Rivers & streams
"A river seems a magic thing. A magic, moving, living part of the earth itself . . ."
— Laura Gilpin, The Rio Grande, 1949
River and stream facts
- Natural rivers & streams: approximately 69,200 miles
- State and national Wild and Scenic Rivers: 589 miles
- Drainage ditches: about 21,200 miles.
- The Mississippi River is about 680 miles long (in Minnesota; the whole river is about 2,350 miles long). Lake Itasca in Itasca State Park is the source of the Mississippi River.
- The Minnesota River is about 370 miles long. It flows into the Mississippi at Fort Snelling State Park.
- Lengths of other major Minnesota rivers
- General water facts
Frequent questions
- Where can I find information about river and stream flooding?
- Frequently Asked Questions About Rivers and Streams
- What permits do I need for riverfront property?
- What are some common hydrologic terms and definitions?
- What is the definition of ordinary high water level (OHWL) and why is it important?
- What is a wild and scenic river?
- What can I do to prevent erosion?
- How do I name a river or stream?
- What is the water quality of my river/stream? (Minnesota Pollution Control Agency)
River and stream recreation
- Water recreation page
- River Level Reports for canoeing, kayaking, etc.
River and stream stewardship
- Healthy Rivers: A Water Course instructional CD ROM
- The Shape of Healthy Streams - Characteristics of Natural Watercourses
- information sheet with color background
(810 Kb) - information sheet with no background (better suited for black and white printing) (361 Kb)
- information sheet with color background
- Conserving Your Blufflands (529 Kb)
- Adopt-A-River
- Wild and Scenic Rivers in Minnesota
- Mississippi River Critical Area Program
- Mississippi National River and Recreation Area (MNRRA) (National Park Service)
- Need a DNR Permit?
- Classification system for lakes and rivers
- Shoreland Management
- Guide for Buying and Managing Shoreland
