Illinois River facts for kids

Map of the Illinois River watershed.

The Illinois River is a long and important river in the United States. It flows through the state of Illinois. This river is a major branch, or tributary, of the mighty Mississippi River. The Illinois River is about 439 kilometers (273 miles) long.

Where the Illinois River Flows

The Illinois River starts in northeastern Illinois. Its source is near the city of Joliet. From there, it flows west across the state. Then, it turns and flows southwest.

The river passes by many towns and cities. The biggest city along its path is Peoria. Finally, the Illinois River joins the Mississippi River. This meeting point is about 40 kilometers (25 miles) north of Saint Louis, Missouri.

History and Importance

For a very long time, the Illinois River has been important for travel. Native American tribes used the river to move around. Early French explorers and fur trappers also used it. It was a key route connecting the Mississippi River to the Great Lakes.

In the 1800s, a special water path called a canal was built. This canal connected the Illinois River to Lake Michigan. Now, large ships can travel from the Great Lakes all the way to the Mississippi River using this canal. The canal goes right through the city of Chicago. This connection helped Chicago grow into the big city it is today.

Images for kids

• 

  Peoria, Illinois is the largest city on the river

• 

  The Illinois River as mapped in 1718, modern Illinois state highlighted.

• 

  River tow leaving the Starved Rock Lock headed down river.

• 

  The Illinois River, as seen from Starved Rock State Park. The dam (upper-left center) is part of the infrastructure of the Illinois Waterway

• 

  Aerial view looking west along the Illinois River, with Marseilles (bottom) and Ottawa (center frame).

• 

  Late October 2009 (before the flood)

• 

  Early November 2009 (during the flood)

See also

In Spanish: Río Illinois para niños