| River | County | Reach | Length (miles) | Description | Potential Classification | ORVs | Watershed (HUC Code 8) | Year Listed/ Updated | Other State |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ash River | St. Louis | Ash Lake north to Ash River Falls near Kabetogama Lake (just upstream from Gannon Creek) | 29 | Land adjacent to river is generally flat and swampy, being mostly on lake bed of ancient Lake Agassiz. Fishing and canoeing. Lower portion is designated State trout stream. | Recreational | Recreational | Rainy Headwaters | 1982/ 1993 | |
| Bear River | St. Louis, Itasca | 12b boundary (Sec. 35, T61N, R23W) to confluence with Sturgeon River | 27 | A relatively small stream in northern Minnesota with moderate recreational use. In Washington and Sturgeon River State Forests. Minimal cultural intrusion. | Scenic | Little Fork | 1982 | ||
| Big Fork River | Koochiching, Itasca | Dora Lake to confluence with Rainy River | 168 | A long stretch of northern river starting in the Chippewa National Forest and flowing through a heavily forested, unspoiled watershed. A free-flowing stream with swift rapids, waterfalls and some long remote stretches. A state canoe route. It offers a wilderness trip of outstanding quality. | Recreational, Scenic | Big Fork | 1982 | ||
| Black River | Koochiching | Intermittent area (Sec. 2, T157N, R28W) to confluence with Rainy River | 43 | A northern tributary to Rainy River flowing through the Pine Island State Forest and the controversial North Black River Peatlands potential National Natural Landmark. Generally low recreational use. | Scenic | Lower Rainy | 1982 | ||
| Blue Earth River | Blue Earth, Faribault | City of Blue Earth to Rapidan Lake (East of Lake Crystal and US 169) | 86 | Flows through the heart of southern Minnesota farm country but has generally well wooded banks. A broad stream with very good floating and fishing potential. Generally high fishing use, it offers one of the best warm water fisheries in southern Minnesota. Lower portion has high hills and some rock outcrops. | Recreational, Scenic | Blue Earth | 1982 | ||
| Brule River | Cook | Horseshoe Lake in BWCA to Lake Superior 3 miles west of Hovland, MN. | 40 | Flows in part through Boundary Waters Canoe Area and Superior National Forest in upper portion and Grand Portage State Forest in lower stretch. High hills, gorges, rapids and falls add to scenic beauty. Watershed is completely forested. Little cultural intrusion. Fishing good, but it is only canoeable by experienced canoeists. | Scenic | Geologic, Scenic | Baptism-Brule | 1982/ 1993 | |
| Caldwell Brook | Koochiching | Headwaters to confluence with Big Fork River | 50 | A small tributary of the Big Fork River flowing through a very wild watershed in the Pine Island State Forest. Moderate fishing use and very little canoeing use. | Scenic | Big Fork | 1982 | ||
| Cannon River | Rice, Dakota | Spillway at Faribault to Waterford (immediately northeast of Northfield at the junction of State Highway 3 (MN 3) and Northfield Boulevard / Dakota County Road 47) | 23 | A slow moving stream with rolling farmland and marshes in upper portion and high hills and 250-foot bluffs in lower reaches. A good canoeing stream with some outstanding scenery. Medium to good warm water fishing. Authorized for study for State Wild and Scenic Rivers System. | Recreational, Scenic | Cannon | 1982 | ||
| Clearwater River | Clearwater, Beltrami | Bagley to County Rd. 69 in Greenwood Twp. Clearwater County | 53 | A large tributary of the Red Lake River in northwestern Minnesota. Flows through watershed which is about 30 percent farmed and 70 percent forested. The land is basically flat and has much low swampy terrain. Moderate canoeing and fishing use. | Scenic | Clearwater | 1982 | ||
| Cloquet River | St. Louis | Forest Boundary to mouth at St. Louis River (omitting Island Lake Reservoir) | 38 | One of northeastern Minnesota's best streams. Has little cultural development in some segments. A good canoeing stream rising in the Superior National Forest hill country and flowing through the Cloquet Valley State Forest to a point near Duluth. Fair warm water fishing with some trout available. Authorized for study for State Wild and Scenic Rivers System. | Recreational, Scenic | Cloquet | 1982 | ||
| Cloquet River | St. Louis, Lake | Cloquet Lake on Isabella Ranger District to Forest Boundary | 61 | Upper reaches are canoeable during spring and wetter than average years. Moderate warm-water fisheries. | Recreational/Scenic | Recreational, Scenic | Cloquet | 1982/ 1993 | |
