An Overview of Missouri's Rivers and Lakes
Largest and Most Famous Water Bodies
Missouri is home to many significant rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. The Missouri River, the longest river in North America, flows through the state, alongside the mighty Mississippi River, which forms its eastern border. Notable lakes include Lake of the Ozarks, a massive man-made reservoir, and Table Rock Lake, which is popular for recreation. Other key water bodies are Truman Lake and the Osage River. These rivers and lakes are integral to Missouri’s geography and economy.
Sources of Water for Rivers and Lakes
Missouri’s rivers and lakes are primarily fed by rainfall and tributary streams rather than mountain snowmelt, as the state lacks significant mountains. The Mississippi and Missouri rivers, however, draw some of their water from distant sources, including the Rocky Mountains for the Missouri River. Many of the state's water bodies are also supplemented by local rainfall and smaller rivers. The Osage River is a prominent example of a locally fed river system. Overall, Missouri's water features depend heavily on its regional hydrology.
Types of Rivers in Missouri
Missouri hosts a variety of river types, including perennial rivers like the Missouri and Mississippi, which flow year-round. Exotic rivers like the Missouri bring water from far away, while the Big Piney River and the Gasconade River serve as major tributary rivers feeding larger systems. The Missouri River also serves as an inland waterway vital for transportation. Man-made waterways like the Lake of the Ozarks Aqueducts are also notable, alongside several winding rivers such as the Meramec River with its famous bends.
Types of Lakes in Missouri
Missouri’s lakes are predominantly anthropogenic, or man-made. Examples include the Lake of the Ozarks and Truman Reservoir, both constructed for flood control, hydropower, and recreation. Although Missouri doesn't have glacial or volcanic lakes, it features fluvial lakes, created by river action, such as the oxbow lakes along the Missouri River. There are no significant tectonic or solution lakes in the state. Shoreline lakes are also common, particularly in regions shaped by river dynamics.
Direction of River Flow in Missouri
The rivers in Missouri mostly flow in a north-south direction, influenced by the landscape. The Missouri River, however, follows a more complex east-west path across the state before joining the Mississippi River near St. Louis. The Mississippi River flows directly southward, forming the eastern boundary of Missouri. Some smaller rivers, like the Osage River, flow west to east before merging into larger systems. Overall, the state's major rivers provide essential drainage routes across diverse terrains.
Natural vs. Man-made Lakes in Missouri
Most of Missouri’s lakes are man-made, created through large-scale dam projects. For example, the Lake of the Ozarks was formed by the construction of Bagnell Dam by a private company in the early 1930s. Truman Lake was built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for flood control and power generation. Natural lakes are relatively rare in Missouri, though oxbow lakes like Big Lake were formed naturally along river floodplains. These efforts reflect both state and federal agency involvement.
Use of Rivers for Transportation
Missouri’s rivers, particularly the Missouri and Mississippi, play a significant role in transportation and commerce. The Mississippi River, for instance, allows heavy cargo transportation, including agricultural goods and industrial materials. The Missouri River is also navigable, with the Port of Kansas City being a key hub. In 2019, over 500 million tons of cargo were transported on these rivers, showcasing their importance to the state’s economy. While Missouri is landlocked, its river systems provide vital links to global trade routes.
Missouri's Dams and Their Uses
Missouri has numerous dams, primarily used for flood control, hydropower, and recreation. Bagnell Dam, which created the Lake of the Ozarks, is one of the most famous, generating electricity for the region. Truman Dam on the Osage River is another major structure used for both power generation and flood management. Additionally, some dams, such as those on the Salt River, are designed for irrigation purposes. Recreational use of reservoirs created by these dams is also widespread across the state.
Recreational Activities on Missouri's Waterways
Missouri’s lakes and rivers are widely used for recreation, offering activities like boating, fishing, kayaking, and jet skiing. Lake of the Ozarks and Table Rock Lake are two of the most popular spots for water sports, house boating, and fishing. The Current River is famous for kayaking and canoeing, attracting outdoor enthusiasts from across the Midwest. Additionally, Truman Lake is a hot spot for bass fishing and offers multiple camping areas and marinas. These water bodies contribute significantly to Missouri's tourism industry.
Waterways Supporting Missouri Agriculture
Several rivers and reservoirs in Missouri support the state’s agriculture, primarily by providing irrigation water. The Missouri River, for example, supplies water to vast farmlands through irrigation canals. Truman Lake and Mark Twain Lake are also key sources of agricultural water, especially for livestock and crop irrigation. In addition to irrigation, these water bodies help in sustaining fertile floodplains. The abundance of freshwater is crucial for Missouri’s thriving agriculture sector.
