The Des Moines river starts in southwestern Minnesota.  The Des Moines River of course flows through Des Moines, but is also 330 miles long.  This majestic river flows through agricultural areas, coal mining areas, and timber areas! 

The Des Moines river empties into the Mississippi River just below Keokuk, Iowa.  The upper course of the Des Moines River is navigable, but the lower course falls rapidly, furnishing waterpower for manufacturing.

Quite a few rivers empty into the Des Moines River.  Some of these rivers are the Raccoon, Boone, North, Middle, and South Rivers.  Other smaller rivers and creeks flow into this majestic river which serves many purposes, few are listed in this article.