| Crow River | Hennepin | Confluence with North and South Branches to mouth at Mississippi River | 25 | Flows through central Minnesota farm country and and Minneapolis SMSA. | Crow | 1982 | |||
| Crow Wing River | Morrison | Confluence with Shell River to Motley | 65 | A fairly broad river flowing through a fairly well wooded corridor in central Minnesota. The watershed is about 30 percent farmed and has much swamp and marsh. Considerable fishing and floating use. Proposed for study by State Wild and Scenic Rivers System. | Recreational, Scenic | Crow Wing | 1982 | ||
| Dark River | St. Louis | Headwaters to confluence with Sturgeon River. | 19 | Flow through generally flat northern MN forest, swamp, and farming country. Designated trout stream. | Scenic | Scenic | Little Fork | 1982/ 1993 | |
| Des Moines River, West Fork | Lyon, Murray, Cottonwood, Jackson | Headwaters to backwaters of Lake Shetek then from Lake Shetak dam downstream to Petersburg. | 111 | A leisurely stream flowing through southeastern Minnesota. Flat farm country. Watershed is mainly agricultural with some farming to waters edge. One of the few good canoeing streams in this part of the state. Main portion of river lies in Iowa. Some historic value. | Recreational | Upper Des Moines | 1982 | ||
| Embarrass River | St. Louis | Headwaters to north end of Sabin Lake | 33 | A small northern river flowing through a heavily forested watershed and near the Superior National Forest boundary. | Scenic | St. Louis | 1982 | ||
| Little Fork River | Koochiching, St. Louis | Town of Cook to confluence with Rainy River | 142 | A wilderness river flowing north to the Canadian border through a heavily forested portion of the state with a small amount of agriculture in the watershed. Flows through a portion of the Nett Lake Indian Reservation and Koochiching State Forest. | Geologic, Scenic | Lower Rainy | 1982 | ||
| Lower Tamarack River | Pine | Headwaters in Nemadji State Forest to mouth at St. Croix River. | 39 | A relatively small tributary of the St. Croix River. Has a well forested watershed with some agriculture. Good fishing and seasonable canoeing. | Scenic | Upper St. Croix | 1982 | ||
| Manitou River | Lake | Headwaters to Lake Superior | 26 | Lower half has deep gorges with eight major waterfalls. Good trout stream. Fishing and some cross-country skiing. | Scenic | Fish, Geologic, Scenic | Baptism-Brule | 1982/ 1993 | |
| Middle River | Marshall | Newfolden to Argyle | 55 | A meandering stream though a heavily farmed area of northwestern Minnesota. The watershed is somewhat flat, but the river is located in a shallow valley which is for the most part wooded. Flows through Old Mill State Park. Generally low to moderate recreational use. | Scenic | Snake | 1982 | ||
| Minnehaha Creek | Hennepin | Minnetonka Blvd. to Lake Minnetonka | 5 | Located within the city limits of Minneapolis flowing through mainly residential and park areas. A small stream with much shoreline activity. Falls in lower portion. Flows through limestone gorge near mouth. | Geologic, Recreational, Scenic | Twin Cities | 1982 | ||
| Minnesota River | Carver, Scott, Sibley, LaSueur, Nicollet, Blue Earth, Brown, Renville, see comments for full list | From Big Stone Lake to Chaska omitting Marsh Lake and Lac Qui Parle Lake. | 283 | Counties-Redwood, Yellow, Medicine, Chippewa, Lac Qui Parle. A long river segment having a very large watershed. Flows through south central Minnesota farm country. Hardwood forest areas and rock outcroppings. Minnesota River Valley is a major geologic resource. Was route of early traders, settlers and explorers. Many Indian mounds. Historic Ft. Snelling located at mouth on Mississippi River. Relatively gentle and good canoeing stream. Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge located on this river. Fishing is a major recreational use. Located in part in Minneapolis-St. Paul SMSA. Partially in State Wild and Scenic Rivers System and part authorized for study._x000D__x000D_ | Historic, Recreational, Scenic, Wildlife | Hawk-Yellow Medicine | 1982 | ||
