21 Fun Facts About the Missouri River! (Missouri Marvels)

Fun Facts About the Missouri River

Here are 21 Fun Facts About the Missouri River! (Missouri Marvels)

1. The Missouri River is the longest river in North America, with a length of approximately 2,341 miles.

At truly impressive lengths, the Missouri River can boast of being the longest river in North America — stretching to a grand total of 2,341 miles! Its generous waters cut across numerous landscapes, offering Midwestern residents and tourists alike perfect opportunities for viewing wildlife, discovering natural history, and more.

Over the centuries, it has carved out a path bringing the finest that the state can offer. Whether appreciating its breadth or taking in self-reliant activities up and down its various shores, the Missouri river has given much of this region character– making it a picturesque slice of Americana.

2. The Missouri River is the 15th Longest River in the world.

15th on the list of the world’s longest rivers, its majestic presence has been referred to by many throughout the centuries as crossing a pastoral oasis of outdoor activity and vast landscapes.

Its plethora of tributaries adds to its allure; these converging underwater highways have made quite an impact by establishing settlements surrounded by Indian tribes before American expansion. 

3. The Missouri River begins in the Rocky Mountains of Montana and flows through 7 States in the United States.

The Missouri River has its start in the majestic Rocky Mountains of Montana and continues to snake through seven different American states as it winds from West to East.

Its steady path begins first in North Dakota, and continues on through South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, and Missouri, before reaching Iowa. Finally, it flows together with the Mississippi River in Illinois, completing its staggering 2,341-mile journey that began so long ago on those hulking mountains of Montana.

4. The Missouri River was named by the Indigenous Missouri tribe, which means “People of the Big Canoe.”

The Missouri River had a most appropriate namesake. The moniker was provided by a distinguishable group: the Indigenous people known as the Missouri Tribe.

This mighty powerful nation of Indigenous people had a revered title in their own language that became the inspiration for the name we know and love today. The name directly translates to “People of the Big Canoe,” honoring their great tradition of fishing in tandem with large wooden canoes down this special river. 

5. The Missouri River has a drainage area of approximately 529,000 square miles.

The Missouri River, our nation’s longest river, is composed of three distinct parts—the Headwaters, Great Plains, and Lower Mississippi. Its estimated drainage area totals roughly 529,000 square miles.

Extending 2,341 miles in overall length, this icon of the American heartland takes a winding path from its source near the Yellowstone Plateau in Montana to where it finally joins the mighty Mississippi River at St. Charles County, Missouri.

6. The Missouri River has a large number of tributaries, including the Yellowstone, Platte, and Kansas Rivers.

The mighty Missouri River is powerful and wide, with many major tributaries contributing to it. Among these are the Yellowstone, known for its sprawling and vibrant ecosystems, the Platte famous for nourishing explorative journeys of centuries past, and the storied Kansas River sentineling the rocky Mountains.

Together they present a great network of rivers wielding history, natural grandeur, and perpetual action.

7. The Missouri River was an Important Transportation route for Early Settlers and Explorers, including Lewis and Clark.

The Missouri River served a critical purpose in the journey of early settlers and explorers. Lewis and Clark, two of America’s most renowned adventurers, utilized its waters to continue their push westward. Its deep currents stretched far and wide, propelling the expedition forward.

By taking to the river, Lewis and Clark were able to pass treacherous terrain with ease. Swooping upriver on the Missouri River allowed them to explore the West with relative brevity, expanding their knowledge like never before.

Not only did the river prove an invaluable source of exploration—it became a bridge for trade between some of America’s greatest Pioneers in history.

8. The Missouri River is home to a variety of wildlife, including Bald Eagles, Beavers, and River Otters.

The Missouri River is an oasis for a multitude of wildlife. Some permanent residents that call the river their home include Bald Eagles, Beavers, and River Otters. The rich diversity of flourishing animal species demonstrates the importance of more careful conservation of this sensational ecosystem. 

9. The Missouri River is also an Important Source of Irrigation and Drinking Water for many Communities Along its Banks.

The Missouri River plays an essential role in local agriculture, providing irrigation to outfits along its length. The water along its banks is being used as a source of drinking water for numerous communities.

It’s an incredible resource that strengthens the area, with farmers relying on it to feed their livestock and water their crops. Away from the farms, it serves an indispensable duty in supplying hydration to local citizens who are lucky enough to live near this majestic river.

10. The Missouri River has a History of Flooding, with Several Major Floods Occurring over the Past Century.

Despite only occupying 3/10ths of a percent of the earth’s water surface, the Missouri River undeniably has its part to play in many significant history lessons. In fact, over just the span of one century, virtually uncontrolled flooding events have led to numerous major emergencies on both sides of the Mississippi itself and its tributaries.

One such disaster hit not long after 1925 when heavy season snowpack exceeded what its first levee system could withstand in order to protect thousands of acres along the riverbed.

11. In the 19th century, Steamboats were a common sight on the Missouri River, Transporting Goods and Passengers Up and Down the River.

From the middle of the 19th century until just past its end, Steamships pulled into ports all along the riverbanks of the Missouri. These charters promised to carry hale and hearty citizens with their carts heaping with supplies both frills and necessary.

Two reasons steamship were popular were twofold: it meant a streamlined journey that minimized fatigue and danger. Additionally, adopting such vessels allowed individuals to enjoy scenic views rarely seen by foot or horseback.

Furthermore, brisk rivers dealt far too predictably for waterway traffic leisure via steamboat to slow significantly on any given stretch.

12. The Missouri River is Home to a Number of Dams and Reservoirs, including the Fort Peck Dam in Montana and the Gavin’s Point Dam in South Dakota.

