List of rivers of Missouri facts for kids
Missouri is a state in the central United States, known for its many rivers! These rivers are super important because they help shape the land, provide homes for animals, and are used for things like fishing, boating, and even drinking water. Rivers are like the veins of the land, carrying water from higher places down to larger bodies of water, like the mighty Mississippi River.
This article will help you explore the main rivers in Missouri and understand how they are all connected, like branches on a tree.
Contents
What is a Drainage Basin?
Imagine a giant bathtub, but instead of holding water, it collects all the rain and snowmelt from a huge area. That's kind of what a drainage basin is! It's an area of land where all the water flows downhill into a single river, lake, or ocean. Think of it as a big funnel for water.
In Missouri, most rivers eventually flow into the Mississippi River. Smaller rivers that join a larger river are called tributaries.
Mississippi River Basin
The Mississippi River is one of the longest rivers in the world, and it forms Missouri's eastern border. Many of Missouri's rivers are part of the huge Mississippi River drainage basin. This means their water eventually ends up in the Mississippi!
Arkansas River System
Even though the Arkansas River mainly flows through Arkansas and Oklahoma, some rivers in southwest Missouri are part of its drainage system. This is because their waters flow into the Arkansas River, which then joins the Mississippi.
- Neosho River: This river starts in Kansas and flows into Oklahoma.
- Elk River: A tributary of the Neosho, it has smaller streams like Buffalo Creek and Big Sugar Creek joining it.
- Spring River: This river is also a tributary of the Neosho. It has its own smaller streams, including Shoal Creek.
White River System
The White River is another major river that flows through Arkansas, but it also collects water from many rivers in southern Missouri.
- Black River: A big tributary of the White River.
- Spring River: This Spring River (different from the one above!) joins the Black River. It's fed by streams like the Eleven Point River and the Current River.
- Current River: Famous for its clear water and floating, it's a popular spot for outdoor fun. It has tributaries like Jacks Fork.
- Spring River: This Spring River (different from the one above!) joins the Black River. It's fed by streams like the Eleven Point River and the Current River.
- North Fork River: This river flows into the White River and is known for its beautiful springs. It has tributaries like Bryant Creek.
- James River: This river flows through southwest Missouri and joins the White River. It has important tributaries like Finley Creek and Wilsons Creek.
- Kings River: Another river that starts in Missouri and flows into Arkansas to join the White River.
Rivers Joining the Mississippi Directly
Some rivers in Missouri flow directly into the Mississippi River, especially between where the White River and Missouri River join it.
- St. Francis River: This river forms part of the border between Missouri and Arkansas.
- Little River: A tributary of the St. Francis River.
- Meramec River: A major river in eastern Missouri, popular for recreation.
- Big River: A large tributary of the Meramec.
- Bourbeuse River: Another important tributary of the Meramec.
- Huzzah Creek: A clear, scenic creek that flows into the Meramec.
Missouri River System
The Missouri River is the longest river in North America! It flows along Missouri's western border and then cuts across the state to join the Mississippi River near St. Louis. Many of Missouri's most important rivers are tributaries of the Missouri River.
- Gasconade River: A long river in central Missouri, known for its winding path.
- Big Piney River: A major tributary of the Gasconade.
- Osage River: A very important river in central Missouri, formed by the joining of several smaller rivers.
- Maries River: A tributary of the Osage.
- Niangua River: Another significant tributary of the Osage.
- Pomme de Terre River: This river flows into the Osage.
- Little Sac River: A tributary of the Pomme de Terre.
- Little Osage River: This river joins the Osage.
- Marmaton River: A tributary of the Little Osage.
- Lamine River: A river in central Missouri that flows into the Missouri River.
- Blackwater River: A tributary of the Lamine River.
- Chariton River: This river flows through northern Missouri.
- Grand River: A large river in northern Missouri.
- Thompson River: A tributary of the Grand River.
- Blue River: This river flows through Kansas City.
- Platte River: A river in northwest Missouri.
- Nodaway River: Another river in northwest Missouri.
- Tarkio River: A river in the far northwest corner of Missouri.
Mississippi River North of the Missouri River
North of where the Missouri River joins it, the Mississippi River continues to receive water from other Missouri rivers.
- Cuivre River: A river in eastern Missouri.
- Salt River: A significant river in northeast Missouri.
- Fabius River: This river system in northeast Missouri includes the North, Middle, and South Fabius Rivers.
- Wyaconda River: A river in northeast Missouri.
- Fox River: A river in the far northeast corner of Missouri.
- Des Moines River: This river forms part of Missouri's northern border with Iowa before joining the Mississippi.
See also
