Top-10 Longest Rivers of North America, Check the List

Rivers play a vital role in our environment. They supply water to people, animals, and plants and help sustain life. North America is home to many long rivers that pass through several countries. These rivers are used for farming, travel, and producing electricity. They also form stunning natural sights like the Grand Canyon. In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 longest rivers in North America and understand their importance.

Longest River of North America

The Missouri River is the longest river in North America, stretching 2,540 miles (4,088 km). It begins in the Rocky Mountains of Montana and flows into the Mississippi River at St. St. Louis. The river passes through seven states and has a vast watershed of 525,000 square miles. It is historically significant as the route taken by the Lewis and Clark expedition to explore the western U.S.

Key Facts About Missouri River

Here are the key facts about Missouri River, the longest river of North America:

• The Missouri River is 2,540 miles long, making it the longest river in the United States.
• It begins in the Rocky Mountains of Montana, where the Gallatin, Madison and Jefferson rivers meet at Three Forks.
• It flows into the Mississippi River, north of St. Louis, Missouri.
• The river drains a watershed of over 500,000 square miles, covering parts of ten U.S. states and two Canadian provinces.
• Notable tributaries include the Yellowstone River, Platte River and Kansas River.
• Initially called “Pekitanoui” by French explorer Father Jacques Marquette, meaning “muddy water.”
• The Missouri National Recreational River consists of two separate sections, divided by Lewis and Clark Lake.
• The river is typically 10-20 feet deep, with depth decreasing outside the main channel.

Top-10 Longest Rivers of North America

The Missouri River, with the total length of 2,540 miles, stands as the longest river of North America, followed by Mississippi River, Yukon River and Rio Grande.

Here is the list of top-10 longest rivers of North America: