The Illinois and Missouri River

The Illinois River is a principal waterway flowing through northern Illinois, serving as an important route for transportation, commerce, and ecosystem diversity. It begins in the Chicago area, flowing southwest into the Mississippi River. The Missouri River is one of North America’s longest rivers, originating in the Rocky Mountains and flowing east and south, passing through several states before converging with the Mississippi River near St. Louis. Both rivers play vital roles in regional ecology, economy, and water management, supporting transportation, agriculture, and natural habitats across their extensive courses.