the Mississippi River

The Mississippi River is one of North America’s longest and most significant waterways, stretching about 2,320 miles from Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico. It flows through or borders ten states, serving as a vital transportation route for goods, a source of water, and a natural habitat for diverse wildlife. The river has shaped the region’s history, economy, and environment, influencing weather patterns and supporting agriculture. Its basin covers a large part of the central U.S., making it a key ecological and economic artery that connects inland communities to the wider world via navigation and commerce.