List of rivers of Iowa

Major river systems and drainage

The state’s rivers fall into the Mississippi River watershed to the east and the Missouri River watershed to the west and south. Interior rivers such as the Des Moines River and Cedar River flow southeast or southward to join those larger systems. Many Iowa rivers are part of larger regional networks that extend into neighboring states.

Notable rivers and tributaries

• Mississippi River — forms Iowa’s eastern boundary and receives many tributaries from the state.
• Missouri River — marks much of the state’s western border and receives western Iowa streams.
• Des Moines River — a principal interior river with tributaries that drain central Iowa.
• Cedar River, Iowa River, Raccoon River, Wapsipinicon River, and Maquoketa River — other important channels with ecological and economic roles.
• Smaller rivers such as the Chariton, Skunk, and Nishnabotna rivers serve local watersheds and communities.

Uses, ecology and management

Iowa rivers support irrigation, municipal water supplies, fishing, boating and wildlife habitat. Many river valleys are prime agricultural land, and their floodplains influence settlement patterns. State and federal agencies work on water-quality monitoring, flood control, habitat restoration and management of dams and levees.

History and naming

Many river names reflect Native American languages and the early exploration and settlement era. Rivers were vital transportation routes for Indigenous peoples and later for pioneers, shaping towns and trade routes across the state.

Further information

For a comprehensive alphabetical listing and detailed maps, consult state resources and regional river inventories: complete list and maps and the Iowa state water resources pages at state water resources.