ÇàÇà²ÝÊÓÆµ

Physical Map of Missouri - Geographical Features of Missouri

Written and Fact-checked by | Updated On: April 03, 2026 | 15:40 ET

Physical Map of Missouri showing the geographical features of the state such as rivers, lakes, mountain peaks, elevations, plateaus, plains, topography, water bodies and many other Missouri physical features.

Missouri Physical Map

Physical Features of Missouri

Missouri features a diverse landscape that includes rolling plains, forested hills, and rugged highlands. The northern part of the state consists of gently rolling plains shaped by glacial activity, while southern Missouri is dominated by the Ozark Plateau with hills, caves, and forests. Major rivers such as the Missouri and Mississippi form important boundaries and waterways, creating fertile valleys. The state also includes karst features like sinkholes and springs, especially in the Ozarks, contributing to its varied terrain.

Major Landforms in Missouri

LandformTypeRegionDescription
Ozark PlateauPlateauSouthForested rugged upland region
Missouri River ValleyValleyCentralWide fertile river valley
Mississippi River FloodplainFloodplainEastFlat alluvial land
Glaciated PlainsPlainNorthRolling farmland terrain
St. Francois MountainsMountainsSouthAncient igneous hills
Bootheel LowlandsLowlandSoutheastFlat delta region
Springfield PlateauPlateauSouthwestKarst limestone region
Salem PlateauPlateauSouth-centralRolling upland terrain
Grand River BasinBasinNorthDrainage basin area
Osage PlainsPlainWestGrassland prairie region

Major Mountain Ranges in Missouri

Mountain RangeRegionHighest PeakElevation
St. Francois MountainsSouthTaum Sauk Mountain1,772 ft
Ozark MountainsSouthTaum Sauk Mountain1,772 ft
Boston MountainsSouthwestTurner Ward Knob2,463 ft

Major Rivers and Water Bodies in Missouri

NameTypeRegionNotable Feature
Mississippi RiverRiverEastForms eastern boundary
Missouri RiverRiverCentralLongest river in state
Osage RiverRiverCentralMajor tributary
Gasconade RiverRiverCentralFlows through Ozarks
Current RiverRiverSouthSpring fed river
Lake of the OzarksLakeCentralLargest lake in Missouri
Truman ReservoirLakeWestFlood control lake
Table Rock LakeLakeSouthwestRecreation reservoir
Mark Twain LakeLakeNorthLarge reservoir
Big LakeLakeNorthwestLargest natural lake

Elevation and Terrain in Missouri

Missouri’s elevation varies from higher uplands in the Ozark region to low floodplains along its major rivers. Taum Sauk Mountain is the highest point, while the lowest elevation lies along the St. Francis River. The terrain includes plains, hills, plateaus, and river valleys.

FeatureElevation / Detail
Highest PointTaum Sauk Mountain – 1,772 ft
Lowest PointSt. Francis River – 230 ft
Average Elevation800 ft
Terrain TypePlains, hills, plateaus

Missouri Physical Map Facts

FeatureDetail
StateMissouri
Total Area69,707 sq mi
Land Area68,742 sq mi
Water Area965 sq mi
Highest PointTaum Sauk Mountain
Lowest PointSt. Francis River
Longest RiverMissouri River
Largest LakeLake of the Ozarks
Major LandformsOzark Plateau, Plains
Main Water BodiesMississippi River, Missouri River
Terrain TypeDiverse uplands and valleys
CoastlineNo coastline