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

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

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

River Map of Nebraska State

Rivers and Waterways in Nebraska

Nebraska’s river systems flow across plains and rolling hills, with most waterways draining eastward into the Missouri River and ultimately the Mississippi River. The Platte River system is central to the state, formed by the North and South Platte rivers that cross much of Nebraska. Western regions are drier with fewer permanent streams, while eastern areas have more consistent river flow. Reservoirs and lakes throughout the state support irrigation, flood control, and recreation, making water management essential in this agricultural region.

Major Rivers in Nebraska

RiverLength (Approx.)RegionFlows Into
Missouri River2,341 miEastMississippi River
Platte River310 miCentralMissouri River
North Platte River716 miWestPlatte River
South Platte River439 miSouthwestPlatte River
Niobrara River568 miNorthMissouri River
Republican River453 miSouthKansas River
Elkhorn River290 miNortheastPlatte River
Loup River68 miCentralPlatte River
Middle Loup River300 miCentralLoup River
North Loup River115 miCentralLoup River
Dismal River75 miCentralMiddle Loup River
Big Blue River359 miSoutheastKansas River
Little Blue River258 miSouthBig Blue River
White River580 miNorthwestMissouri River
Keya Paha River127 miNorthNiobrara River
Salt Creek170 miEastPlatte River
Verdigre Creek70 miNortheastNiobrara River
Medicine Creek90 miSouthwestRepublican River

Major Lakes in Nebraska

LakeTypeRegion
Lake McConaughyReservoirWest
Harlan County LakeReservoirSouth
Lewis and Clark LakeReservoirNorth
Calamus ReservoirReservoirCentral
Sherman ReservoirReservoirCentral
Branched Oak LakeReservoirEast
Swanson ReservoirReservoirSouthwest
Enders ReservoirReservoirSouthwest
Red Willow ReservoirReservoirSouthwest
Lake WanahooReservoirEast

Major River Basins in Nebraska

Nebraska’s river basins are primarily part of the Missouri River system, with nearly all water eventually flowing into the Mississippi River. These basins are crucial for irrigation, agriculture, and maintaining water resources across the state.

  • Missouri River Basin
  • Platte River Basin
  • North Platte River Basin
  • South Platte River Basin
  • Niobrara River Basin
  • Republican River Basin
  • Elkhorn River Basin
  • Loup River Basin
  • Big Blue River Basin

Nebraska Rivers Facts

StateNebraska
Total Rivers & Streams79,000+ miles of streams
Major RiversMissouri, Platte, Niobrara, Republican
Total Waterway Length82,000+ miles
Main DrainageMissouri River System
Longest RiverMissouri River
Shortest RiverLoup River
Major River Basins9 Primary Basins
Primary OutletMississippi River
Key UsesIrrigation, agriculture, water supply, recreation
Longest River Within StateNiobrara River
Number of River Basins8–10 Basins
Major ReservoirsLake McConaughy, Harlan County Lake, Calamus Reservoir
Primary Water SourceSurface water and groundwater