List of tributaries of the Missouri River facts for kids

The Missouri River is a really important river in the central United States. It's like the main highway for water in a huge area! Many smaller rivers and streams flow into it, and these are called its "tributaries." Think of them as helper rivers that bring water to the main river.

This article will help you explore some of the amazing rivers that join the Missouri. We'll look at them in sections, moving from where the Missouri River ends (its mouth) all the way upstream to where it begins.

Map of the Missouri River watershed

The White River flowing into the Missouri River and coloring it with clay

Rivers Joining the Missouri: The Lower Section

This part of the Missouri River flows through states like Missouri and Kansas. Many rivers join it here, bringing water from wide areas.

Rivers Near Kansas City

As the Missouri River flows past Kansas City, it meets several important helper rivers:

• The Gasconade River is a big one, and it has its own helpers like the Big Piney River and Roubidoux Creek.
• The Osage River is another major tributary. It collects water from many streams, including the Maries River, Niangua River, and Pomme de Terre River.
• The Lamine River and Chariton River also add their waters to the Missouri in this area.
• Closer to Kansas City, you'll find the Fishing River, Little Blue River, and Blue River. These rivers are important for the local areas around the city.

Rivers from Kansas City to Plattsmouth

Moving upstream from Kansas City, more rivers join the Missouri.

• The Kansas River is a huge tributary that flows in from the west. It's formed by many rivers coming together, such as the Wakarusa River, Delaware River, and the Big Blue River.
• The Republican River and Smoky Hill River are also big parts of the Kansas River system. They have many smaller streams like the Prairie Dog Creek and Solomon River that feed into them.
• Other rivers in this section include the Platte River (a different one from the very large Platte River we'll talk about later!), the Nodaway River, and the Wolf River.
• The Big Nemaha River and Little Nemaha River also contribute their water, along with the Tarkio River and Nishnabotna River.

The Mighty Platte River Basin

The Platte River is one of the biggest helper rivers of the Missouri. It's so large that it has its own network of rivers and streams, called a basin.

Main Branches of the Platte River

• The Salt Creek is a notable tributary of the Platte, with many smaller streams like Oak Creek and Antelope Creek flowing into it.
• The Elkhorn River is another major branch, collecting water from places like the Maple Creek and Logan Creek.
• The Loup River is a large system that includes the Cedar River, North Loup River, and Middle Loup River. These rivers help drain a big part of Nebraska.

North Platte River: Journey from the Mountains

The North Platte River is a very long branch of the Platte. It starts high up in the mountains and flows through Wyoming and Nebraska.

• It has many mountain streams joining it, such as the Laramie River, which itself has helpers like Chugwater Creek and Sybille Creek.
• The Sweetwater River is another important tributary in Wyoming.
• Further upstream, the North Platte collects water from rivers like the Medicine Bow River and Encampment River.

South Platte River: From Colorado's Peaks

The South Platte River starts in the mountains of Colorado and flows across the plains.

• It has many streams that come down from the mountains, like the Cache La Poudre River, Big Thompson River, and St. Vrain River.
• Near Denver, Colorado, the Clear Creek and Cherry Creek join the South Platte.
• Even higher up, streams like Tarryall Creek and the Middle Fork South Platte River contribute to its flow.

Rivers Joining the Missouri: Middle Sections

As the Missouri River continues its journey north, it passes through states like Iowa, Nebraska, and the Dakotas.

Rivers from Plattsmouth to Pierre

This section sees many rivers from both the east (Iowa) and west (Nebraska, South Dakota) joining the Missouri.

• From Iowa, rivers like the Boyer River, Soldier River, and Little Sioux River flow into the Missouri. The Little Sioux River has its own helpers like the Maple River and Ocheyedan River.
• The Floyd River and Big Sioux River are also important rivers from Iowa and South Dakota. The Big Sioux River has streams like the Rock River and Split Rock Creek joining it.
• The James River is a very long river that flows through the Dakotas before joining the Missouri. It has many smaller streams like Wolf Creek and Elm River.
• The Niobrara River is a major river from Nebraska, known for its beautiful waterfalls. It has tributaries like the Keya Paha River and Snake River.
• The White River is a significant river from South Dakota. It brings water from streams like the Little White River and Wounded Knee Creek.
• Near Pierre, South Dakota, the Bad River joins the Missouri.

