How Long Is Missouri River? Navigation Guide

The Missouri River is one of the most iconic and historically significant rivers in the United States, stretching across seven states and playing a crucial role in the country's ecosystem and economy. With a total length of approximately 2,341 miles (3,767 kilometers), it is the longest river in North America, surpassing the Mississippi River. The Missouri River originates in the Rocky Mountains of Montana, where the Jefferson, Madison, and Gallatin rivers converge, and flows southeast through North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, and Missouri before emptying into the Mississippi River near St. Louis, Missouri.

Missouri River Navigation History

For centuries, the Missouri River has been an essential route for trade, commerce, and exploration. The river’s navigability has been a key factor in the development of the regions it touches, with early European explorers, such as the French and Spanish, using the river to access the interior of the continent. The Lewis and Clark expedition, which took place from 1804 to 1806, marked a significant milestone in the river’s navigation history, as the two explorers traveled up the Missouri River to explore the western territories of the United States. Today, the Missouri River remains a vital transportation route, with cargo ships and barges carrying goods such as grain, coal, and petroleum products along its length.

River Segments and Navigation Challenges

The Missouri River can be divided into three main segments: the Upper Missouri, the Middle Missouri, and the Lower Missouri. Each segment presents unique navigation challenges, ranging from shallow waters and strong currents to dams and locks. The Upper Missouri, which stretches from the river’s origin in Montana to the Garrison Dam in North Dakota, is characterized by a narrow, winding channel and limited navigational infrastructure. The Middle Missouri, which extends from the Garrison Dam to the Kansas River confluence in Kansas, is wider and deeper, but still poses challenges due to its meandering course and variable water levels. The Lower Missouri, which flows from the Kansas River confluence to the Mississippi River, is the most navigable segment, with a wider and deeper channel, as well as a well-developed system of locks and dams.

Modern Navigation and Recreation

Despite the challenges, the Missouri River remains a popular destination for recreation and commercial navigation. The river offers a range of activities, including fishing, boating, and kayaking, as well as stunning scenery and abundant wildlife viewing opportunities. The Missouri River Water Trail, which spans the river’s entire length, provides a framework for recreational users to plan their trips and access the river’s many parks, trails, and historic sites. Commercial navigation, including cargo shipping and passenger cruises, also continues to play an important role in the river’s economy, with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers responsible for maintaining the river’s navigational infrastructure and ensuring safe passage for all users.

Environmental and Conservation Efforts

In recent years, there has been a growing focus on environmental and conservation efforts along the Missouri River, aimed at protecting the river’s natural resources and restoring its ecosystem. The Missouri River Recovery Program, launched in 2006, brings together federal, state, and local agencies, as well as non-profit organizations and private stakeholders, to address the river’s environmental challenges, including habitat degradation, water quality issues, and the impacts of climate change. The program’s goals include restoring the river’s natural flow and sediment transport, improving water quality, and protecting the river’s endangered species, such as the pallid sturgeon and the least tern.

• Restoring natural flow and sediment transport
• Improving water quality
• Protecting endangered species