The Mighty Mississippi

The Mighty Mississippi

A Long Journey Rain falls on Lake Itasca. It mixes into the clear waters of a river so small that a child could wade across it. So begins the mighty Mississippi River.

Over the next three months, the water will take a 2, 350-mile (3, 781 km) journey through ten U. S. states. At last, it will reach the Gulf of Mexico.

The Upper River At first, the river flows through dozens of locks and dams. Together, they make it safe for boats to travel. They hold back water so boats don't hit the river bottom.

Boats on this part of the river carry corn and soybeans south. Much of this food is shipped around the world.

More than fifty kinds of mammals live along the upper river. River otters love to play here.