Rivers from Pierre to Bismarck

Moving further north into the Dakotas, more rivers add to the Missouri's flow.

• The Cheyenne River is a large river from South Dakota and Wyoming. It has many branches, including the Belle Fourche River, which itself has rivers like the Redwater River and Spearfish Creek flowing into it. Other parts of the Cheyenne River system include Rapid Creek and French Creek.
• The Moreau River and Grand River are also important rivers in this area, with their own networks of streams.
• The Cannonball River and Heart River are significant rivers in North Dakota that join the Missouri near Bismarck.

Rivers Joining the Missouri: Upper Sections

As we get closer to the Missouri River's source, the landscape changes, and different types of rivers join it.

Rivers from Bismarck to Williston

This section of the Missouri River flows through North Dakota.

• The Knife River is a key tributary here, with streams like Spring Creek and Deep Creek feeding into it.
• The Little Missouri River is a very long and important river that flows through parts of Wyoming, Montana, and North Dakota before joining the Missouri. It has many branches, including Cherry Creek and Beaver Creek.
• Other rivers in this area include the Shell Creek and Little Muddy River.

The Mighty Yellowstone River Basin

The Yellowstone River is another giant helper river of the Missouri, flowing through Wyoming, Montana, and North Dakota. It's so big it has its own huge basin!

Main Branches of the Yellowstone River

• The Powder River is a major tributary of the Yellowstone, with many branches like the Little Powder River and Clear Creek.
• The Tongue River and Rosebud Creek are also important rivers in this basin.
• The Bighorn River is a very large river that flows into the Yellowstone. It has many significant branches, including the Little Bighorn River (famous for its history), the Shoshone River, and the Greybull River.
• The Wind River is the upper part of the Bighorn River. It has many streams that flow from the mountains, like the Little Wind River and Popo Agie River.

Rivers in the Yellowstone's Upper Reaches

Closer to the Yellowstone's source, you find rivers like:

• The Clarks Fork Yellowstone River, which has branches like Rock Creek and Bear Creek.
• The Stillwater River and Boulder River are also important.
• Inside Yellowstone National Park, the Gardiner River and Lamar River are famous for their beautiful scenery and wildlife.

Rivers Joining the Missouri: Montana Sections

As the Missouri River enters Montana, it flows through more wild and scenic areas, with many rivers joining it.

Rivers from the North Dakota-Montana Border to Great Falls

• The Milk River is a very long river that flows from Canada into Montana and then into the Missouri. It has many branches like Porcupine Creek and Frenchman Creek.
• The Big Dry Creek and Musselshell River are also important rivers in this part of Montana.
• The Judith River and Arrow Creek are other notable tributaries in this area.
• The Marias River is a large river that joins the Missouri. It has its own big branches like the Teton River and Two Medicine River.

Rivers from Great Falls to Three Forks

This section of the Missouri River is where it starts to get closer to its source.

• The Sun River is a key tributary here, with its North Fork Sun River and South Fork Sun River.
• The Smith River and Dearborn River are also important rivers that flow into the Missouri in this area.
• The Prickly Pear Creek and Sixteen Mile Creek are some of the last major streams before the Missouri River truly begins.

Where the Missouri River Begins: The Headwaters

The Missouri River officially begins at a place called Three Forks, Montana, where three main rivers come together. These are its "headwaters."

The Gallatin River

The Gallatin River is one of the three rivers that form the Missouri. It's known for its clear waters and beautiful valleys.

• It has branches like the East Gallatin River and West Fork Gallatin River.

The Madison River

The Madison River is another one of the three rivers. It flows through scenic areas and has unique features.

• It includes the Firehole River and Gibbon River, which are famous for their geysers and hot springs in Yellowstone National Park.

The Jefferson River

The Jefferson River is the third and longest of the three rivers that form the Missouri.

• It's made up of several important rivers, including the South Boulder River and Boulder River.
• The Big Hole River is a major branch of the Jefferson, known for its fishing.
• The Beaverhead River is another key part of the Jefferson system. It has its own branches like the Ruby River and Red Rock River. The Red Rock River is especially interesting because it leads to Brower's Spring, which is considered the furthest source of the entire Missouri River system!

See also

• List of tributaries of the Mississippi River