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Missouri River Map (PDF) | Major Rivers & Lakes in Missouri

Written and Fact-checked by | Updated On: April 03, 2026 | 15:05 ET

Missouri River Map showing major rivers in Missouri, River start and end point, county boundaries.

River Map of Missouri State

Rivers and Waterways in Missouri

Missouri’s river systems are shaped by rolling hills, plains, and forested regions, with most waterways draining into the Missouri and Mississippi rivers. The state sits at the heart of the nation’s central drainage system, with major rivers forming natural borders and key transportation routes. Northern and western regions feature broad river valleys, while southern Missouri includes faster streams flowing through the Ozarks. Numerous reservoirs and lakes support water supply, flood control, recreation, and hydroelectric power across the state.

Major Rivers in Missouri

RiverLength (Approx.)RegionFlows Into
Missouri River2,341 miNorthMississippi River
Mississippi River2,340 miEastGulf of Mexico
Osage River276 miCentralMissouri River
Gasconade River280 miCentralMissouri River
Meramec River218 miEastMississippi River
Current River184 miSouthBlack River
Black River300 miSouthWhite River
White River722 miSouthMississippi River
St. Francis River426 miSoutheastMississippi River
Chariton River241 miNorthMissouri River
Grand River293 miNorthMissouri River
Salt River180 miNorthMississippi River
Big Piney River110 miCentralGasconade River
Niangua River125 miCentralOsage River
James River130 miSouthwestWhite River
Eleven Point River138 miSouthBlack River
Cuivre River147 miEastMississippi River
Fabius River126 miNortheastMississippi River

Major Lakes in Missouri

LakeTypeRegion
Lake of the OzarksReservoirCentral
Truman ReservoirReservoirCentral
Table Rock LakeReservoirSouthwest
Lake TaneycomoReservoirSouthwest
Mark Twain LakeReservoirNortheast
Stockton LakeReservoirSouthwest
Pomme de Terre LakeReservoirCentral
Bull Shoals LakeReservoirSouth
Norfork LakeReservoirSouth
Clearwater LakeReservoirSoutheast

Major River Basins in Missouri

Missouri lies at the center of the Mississippi River Basin, with nearly all rivers in the state draining into either the Missouri or Mississippi rivers. These basins are essential for transportation, agriculture, and water management across the region.

  • Mississippi River Basin
  • Missouri River Basin
  • Osage River Basin
  • Gasconade River Basin
  • Meramec River Basin
  • St. Francis River Basin
  • Black River Basin
  • White River Basin
  • Grand River Basin

Missouri Rivers Facts

StateMissouri
Total Rivers & Streams110,000+ miles of streams
Major RiversMissouri, Mississippi, Osage, Meramec
Total Waterway Length115,000+ miles
Main DrainageMississippi River System
Longest RiverMissouri River
Shortest RiverBig Piney River
Major River Basins9 Primary Basins
Primary OutletGulf of Mexico
Key UsesNavigation, agriculture, water supply, recreation
Longest River Within StateOsage River
Number of River Basins8–10 Basins
Major ReservoirsLake of the Ozarks, Truman Reservoir, Table Rock Lake
Primary Water SourceSurface water and rivers