9 Things the Missouri River Is Known For and People Love and Hate About It

It’s the longest river in the United States and spans seven states. The Missouri River begins in Montana and then travels 2,342 miles across the country. This mighty river flows through Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, and Missouri. It finally comes to an end just north of St. Louis, MO, where it meets the Mississippi River.

The Missouri River has provided vital water for agriculture, trade routes, and transportation for thousands of years to the people living in the Great Plains. It’s also had enormous importance in shaping the culture and history surrounding the states it flows through. Read on for nine things people love and hate about the Missouri River.

1. The Missouri River Is Known for Being a Valuable Water Source

What’s not to love about a river that provides life to the many people and animals living along it? The Missouri River is known as the “Center for Life” in the Great Plains. Many communities use the Missouri River as their primary source of drinking water. Additionally, farmers use the water to irrigate crops and water livestock. Not only is it used as a vital water source, but the Missouri River also powers hydroelectricity for many communities.

2. Frequent and Intense Flooding

Although an important water source for many, one thing people dislike about the Missouri River is its unpredictability, including its frequent and dangerous floods. The river has experienced severe flooding throughout its history, but one of the worst in recent history was the flood of 2011. That year, record snowfall in the Rocky Mountains combined with heavy spring rains caused the river to overflow its banks. River flooding damaged homes, communities were forced to evacuate, and five people lost their lives.

3. Its Nickname is the ‘Big Muddy’

The Missouri River is known to carry an enormous load of sediment and silt, making its waters murky and thick. It has the highest load of silt than any other river in the country. Although today, its six major dams trap much of the silt, it still carries a lot of sand and soil along its journey. Because of its cloudy waters, people like to refer to the river as the “Big Muddy.”

4. The Missouri River Supports a Diverse Ecosystem

Another lovable thing about the river is its ability to support a diverse ecosystem. Wildlife is abundant in and along the Missouri River. While many species of fish swim in its waters, many mammals, reptiles, and amphibians live nearby.

Some of the animals you may encounter along the river (depending on what state you are in) include elk, white-tail deer, bighorn sheep, river otters, coyotes, muskrats, snakes, and turtles. The river also supports migratory birds including the piping plover and the interior least tern. And finally, anglers head to the river to catch bluegill, walleye, crappie, channel catfish, paddlefish, and bass.

5. Invasive Species Threaten Its Health

Two invasive species now live in the waters of the Missouri River. Zebra mussels and Asian carp are not native to the U.S. and can cause harm to our ecosystems.

• Zebra mussels from southern Russia came to the Great Lakes by European ships. They eat large amounts of plankton, causing native fish, like paddlefish, to compete for food. They also damage docks and boat engines.
• Asian carp are also plankton feeders that are native to China. They spread quickly and are causing native species to compete for food.

6. Charming Towns and Historical Stops Line the River

One thing people love about the Big Muddy is the many charming towns and historical locations along the river. For example, much of the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail runs along the Missouri River. Also, the beautiful and historic Missouri State Capitol Building in Jefferson City sits on a limestone bluff above the river. Furthermore, there are many historic and picturesque towns situated riverside.

7. The River Can Be a Dumping Ground

One unfortunate fact about the Missouri River is the amount of trash that has been dumped into it over the years. During river cleanups, many items have been hauled out of the river including plastic bottles, aluminum cans, tires, and even large-sized appliances like refrigerators and hot water heaters.

Even more eerily, law enforcement officers have recovered human remains from the river countless times. Officials speculate that the river provides an easy spot for killers to dump bodies because the dark, churning water will wash the bodies far downstream and away from the area of the crime.

8. It’s a Hub For Water Recreation

The Missouri River is also known for being a hub of water recreation. People love to boat, waterski, kayak, paddleboard, fish, and tube down the river. Riverside hiking trails allow nature enthusiasts to explore the diverse ecosystem and people love to camp near its waters.

9. The River Has a Haunted History

The Missouri River is known for its hauntings. Rumors abound of ghosts roaming the banks of the Missouri River. Various river tours are available where guides will take guests down the river to tell the stories of its haunted history. Also, several books recount tales of ghosts in and along the water. One interesting tale is of the Miniwashitu, or Missouri River Monster, which is said to live in the river in North Dakota. The Miniwashitu is a famous Native American legend and reported sightings of the beast predate European explorers. The Miniwashitu is reported to look a bit like a buffalo standing on two legs with one big red eye.

Summary of 9 Things the Missouri River Is Known For That People Love and Hate

The photo featured at the top of this post is © NSC Photography/Shutterstock.com