Illinois River Map showing major rivers in Illinois, River start and end point, county boundaries.
River Map of Illinois State
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Rivers and Waterways in Illinois
Illinois has an extensive river network shaped by flat plains and fertile farmland, with most waterways flowing toward the Mississippi River system. The state is bordered by major rivers, including the Mississippi and Ohio, while interior rivers like the Illinois River play a key role in transportation and agriculture. Northern areas connect to the Great Lakes via Lake Michigan, while central and southern regions drain into the Mississippi Basin. Numerous reservoirs and lakes across the state support water supply, recreation, and flood control.
Major Rivers in Illinois
| River | Length (Approx.) | Region | Flows Into |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mississippi River | 2,340 mi | West | Gulf of Mexico |
| Illinois River | 273 mi | Central | Mississippi River |
| Ohio River | 981 mi | South | Mississippi River |
| Wabash River | 503 mi | East | Ohio River |
| Rock River | 299 mi | North | Mississippi River |
| Kaskaskia River | 325 mi | South | Mississippi River |
| Fox River (IL) | 202 mi | North | Illinois River |
| Vermilion River | 74 mi | Central | Illinois River |
| Sangamon River | 246 mi | Central | Illinois River |
| Des Plaines River | 133 mi | North | Illinois River |
| Kankakee River | 133 mi | North | Illinois River |
| Big Muddy River | 156 mi | South | Mississippi River |
| Little Wabash River | 240 mi | South | Wabash River |
| Embarras River | 195 mi | East | Wabash River |
| Cache River | 92 mi | South | Ohio River |
| Apple River | 56 mi | Northwest | Mississippi River |
| Galena River | 52 mi | Northwest | Mississippi River |
| Mackinaw River | 130 mi | Central | Illinois River |
Major Lakes in Illinois
| Lake | Type | Region |
|---|---|---|
| Lake Michigan | Natural lake | North |
| Rend Lake | Reservoir | South |
| Carlyle Lake | Reservoir | South |
| Lake Shelbyville | Reservoir | Central |
| Clinton Lake | Reservoir | Central |
| Lake Springfield | Reservoir | Central |
| Lake Decatur | Reservoir | Central |
| Crab Orchard Lake | Reservoir | South |
| Banner Marsh Lake | Reservoir | Central |
| Evergreen Lake | Reservoir | Central |
Major River Basins in Illinois
Illinois is almost entirely part of the Mississippi River Basin, making it a key region for water flow across the central United States. Rivers throughout the state connect to this system, supporting agriculture, transportation, and ecosystems.
- Mississippi River Basin
- Illinois River Basin
- Ohio River Basin
- Wabash River Basin
- Rock River Basin
- Kaskaskia River Basin
- Sangamon River Basin
- Fox River Basin
- Big Muddy River Basin
Illinois Rivers Facts
| State | Illinois |
| Total Rivers & Streams | 87,000+ miles of streams |
| Major Rivers | Mississippi, Illinois, Ohio, Wabash |
| Total Waterway Length | 90,000+ miles |
| Main Drainage | Mississippi River System |
| Longest River | Mississippi River |
| Shortest River | Apple River |
| Major River Basins | 9 Primary Basins |
| Primary Outlet | Gulf of Mexico |
| Key Uses | Agriculture, transportation, water supply, recreation |
| Longest River Within State | Illinois River |
| Number of River Basins | 8鈥�10 Basins |
| Major Reservoirs | Carlyle Lake, Rend Lake, Lake Shelbyville |
| Primary Water Source | Surface water and rivers |
River Maps of the 50 U.S. States 鈥� Click on a State to View Its River Map
- Alabama River Map
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