Minnesota’s rivers
Minnesota is known as the Land of 10,000 Lakes, but it is also home to several major rivers. These rivers are not only a source of recreational activities for Minnesotans, but they also play a significant role in the state’s economy and ecology. In this article, we will explore which of Minnesota’s rivers is the biggest.
Definition: How to measure river size
There are several ways to measure a river’s size, including length, flow rate, watershed area, and discharge. Length is the most commonly used measure, but it does not necessarily indicate the amount of water flowing through the river. Flow rate, measured in cubic feet per second (cfs), indicates the amount of water flowing through the river at a specific point in time. Watershed area refers to the land area drained by a river and its tributaries, while discharge is the total volume of water that flows through a river in a given amount of time. In this article, we will use all these measures to determine which of Minnesota’s rivers is the biggest.
The contenders: Minnesota’s biggest rivers
Minnesota has several major rivers, but four stand out as the biggest: the Mississippi River, the Minnesota River, the Red River, and the St. Croix River. These rivers are all important for navigation, irrigation, and recreation, and they are home to a variety of fish and wildlife species. Let’s take a closer look at each of these contenders.
River 1: The Mississippi River
The Mississippi River is the largest river in the United States, and it flows through 10 states, including Minnesota. In Minnesota, the river runs for approximately 620 miles from its source at Lake Itasca to its confluence with the St. Croix River near Hastings. The Mississippi River is also the most heavily used river in Minnesota for commercial navigation, and it provides drinking water for millions of people.
River 2: The Minnesota River
The Minnesota River is the largest tributary of the Mississippi River, and it flows for approximately 335 miles from its source near Big Stone Lake to its confluence with the Mississippi River near Fort Snelling. The Minnesota River is important for agriculture, as it provides irrigation for crops and is home to several hydroelectric dams.
River 3: The Red River
The Red River forms the border between Minnesota and North Dakota, and it flows for approximately 550 miles from its source in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado to its confluence with the Red Lake River in northwestern Minnesota. The Red River is prone to flooding, and it is important for irrigation and recreation in Minnesota.
River 4: The St. Croix River
The St. Croix River forms part of the border between Minnesota and Wisconsin, and it flows for approximately 164 miles from its source near Solon Springs, Wisconsin, to its confluence with the Mississippi River near Prescott, Wisconsin. The St. Croix River is important for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and camping.
Comparing the contenders: Length and flow rates
When it comes to length, the Mississippi River is the clear winner, as it is the longest river in Minnesota at 620 miles. The Minnesota River is the second longest at 335 miles, followed by the Red River at 550 miles and the St. Croix River at 164 miles. In terms of flow rate, the Mississippi River again comes out on top, with an average flow rate of 12,000 cfs. The Minnesota River has an average flow rate of 3,800 cfs, followed by the Red River at 2,250 cfs and the St. Croix River at 1,100 cfs.
Comparing the contenders: Watershed and discharge
When it comes to watershed area, the Mississippi River has the largest drainage basin in Minnesota, covering approximately 44,000 square miles. The Minnesota River has a watershed of approximately 17,000 square miles, while the Red River has a watershed of approximately 34,000 square miles. The St. Croix River has a much smaller watershed of approximately 7,800 square miles. In terms of discharge, the Mississippi River again comes out on top, with an average discharge of 500,000 cfs. The Minnesota River has an average discharge of 12,000 cfs, while the Red River has an average discharge of 3,500 cfs. The St. Croix River has an average discharge of 4,000 cfs.
The verdict: Which river is the biggest?
Based on the measures of length, flow rate, watershed area, and discharge, it is clear that the Mississippi River is the biggest river in Minnesota. While the other rivers are important for agriculture, navigation, and recreation, the Mississippi River stands out as the largest and most significant in terms of its size and importance to the state.
Conclusion: Importance of Minnesota’s rivers
Minnesota’s rivers are an important part of the state’s economy and ecology, providing water for drinking, irrigation, and recreation. They are also home to a variety of fish and wildlife species, and they contribute to the state’s scenic beauty. As Minnesotans, we should take care to protect and preserve these vital resources for future generations to enjoy.
References: Sources for river data
- Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. (2021). Mississippi River. Retrieved from https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/areas/riversides/mis.html.
- Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. (2021). Minnesota River. Retrieved from https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/areas/riversides/mn.html.
- Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. (2021). Red River. Retrieved from https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/areas/riversides/red.html.
- National Park Service. (2021). St. Croix National Scenic Riverway. Retrieved from https://www.nps.gov/sacn/index.htm.