Pollution Issues in Missouri's Waterways
Missouri's rivers and lakes have faced pollution challenges, particularly from agricultural runoff, industrial waste, and sewage discharge. The Mississippi River has long been affected by nutrient pollution, causing harmful algal blooms downstream. Similarly, the Missouri River has experienced contamination from pesticides and fertilizers used in farming. However, state and federal agencies have been actively working to reduce pollution levels and improve water quality through conservation efforts. Despite these challenges, many of Missouri’s water bodies are still suitable for recreation and fishing.
Missouri Rivers, Lakes, Streams and Water Features
Apple Creek, Perry Co, Missouri
Ash Slough Ditch,New Madrid Co, Missouri
Ash Slough Ditch,Scott Co, Missouri
Auxvasse Creek, Callaway Co, Missouri
Beaver Creek, Douglas Co, Missouri
Beaver Creek, Taney Co, Missouri
Beaver Creek, Texas Co, Missouri
Beaver Creek, Wright Co, Missouri
Big Creek, Cass Co, Missouri
Big Creek, Henry Co, Missouri
Big Creek, Iron Co, Missouri
Big Creek, Jackson Co, Missouri
Big Creek, Johnson Co, Missouri
Big Creek, Wayne Co, Missouri
Big Piney River, Phelps Co, Missouri
Big Piney River, Pulaski Co, Missouri
Big Piney River, Texas Co, Missouri
Big River, Saint Francois Co, Missouri
Big River, Washington Co, Missouri
Big Sugar Creek, McDonald Co, Missouri
Black River, Butler Co, Missouri
Black River, Wayne Co, Missouri
Blackwater River, Cooper Co, Missouri
Blackwater River, Saline Co, Missouri
Boeuf Creek, Franklin Co, Missouri
Boeuf Creek, Gasconade Co, Missouri
Bourbeuse River, Franklin Co, Missouri
Bryant Creek, Douglas Co, Missouri
Bryant Creek, Ozark Co, Missouri
Bull Shoals Lake, Ozark Co, Missouri
Bull Shoals Lake, Taney Co, Missouri
Cane Creek, Butler Co, Missouri
Cane Creek, Carter Co, Missouri
Cedar Creek, Boone Co, Missouri
Cedar Creek, Callaway Co, Missouri
Cedar Creek, Cedar Co, Missouri
Center Creek, Jasper Co, Missouri
Center Creek, Lawrence Co, Missouri
Center Creek, Newton Co, Missouri
Chariton River, Adair Co, Missouri
Chariton River, Chariton Co, Missouri
Chariton River, Macon Co, Missouri
Clear Creek, Cedar Co, Missouri
Clear Creek, Saint Clair Co, Missouri
Clear Creek, Vernon Co, Missouri
Clearwater Lake, Reynolds Co, Missouri
Clearwater Lake, Wayne Co, Missouri
Crooked River, Caldwell Co, Missouri
Crooked River, Ray Co, Missouri
Cuivre River, Lincoln Co, Missouri
Cuivre River, Saint Charles Co, Missouri
Current River, Carter Co, Missouri
Current River, Ripley Co, Missouri
Current River, Shannon Co, Missouri
Dardenne Creek, Saint Charles Co, Missouri
Des Moines River, Clark Co, Missouri
Ditch Number 1,New Madrid Co, Missouri
Ditch Number 1,Stoddard Co, Missouri
East Fork Big Creek, Harrison Co, Missouri
East Fork Grand River, Gentry Co, Missouri
East Fork Grand River, Worth Co, Missouri
East Fork Little Chariton River, Macon Co, MO
East Fork Little Chariton River, Randolph Co, MO
East Yellow Creek, Chariton Co, Missouri
East Yellow Creek, Linn Co, Missouri
Eleven Point River, Howell Co, Missouri
Eleven Point River, Oregon Co, Missouri
Elk Fork Salt River, Monroe Co, Missouri
Elk Fork Salt River, Randolph Co, Missouri
Finley Creek, Christian Co, Missouri
Finley Creek, Stone Co, Missouri
Flat Creek, Barry Co, Missouri
Flat Creek, Benton Co, Missouri
Flat Creek, Morgan Co, Missouri
Flat Creek, Pettis Co, Missouri
Flat Creek, Stone Co, Missouri
