Rivers of the United States
US rivers shaped state borders, early trade routes, and where cities were founded. Below: the longest rivers in the country and a few facts on how they're measured.
The Missouri–Mississippi System
Measured independently, the Missouri River (2,341 miles) is slightly longer than the Mississippi River (2,340 miles), though the two are often discussed together as a single system — the Mississippi-Missouri — which ranks among the longest river systems in the world.
Rivers have historically defined political boundaries: the Mississippi separates several states, and the Ohio River forms part of the border between the Midwest and the South.
Rivers by Region
The Colorado River carved the Grand Canyon and supplies water to seven states. The Hudson River shaped early New York settlement and still defines part of the state's road-trip geography — see our New York guide for a Hudson Valley route.
Rivers of the United States — Quick Facts
- Longest River (solo)
- Missouri River (2,341 mi)
- Second Longest
- Mississippi River (2,340 mi)
- Combined System Rank
- Among the world's top 5 longest
- Most Dammed Major River
- Columbia River
- Carved the Grand Canyon
- Colorado River