River Basics
From its source in Minnesota, the Mississippi flows 2,348 miles down to the Gulf of Mexico.
The water it carries comes from forests, cropland, marshes, bogs, wetlands, lakes, streams and rivers stretching far across the country. Water, sediment, and other things from all these places make their way into the Mississippi River.
Where is the river?
How deep is it?
How fast is its current?
How long is the river? 
What shape is it? 
Click here to learn about one of the Mississippi river's major tributaries - the Illinois river! Explore each topic below and learn more about the Mississippi and one major tributary, the Illinois River.
Is the Mississippi easy to navigate? 