Fox River, Clark Co, Missouri
Gasconade River, Gasconade Co, Missouri
Gasconade River, Laclede Co, Missouri
Gasconade River, Maries Co, Missouri
Gasconade River, Osage Co, Missouri
Gasconade River, Phelps Co, Missouri
Gasconade River, Pulaski Co, Missouri
Gasconade River, Wright Co, Missouri
Grand River, Carroll Co, Missouri
Grand River, Chariton Co, Missouri
Grand River, Daviess Co, Missouri
Grand River, Gentry Co, Missouri
Grand River, Livingston Co, Missouri
Grand River, Worth Co, Missouri
Grindstone Creek, Daviess Co, Missouri
Grindstone Creek, De Kalb Co, Missouri
Harry S. Truman Reservoir, Benton Co, MO
Harry S. Truman Reservoir, Henry Co, Missouri
Harry S. Truman Reservoir, Saint Clair Co, MO
Horse Creek, Barton Co, Missouri
Horse Creek, Cedar Co, Missouri
Horse Creek, Dade Co, Missouri
Horse Creek, Vernon Co, Missouri
Jacks Fork,Shannon Co, Missouri
Jacks Fork,Texas Co, Missouri
James River, Christian Co, Missouri
James River, Greene Co, Missouri
James River, Stone Co, Missouri
James River, Webster Co, Missouri
Lake of the Ozarks,Benton Co, Missouri
Lake of the Ozarks,Camden Co, Missouri
Lake of the Ozarks,Miller Co, Missouri
Lake of the Ozarks,Morgan Co, Missouri
Lake Taneycomo,Taney Co, Missouri
Lake Wappapello,Butler Co, Missouri
Lake Wappapello,Wayne Co, Missouri
Lamine River, Cooper Co, Missouri
Lamine River, Morgan Co, Missouri
Lamine River, Pettis Co, Missouri
Little Blue River, Jackson Co, Missouri
Little Medicine Creek, Grundy Co, Missouri
Little Medicine Creek, Mercer Co, Missouri
Little Niangua River, Camden Co, Missouri
Little Niangua River, Dallas Co, Missouri
Little Niangua River, Hickory Co, Missouri
Little Osage River, Bates Co, Missouri
Little Osage River, Vernon Co, Missouri
Little Tarkio Creek, Atchison Co, Missouri
Little Tarkio Creek, Holt Co, Missouri
Locust Creek, Linn Co, Missouri
Locust Creek, Putnam Co, Missouri
Locust Creek, Sullivan Co, Missouri
Logan Creek, Reynolds Co, Missouri
Long Branch,Audrain Co, Missouri
Long Branch,Monroe Co, Missouri
Long Branch Lake, Macon Co, Missouri
Loutre River, Audrain Co, Missouri
Loutre River, Callaway Co, Missouri
Loutre River, Gasconade Co, Missouri
Loutre River, Montgomery Co, Missouri
Loutre River, Warren Co, Missouri
Marais des Cygnes River, Bates Co, Missouri
Marais des Cygnes River, Vernon Co, Missouri
Maries River, Maries Co, Missouri
Maries River, Osage Co, Missouri
Maries River, Pulaski Co, Missouri
Medicine Creek, Grundy Co, Missouri
Medicine Creek, Livingston Co, Missouri
Medicine Creek, Putnam Co, Missouri
Medicine Creek, Sullivan Co, Missouri
Meramec River, Crawford Co, Missouri
Meramec River, Franklin Co, Missouri
Meramec River, Jefferson Co, Missouri
Meramec River, Saint Louis,Independent City,MO
Meramec River, Washington Co, Missouri
Middle Fabius River, Knox Co, Missouri
Middle Fabius River, Lewis Co, Missouri
Middle Fabius River, Scotland Co, Missouri
Middle Fork Salt River, Macon Co, Missouri
Middle Fork Salt River, Monroe Co, Missouri
Middle Fork Salt River, Shelby Co, Missouri
Mingo Swamp, Bollinger Co, Missouri
Mingo Swamp, Stoddard Co, Missouri
Mingo Swamp, Wayne Co, Missouri
Mississippi River, Cape Girardeau Co, MO
Mississippi River, Clark Co, Missouri
Mississippi River, Jefferson Co, Missouri
Mississippi River, Lewis Co, Missouri
Mississippi River, Lincoln Co, Missouri
Mississippi River, Marion Co, Missouri
Mississippi River, MS Co, Missouri
Mississippi River, New Madrid Co, Missouri
