What is the course of the Mississippi River?

The Mississippi River flows approximately 2,340 miles from its source at Lake Itasca in Minnesota, winding through or bordering 10 states before emptying into the Gulf of Mexico. Its course takes it southward through states such as Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Louisiana. The river serves as a vital waterway for transportation, commerce, and agriculture, while its watershed supports diverse ecosystems. Along its journey, it also forms significant geographical features, including the Mississippi River Delta.