Minnesota River

The Minnesota River is a major river in the U.S. state of Minnesota and a tributary of the Mississippi River. It originates in Big Stone Lake on the border with South Dakota and flows for approximately 534 kilometers through agricultural areas and cities such as Mankato and Shakopee before emptying into the Mississippi River near Saint Paul. Its drainage basin covers approximately 44,000 square kilometers and extends through parts of Minnesota, South Dakota, Iowa, and North Dakota. The river is known for its historical significance to the indigenous Dakota peoples and its role in trade and transportation in the 19th century. Today it is important for agriculture but is also prone to flooding and environmental problems such as sediment pollution.