Mississippi River, Pemiscot Co, Missouri
Mississippi River, Perry Co, Missouri
Mississippi River, Pike Co, Missouri
Mississippi River, Ralls Co, Missouri
Mississippi River, Saint Charles Co, Missouri
Mississippi Riv, Saint Louis,Independent City,MO
Mississippi River, Sainte Genevieve Co, Missouri
Mississippi River, Scott Co, Missouri
Missouri River, Andrew Co, Missouri
Missouri River, Atchison Co, Missouri
Missouri River, Buchanan Co, Missouri
Missouri River, Callaway Co, Missouri
Missouri River, Carroll Co, Missouri
Missouri River, Chariton Co, Missouri
Missouri River, Clay Co, Missouri
Missouri River, Cole Co, Missouri
Missouri River, Cooper Co, Missouri
Missouri River, Franklin Co, Missouri
Missouri River, Gasconade Co, Missouri
Missouri River, Holt Co, Missouri
Missouri River, Howard Co, Missouri
Missouri River, Jackson Co, Missouri
Missouri River, Lafayette Co, Missouri
Missouri River, Moniteau Co, Missouri
Missouri River, Montgomery Co, Missouri
Missouri River, Osage Co, Missouri
Missouri River, Platte Co, Missouri
Missouri River, Ray Co, Missouri
Missouri River, Saint Charles Co, Missouri
Missouri Riv, Saint Louis,Independent City,MO
Missouri River, Saline Co, Missouri
Missouri River, Warren Co, Missouri
Moniteau Creek, Boone Co, Missouri
Moniteau Creek, Cole Co, Missouri
Moniteau Creek, Cooper Co, Missouri
Moniteau Creek, Howard Co, Missouri
Moniteau Creek, Moniteau Co, Missouri
Moniteau Creek, Randolph Co, Missouri
Montrose Lake, Henry Co, Missouri
Moreau River, Cole Co, Missouri
Mrak Twain Lake, Monroe Co, Missouri
Mrak Twain Lake, Ralls Co, Missouri
Muddy Creek, Grundy Co, Missouri
Muddy Creek, Mercer Co, Missouri
Mussel Fork,Chariton Co, Missouri
Mussel Fork,Linn Co, Missouri
Mussel Fork,Macon Co, Missouri
Niangua River, Camden Co, Missouri
Niangua River, Dallas Co, Missouri
Niangua River, Laclede Co, Missouri
Niangua River, Webster Co, Missouri
Nodaway River, Holt Co, Missouri
Nodaway River, Nodaway Co, Missouri
Norfork Lake, Ozark Co, Missouri
North Fabius River, Lewis Co, Missouri
North Fabius River, Marion Co, Missouri
North Fork Cuivre River, Lincoln Co, MO
North Fork Cuivre River, Pike Co, MO
North Fork River, Douglas Co, Missouri
North Fork River, Ozark Co, Missouri
North Fork River, Texas Co, Missouri
North Fork Salt River, Knox Co, MO
North Fork Salt River, Monroe Co, MO
North Fork Salt River, Shelby Co, MO
North Fork South Fabius River, Adair Co, MO
North Fork South Fabius River, Knox Co, MO
North Fork South Fabius River, Schuyler Co, MO
North Fork Spring River, Barton Co, MO
North Fork Spring River, Jasper Co, MO
North Moreau Creek, Cole Co, Missouri
North Moreau Creek, Moniteau Co, MO
North Moreau Creek, Morgan Co, Missouri
North River, Knox Co, Missouri
North River, Marion Co, Missouri
North River, Shelby Co, Missouri
One Hundred and Two River, Andrew Co, MO
One Hundred and Two River, Buchanan Co, MO
One Hundred and Two River, Nodaway Co, MO
Osage Fork Gasconade River, Laclede Co, MO
Osage Fork Gasconade River, Webster Co, MO
Osage Fork Gasconade River, Wright Co, MO
Osage River, Bates Co, Missouri
Osage River, Benton Co, Missouri
Osage River, Camden Co, Missouri
Osage River, Cole Co, Missouri
Osage River, Henry Co, Missouri
Osage River, Miller Co, Missouri
Osage River, Morgan Co, Missouri
Osage River, Osage Co, Missouri
Osage River, Saint Clair Co, Missouri
Osage River, Vernon Co, Missouri
Perche Creek, Boone Co, Missouri
