Kansas River Map showing major rivers in Kansas, River start and end point, county boundaries.
River Map of Kansas State
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Rivers and Waterways in Kansas
Kansas features a network of rivers that flow across its plains and rolling hills, with most waterways draining eastward into the Missouri River and ultimately the Mississippi River. Western Kansas has fewer permanent rivers due to its drier climate, while central and eastern regions have more consistent water flow. Major rivers like the Kansas and Arkansas play an important role in agriculture and water supply. The state also includes several reservoirs that help manage water resources, support irrigation, and provide recreational opportunities.
Major Rivers in Kansas
| River | Length (Approx.) | Region | Flows Into |
|---|---|---|---|
| Missouri River | 2,341 mi | Northeast | Mississippi River |
| Kansas River | 173 mi | East | Missouri River |
| Arkansas River | 1,469 mi | South | Mississippi River |
| Republican River | 453 mi | North | Kansas River |
| Smoky Hill River | 575 mi | Central | Kansas River |
| Saline River | 397 mi | Central | Smoky Hill River |
| Solomon River | 184 mi | North | Smoky Hill River |
| Neosho River | 463 mi | East | Arkansas River |
| Verdigris River | 310 mi | Southeast | Arkansas River |
| Cimarron River | 698 mi | Southwest | Arkansas River |
| Walnut River | 154 mi | South | Arkansas River |
| Marais des Cygnes River | 217 mi | East | Osage River |
| Big Blue River | 359 mi | Northeast | Kansas River |
| Little Arkansas River | 90 mi | Central | Arkansas River |
| Chikaskia River | 159 mi | South | Arkansas River |
| Medicine Lodge River | 130 mi | South | Chikaskia River |
| Ninnescah River | 56 mi | South | Arkansas River |
| Fall River | 90 mi | Southeast | Verdigris River |
Major Lakes in Kansas
| Lake | Type | Region |
|---|---|---|
| Milford Lake | Reservoir | North |
| Tuttle Creek Lake | Reservoir | North |
| Lake Perry | Reservoir | East |
| Clinton Lake | Reservoir | East |
| Wilson Lake | Reservoir | Central |
| Kanopolis Lake | Reservoir | Central |
| El Dorado Lake | Reservoir | South |
| Cheney Reservoir | Reservoir | South |
| Glen Elder Lake | Reservoir | North |
| Hillsdale Lake | Reservoir | East |
Major River Basins in Kansas
Kansas is primarily part of the Missouri River Basin, with most rivers flowing eastward into this system before reaching the Mississippi River. These basins are vital for irrigation, water supply, and managing seasonal flow across the state’s agricultural regions.
- Missouri River Basin
- Kansas River Basin
- Arkansas River Basin
- Republican River Basin
- Smoky Hill River Basin
- Neosho River Basin
- Verdigris River Basin
- Cimarron River Basin
- Marais des Cygnes Basin
Kansas Rivers Facts
| State | Kansas |
| Total Rivers & Streams | 70,000+ miles of streams |
| Major Rivers | Kansas, Arkansas, Missouri, Smoky Hill |
| Total Waterway Length | 72,000+ miles |
| Main Drainage | Missouri River System |
| Longest River | Arkansas River |
| Shortest River | Ninnescah River |
| Major River Basins | 9 Primary Basins |
| Primary Outlet | Mississippi River |
| Key Uses | Irrigation, agriculture, water supply, recreation |
| Longest River Within State | Smoky Hill River |
| Number of River Basins | 8–10 Basins |
| Major Reservoirs | Milford Lake, Tuttle Creek Lake, Perry Lake |
| Primary Water Source | Surface water and reservoirs |
River Maps of the 50 U.S. States – Click on a State to View Its River Map
- Alabama River Map
- Alaska River Map
- Arizona River Map
- Arkansas River Map
- California River Map
- Colorado River Map
- Connecticut River Map
- Delaware River Map
- Florida River Map
- Georgia River Map
- Hawaii River Map
- Idaho River Map
- Illinois River Map
- Indiana River Map
- Iowa River Map
- Kansas River Map
- Kentucky River Map
- Louisiana River Map
- Maine River Map
- Maryland River Map
- Massachusetts River Map
- Michigan River Map
- Minnesota River Map
- Mississippi River Map
- Missouri River Map
- Montana River Map
- Nebraska River Map
- Nevada River Map
- New Hampshire River Map
- New Jersey River Map
- New Mexico River Map
- New York River Map
- North Carolina River Map
- North Dakota River Map
- Ohio River Map
- Oklahoma River Map
- Oregon River Map
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- Rhode Island River Map
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- South Dakota River Map
- Tennessee River Map
- Texas River Map
- Utah River Map
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- West Virginia River Map
- Wisconsin River Map
- Wyoming River Map