The Mississippi River is one of North America's most well-known and important rivers. It runs for 2,320 miles from its source in Lake Itasca, Minnesota, to its mouth at the Gulf of Mexico.
The Mississippi is the fourth longest river in the world, after the Nile, the Amazon, and the Yangtze.
The river's drainage basin or the area of land that drains into the river, is the third largest in the world, covering about 31 states and two Canadian provinces.
The Mississippi River is home to more than 400 species of fish and 300 species of birds.
The river is also home to many species of mammals, including the American beaver, river otter, and mink.
The Mississippi River has been an important transportation route for centuries and is still used today to transport goods such as grain, coal, and petroleum.
The river has been known by many names throughout history, including the "Father of Waters," "The Big Muddy," and "The Old Man."
The Mississippi River has played a significant role in American history, including in the Louisiana Purchase and the Civil War.
The Mississippi River is a major source of drinking water for millions of people.
The river is also a major source of hydroelectric power, with many dams along its length.
The Mississippi River is the centerpiece of the Mississippi River Trail, a 3,000-mile bike trail that runs from the river's source in Minnesota to its mouth in Louisiana.