Perche Creek, Randolph Co, Missouri
Petite Saline Creek, Cooper Co, MO
Petite Saline Creek, Moniteau Co, MO
Pike Creek, Carter Co, Missouri
Pike Creek, Shannon Co, Missouri
Platte River, Andrew Co, Missouri
Platte River, Buchanan Co, Missouri
Platte River, Nodaway Co, Missouri
Platte River, Platte Co, Missouri
Platte River, Worth Co, Missouri
Pomme de Terre Lake, Hickory Co, MO
Pomme de Terre Lake, Polk Co, MO
Pomme de Terre River, Benton Co, MO
Pomme de Terre River, Dallas Co, MO
Pomme de Terre River, Greene Co, MO
Pomme de Terre River, Hickory Co, MO
Pomme de Terre River, Polk Co, MO
Pomme de Terre River, Webster Co, MO
Roubidoux Creek, Pulaski Co, MO
Roubidoux Creek, Texas Co, Missouri
Sac River, Cedar Co, Missouri
Sac River, Saint Clair Co, Missouri
Saint Francis River, Butler Co, MO
Saint Francis River, Dunklin Co, MO
Saint Francis River, Iron Co, MO
Saint Francis River, Madison Co, MO
St Francis River, Saint Francois Co, MO
Saint Francis River, Stoddard Co, MO
Saint Francis River, Wayne Co, MO
St Johns Diversion Ditch,New Madrid Co, MO
Saint Johns Diversion Ditch,Scott Co, MO
Salt River, Pike Co, Missouri
Salt River, Ralls Co, Missouri
Shoal Creek, Barry Co, Missouri
Shoal Creek, Caldwell Co, Missouri
Shoal Creek, Clinton Co, Missouri
Shoal Creek, Livingston Co, Missouri
Shoal Creek, Newton Co, Missouri
Silver Lake, Chariton Co, Missouri
Smithville Lake, Clay Co, Missouri
Smithville Lake, Clinton Co, Missouri
South Fabius River, Knox Co, Missouri
South Fabius River, Lewis Co, Missouri
South Fabius River, Marion Co, Missouri
South Fabius River, Shelby Co, Missouri
South Grand River, Bates Co, Missouri
South Grand River, Cass Co, Missouri
South Grand River, Henry Co, Missouri
Spring River, Howell Co, Missouri
Spring River, Jasper Co, Missouri
Spring River, Lawrence Co, Missouri
Spring River, Oregon Co, Missouri
Stockton Lake, Cedar Co, Missouri
Stockton Lake, Dade Co, Missouri
Stockton Lake, Polk Co, Missouri
Table Rock Lake, Barry Co, Missouri
Table Rock Lake, Stone Co, Missouri
Table Rock Lake, Taney Co, Missouri
Tarkio River, Atchison Co, Missouri
Tarkio River, Holt Co, Missouri
Tavern Creek, Miller Co, Missouri
Tavern Creek, Pulaski Co, Missouri
Third Fork,Buchanan Co, Missouri
Third Fork,De Kalb Co, Missouri
Third Fork,Gentry Co, Missouri
Thomas Hill Reservoir, Macon Co, Missouri
Thomas Hill Reservoir, Randolph Co, MO
Thompson River, Grundy Co, Missouri
Thompson River, Harrison Co, Missouri
Thompson River, Livingston Co, Missouri
Troublesome Creek, Knox Co, Missouri
Troublesome Creek, Lewis Co, Missouri
Troublesome Creek, Marion Co, Missouri
Weaubleau Creek, Hickory Co, Missouri
Weaubleau Creek, Polk Co, Missouri
Weaubleau Creek, Saint Clair Co, Missouri
Weldon River, Grundy Co, Missouri
Weldon River, Mercer Co, Missouri
West Fork Big Creek, Harrison Co, MO
West Fork Cuivre River, Audrain Co, MO
West Fork Cuivre River, Lincoln Co, MO
West Fork Cuivre River, Montgomery Co, MO
West Fork Cuivre River, Pike Co, MO
West Locust Creek, Linn Co, Missouri
West Locust Creek, Putnam Co, Missouri
West Locust Creek, Sullivan Co, Missouri
West Yellow Creek, Chariton Co, Missouri
West Yellow Creek, Linn Co, Missouri
West Yellow Creek, Sullivan Co, Missouri
Whitewater River, Bollinger Co, Missouri
Whitewater River, Cape Girardeau Co, MO
Whitewater River, Perry Co, Missouri
Whitewater River, Saint Francois Co, MO
Wyaconda River, Clark Co, Missouri
Wyaconda River, Lewis Co, Missouri