Wisconsin´s Rivers: Aquatic Ribbons of Life

Wisconsin´s diverse and plentiful riverine resource stretch over 84,000 miles. More than 12,600 rivers and streams meander their way through the state´s incredibly varied landscape. From the deep cut driftless area coulees to the wide, naturally floodplain-dominated "Big Rivers", our ´riversheds´ have both reflected and shaped our landscapes, communities, and histories.

Pecatonica River, 1966, between Mineral Point and Belmont, Wisconsin. © Louis Maher, University of Wisconsin Geology Department.

Wisconsin´s rivers and streams comprise one of our most important natural resources, historically vital to the state´s commerce, industry, tourism, and the quality of life of Wisconsin people.

Links of Interest

• River Alliance of Wisconsin River Words [exit DNR]
• Wisconsin State Riverway Board [exit DNR]
• Sierra Club - Rivers of Wisconsin [exit DNR]
• Wisconsin Educators Board Wisconsin Rivers [exit DNR]
• USGS Real-Time Water Data for Wisconsin [exit DNR]