The largest river in North America is the Mississippi River. It stretches approximately 2,340 miles from its source at Lake Itasca in Minnesota to its mouth at the Gulf of Mexico. The Mississippi River system includes numerous tributaries and contributes significantly to the geography, economy, and culture of the regions it flows through. It serves as a vital transportation route for goods and commerce, as well as a recreational resource for fishing and boating. Its historical significance in American history and its ecological importance cannot be overstated.