Des Moines River
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| Des Moines River | |
|---|---|
| Name | Des Moines River |
| Caption | Des Moines River in Fort Dodge, Iowa |
| Length | 525 mi (845 km) |
| Basin | 12,000 sq mi (31,000 km²) |
| Discharge | 7,000 cu ft/s (200 m³/s) |
Des Moines River. The Des Moines River is a major river in the United States, flowing through the states of Minnesota and Iowa, and is a tributary of the Mississippi River. It passes through several notable cities, including Minneapolis, Fort Dodge, Iowa, and Des Moines, Iowa, the capital city of Iowa. The river is approximately 525 miles (845 km) long and drains an area of around 12,000 square miles (31,000 km²), which includes parts of South Dakota, Missouri, and Illinois.
Geography
The Des Moines River originates in Lake Shetek in southwestern Minnesota, near the city of Currie, Minnesota, and flows south through the Coteau des Prairies region, passing through Jackson, Minnesota, and into Iowa. The river then flows through the Iowa Great Lakes region, which includes Okoboji Lake and Spirit Lake (Iowa), before entering the Driftless Area of northeastern Iowa. The river's watershed includes parts of the Prairie Pothole Region, which is known for its numerous wetlands and prairies, and is home to many notable National Wildlife Refuges, including the Union Slough National Wildlife Refuge and the Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge.
Hydrology
The Des Moines River's hydrology is characterized by a mix of precipitation and snowmelt from the surrounding watershed. The river's flow is influenced by several notable dams, including the Saylorville Dam and the Red Rock Dam, which are operated by the United States Army Corps of Engineers. The river's discharge is also affected by the Missouri River and the Illinois River, which are connected to the Des Moines River via the Iowa River and the Cedar River (Iowa). The Des Moines River's water quality is monitored by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and the United States Environmental Protection Agency, which have implemented various initiatives to reduce pollution and improve the river's ecosystem.
History
The Des Moines River has a rich cultural and historical significance, with evidence of human habitation dating back to the Paleoindian period. The river was an important transportation route for Native American tribes, including the Iowa people and the Otoe people, who used the river for trade and fishing. The river was also a key route for early European-American explorers, including Étienne de Veniard, sieur de Bourgmont and Zebulon Pike, who mapped the river and its surrounding territory. The Des Moines River played a significant role in the development of the region, with the construction of the Des Moines River Valley Railroad and the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad.
Ecology
The Des Moines River's ecosystem is diverse and supports a wide range of plant and animal species. The river is home to several notable fish species, including the channel catfish, the flathead catfish, and the walleye, which are popular among anglers. The river's wetlands and prairies provide habitat for numerous bird species, including the American white pelican, the bald eagle, and the greater prairie chicken. The Des Moines River is also an important stopover point for migratory birds, including the Canada goose and the snow goose, which are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
Navigation and Use
The Des Moines River is navigable for approximately 300 miles (480 km) and is used for recreation, fishing, and transportation. The river is a popular destination for canoeing and kayaking, with several notable parks and access points along its length, including Gray's Lake and Water Works Park. The river is also used for hydroelectric power generation, with several notable dams and power plants along its length, including the Ottumwa Power Plant and the Des Moines Hydroelectric Plant. The Des Moines River is an important source of drinking water for several cities, including Des Moines, Iowa, and is also used for irrigation and industrial purposes.
Course
The Des Moines River flows through several notable cities and landmarks, including Fort Dodge, Iowa, Des Moines, Iowa, and the Saylorville Lake. The river's course is characterized by several notable meanders and oxbow lakes, which provide habitat for a wide range of plant and animal species. The river flows into the Mississippi River near the city of Keokuk, Iowa, which is located at the confluence of the Des Moines River and the Mississippi River. The Des Moines River's course is also influenced by several notable tributaries, including the Raccoon River and the Boone River (Iowa), which flow into the river from the west and east, respectively. The river's mouth is located near the Lock and Dam No. 19, which is operated by the United States Army Corps of Engineers.