The Missouri River is host to a vital infrastructure, with an array of dams and reservoirs. One of the key structures along the watershed is the Fort Peck Dam in Montana, an earthen berm built in 1933 to contain sediment loads and provide water conservation benefits.

Further downstream rests another one of these important pieces of engineering – the Gavin’s Point Dam, which spans South Dakota and Nebraska, and was constructed in 1956 to better support recreational boating. Both are exemplary waterworks that shape part of this vital river’s history.

13. The Missouri River is Home to Many Species of Fish, including Catfish, Bass, and Crappies.

Nestled in the heartland, the Missouri River is awash with life! From catfish to bass and even silly crappies, this river is teeming with many species of fish.

Inhabitants that happily call the waterway home include several types of carp and shad, water modeled mussels and those good old gars. All these fishy friends flock to these muddy waters from Minnesota all the way down to Saint Louis, making this a hot spot for anglers everywhere!

14. The Missouri River was the Location of Several Battles during the American Civil War, including the Battle of Lexington and the Battle of Westport.

The Missouri River can dawn on history as the setting of numerous battles during the American Civil War. A prime example of this is the renowned Battle of Lexington, held aloft on her waters.

Furthermore, there was also the Battle of Westport. Both flaring displays of tanks and soldiers saw their venue entrenched within the sable stream that is the Missouri River’s lay. To truly capture what an impact these locations transcended back then, one must imagine boats artfully sailing toward impending doom.

15. The Missouri River is home to several Native American tribes, including Omaha, Ponca, and Iowa.

The Missouri River is a vital part of many Native American histories. The Omaha, Ponca, and Iowa people are just a few of the tribes that have traditionally made their home near the river’s banks.

These three tribes share similarities in their cultures but also celebrated their distinct differences. From ceremonies to rituals, traditions to foods, their livelihoods were inexorably intertwined with the Missouri River and the surrounding landscape. Spanning generations, these tribes created countless communal memories alongside this riparian ecosystem.

16. The Missouri River is a Vital Source of Transportation for many agricultural products, including Wheat, Corn, and Soybeans.

The Missouri River plays an essential role in transportation for vital agricultural commodities. Critical products such as wheat, corn, and soybeans receive a crucial connection to buyers through the Missouri River trade route.

The flow of these agricultural goods is immense thanks to the invaluable asset of water transportation. For local communities bustling with farming activity, trucks, planes, and airplanes are not seen filling our highways but quality cargo boats fill the Missouri River, heaving locally grown commodities toward far-off destinations. 

17. The Missouri River is home to several State and National Parks, including the Missouri National Recreational River.

Travelers and nature lovers alike find nature’s paradise in the form of the Missouri River, winding through several beautiful state and national parks.

One such park is the Missouri National Recreational River, comprised of nearly 53 miles of free-flowing waters with ample opportunity for fishing, rafting, paddling, and sightseeing.

18. The Missouri River is Home to several threatened and endangered species, including the Piping Plover and the Pallid Sturgeon.

The Missouri River is a nursery for many threatened and endangered species, providing lifecycle support and nourishment. In particular, it is one of the last refuges of the Piping Plover, an imperiled shorebird that combines art with science–each feather a calculated pattern, like tiny colorful brushstrokes in the air.

Similarly housing the Pallid Sturgeon, a rare fish easily discernible by its fossil-like armor plating and prominent snout. They are both are critical inhabitants of Missouri’s biodiversity and are truly unique characters standouts within its aquatic ecosystem.

19. The Missouri River is a Major Flyway for Migratory Birds, with many species of Waterfowl and Shorebirds stopping along the River during their Journeys.

The Missouri River acts as a crucial stopover for an abundance of migratory birds. It serves as a major habitat, allowing both waterfowls and shorebirds the opportunity to strum up some energy during their annual journeys.

Millions of feathered friends are hosted here when they make the trip between their southern homes or more northern summer residences. The Missouri River is constantly visited soon after springtime strikes its unique visitors, providing a much-needed place of nourishment and momentary rest along the way.

20. The Missouri River has a Varied Landscape, with a mix of Forests, Grasslands, and Wetlands.

The Missouri River has an immense amount of ecological diversity to offer. From vast forests reaching the distant horizon to grasslands embraced by a cool, afternoon breeze, and lush wetlands where native life flourishes, this majestic river truly has something special along its shore sides.

It boasts a soaring canopy of trees that provide shelter and comfort to animals large and small. Its extensive grasslands will surely delight any explorer with its sights of glowing meadows gently touched by the sun beaming through their thick blanket of undisturbed wilds.

And its vast wetland spread promises teeming ecosystems brimming with an entire indoor Z o o’s worth of species both rare and wondrous! 

21. The Missouri River was an important transportation route for early European Colonizers.

European settlers and explorers during the early years of our country recognized the potential of the Missouri River as a transportation route. Much like a roadway in many respects, they used it to transport goods and supplies to regions on the western fringes of civilization. This enabled them to reach places they would have been unable to access otherwise. 

Conclusion

We hope you have enjoyed learning about the Missouri River and all of the amazing things it has to offer! From its rich history and diverse wildlife to its cultural significance and recreational opportunities, the Missouri River is truly a marvel of the natural world.

Whether you are an avid outdoors enthusiast or just looking to learn more about this fascinating natural feature, we hope that this blog has provided you with some interesting and entertaining information about the Missouri River.

So the next time you find yourself near the banks of this mighty river, take a moment to appreciate all of the beauty and wonder it has to offer. Thank you for joining us on this exciting journey through the world of the Missouri River!