rivers in Michigan. Other important water bodies include Lakes Superior, Michigan, Huron, and Erie.

What is the largest river in the world? ›

The longest river in the world, measured from its mouth to its most distant, year-round source, is likely the Amazon, which flows 4,345 miles from the Peruvian Andes through Brazil to the Atlantic Ocean.

What is the longest free flowing river in the US? ›

Cutting a diagonal northeast channel across Montana for nearly 700 miles to its confluence with the Missouri River in North Dakota, the Yellowstone River is the longest free-flowing river in the lower 48 states.

What are the 5 great rivers of USA? ›

Identify major rivers of the United States of America: Mississippi, Ohio, Rio Grande, Colorado, Hudson.

What is the oldest river in the world? ›

Finke River

What are the three rivers in the Bible? ›

The four rivers in the Old Testament Garden of Eden (Pishon, Gihon, Tigris, and Euphrates)

What is it called when three rivers meet? ›

In geography, a confluence (also: conflux) occurs where two or more flowing bodies of water join to form a single channel.

Which is bigger the Ohio River or the Mississippi river? ›

The Ohio River is a largest river; it is even bigger than the Mississippi River itself. The Ohio River is around 981 miles long. The Ohio River is 981 miles long, starting in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and ending in Cairo, Illinois, where it flows into the Mississippi River.

Why is the Mississippi river drying up? ›

One of the main reasons the Mississippi River is drying up is climate change. The megadrought that is currently ravishing mostly the western part of the U.S. is believed to be caused mainly by high temperatures, implicitly by global warming. The second-biggest reason would be the lack of rain.

What state has three rivers? ›

United States
  • Three Rivers, California.
  • Three Rivers, Massachusetts.
  • Three Rivers, Michigan.
  • Three Rivers, New Mexico.
  • Three Rivers Park District, Minnesota.
  • Three Rivers, the region surrounding Muskogee, Oklahoma.
  • Three Rivers (Oregon), a river.
  • Three Rivers, Oregon, a census-designated place.

What is the largest river in the Midwest? ›

Upper Mississippi RiverIowa, Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, Wisconsin. The Mississippi River is perhaps the most renowned of America's great rivers. It is 2,340 miles long, making it the longest river in North America.

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