This article surveys the rivers of the U.S. state of Indiana, offering context, categories, and a representative alphabetical list. Indiana’s waterways drain to two major outlets: the Ohio River (forming much of the southern border) and the Great Lakes/upper Mississippi system via northern tributaries. Rivers range from large border streams to small tributaries and creeks that shaped settlement, transport, industry and recreation.
Characteristics and drainage
Indiana’s rivers vary in size, gradient and watershed. Northern and northeastern streams generally flow toward Lake Erie or Lake Michigan through systems like the Maumee and St. Joseph rivers. Central and western rivers commonly feed the Wabash, which in turn joins the Ohio. Southern rivers, including portions of the Ohio itself, flow along or form the state boundary. Many Indiana rivers have multiple named branches (for example East and West forks) and supply reservoirs, wetlands and important fish and wildlife habitat.
Notable rivers
- Ohio River — major boundary river along southern Indiana
- Wabash River — principal interior drainage for much of the state
- White River (East & West) — central Indiana’s primary river system
- Tippecanoe River — important tributary and recreational waterway
- Maumee River — northeast Indiana, draining toward Lake Erie
- St. Joseph and St. Marys rivers — northwest and northeastern corridors
- Kankakee and Calumet rivers — northern lowland channels with industrial history
Selected alphabetical list
The following is a representative, non‑exhaustive alphabetical selection of named rivers and larger streams found wholly or partly in Indiana. For complete inventories and maps refer to official state and watershed resources below.
- Blue River
- Calumet River
- Driftwood River
- Eel River
- Elkhart River
- Fall Creek
- Kankakee River
- Little Calumet River
- Maumee River
- Mississinewa River
- Muscatatuck River
- Patoka River
- Pigeon River
- Salamonie River
- Sugar Creek
- Tippecanoe River
- Vermillion/Vermilion (regional names vary)
- Wabash River
- White River
- Whitewater River
Many smaller streams and creeks carry local names and are catalogued by county and watershed authorities. Historic use of rivers included navigation, mills and early transport; today they remain important for water supply, flood control, recreation and habitat. For a full, searchable registry and detailed maps see state hydrology resources and lists of rivers.