| Mississippi River | Washington, Dakota, Hennepin | COE Lock and Dam #1 in Minneapolis to St. Croix River confluence | 35 | A broad interstate river with considerable recreational potential. Recreational boating (power boats and house boats) is a major use. Receives heavy fishing use. Some canoe use. Much commercial barge traffic. Early fur trader and explorer route. Many historic and archeological sites along river, including historic and scenic Ft. Snelling. Limestone bluffs visible from river. Partially in Minneapolis-St. Paul SMSA. One of nation's largest waterfowl routes. | Geologic, Historic, Recreational, Scenic, Wildlife | Twin Cities | 1982 | ||
| Moose River | Aitkin, Cass | Headwaters to confluence with Willow River | 24 | A small north central Minnesota stream flowing through a generally well wooded watershed with some farming. Much low swamp land along corridor. Low recreational use. | Scenic | Pine | 1982 | ||
| Pigeon River | Cook | Entire segment within Grand Portage National Monument | 1 | A truly wild river flowing through scenic hills, gorges, and over spectacular waterfalls. Flows through Grand Portage State Forest and Grand Portage Indian Reservation. Good fishing and canoeing. | Wild | Cultural, Geologic, Recreational, Scenic | Baptism-Brule | 1982/ 1993 | |
| Pigeon River | Cook | From the Eastern border of Superior National Forest to Lake Superior excluding segment within Grand Portage National Monument | 22 | Flows along the border between the United States and Canada. A truly wild river flowing through scenic hills, gorges and over spectacular waterfalls. Flows through Grand Portage State Forest, Grande Portage Indian Reservation. Good fishing. Floating for the experienced only. | Geologic, Recreational, Scenic | Baptism-Brule | 1982 | ||
| Pigeon River | Cook | From South Fowl Lake: The 8 miles adjacent to Superior National Forest and Pigeon River purchase unit | 9 | River gradually narrows and quickens, then goes through falls and rapids to Lake Superior. Total length 30 miles; river is the National boundary with most of the Canadian side within a provincial park. | Scenic | Geologic, Historic, Scenic | Baptism-Brule | 1982/ 1993 | |
| Prairie River | Itasca | Headwaters to Hay Creek Fork | 50 | Was once part of an important portage route during fur trade era. Moderate existing recreational use. | Scenic | Prairie-Willow | 1982 | ||
| Prairie River | Aitkin, St. Louis | Headwaters to mouth at Big Snady Lake Reservoir | 36 | A north central Minnesota river flowing for the most part through the Savanna State Forest. Has a generally well forested watershed with scattered agriculture. Flows through much flat, swampy country. Low to moderate recreational use. | Scenic | Prairie-Willow | 1982 | ||
| Rapid River | Koochiching, Lake of the Woods | Channelized area in Sec. 23, T157N, R33W to confluence with Rainy River | 56 | A northern river originating in Beltrami Island State Forest, and flowing very near to Upper Red Lake Peatlands National Natural Landmark. A meandering stream through a flat, fairly heavily farmed portion of the state. Low recreational use. | Scenic | Rapid | 1982 | ||
| Rapid River, East Fork | Koochiching | Intermittent area to confluence with Rapid River | 30 | A small tributary of the Rapid River. Very little recreational use. Some warm water fishing. Watershed about 50 percent farmed with a considerable amount of low swampy area. | Scenic | Rapid | 1982 | ||
| Rapid River, North Branch | Lake of the Woods | Sec. 13, T158N, R33W to confluence with Rapid River | 24 | Originates and flows in part on Beltrami Island State Forest and Red Lake Indian Reservation. Watershed fairly flat and 50 percent farmed, with a considerable amount of low swampy area. Low recreational use. | Scenic | Rapid | 1982 | ||
| Rat Root River | Koochiching, St. Louis | Headwaters to 12b boundary | 21 | A northern stream rising in the Kabetogama State Forest and flowing eventually to the Rainy River. Very little cultural intrusion with a heavily forested watershed. Flat Glacial lake country with much swamp and muskeg. Light fishing and canoe use. | Scenic | Rainy Lake | 1982 | ||
| Rat Root River, East Branch | Koochiching, St. Louis | Headwaters to Koochiching/St. Louis county line/ Eastern boundary of the Kabetogama State Forest | 13 | Small, meandering stream flowing through LaCroix Ranger District-Kabetogama Purchase Unit. | Scenic | Rainy Lake | 1982/ 1993 | ||
| Red Lake River | Pennington ,Polk, Red Lake | Thief Falls dam to Folsom Park dam just west of 3rd Ave. SE in Grand Forks upstream | 126 | Drains the Red Lakes system of North Central Minnesota. Flows through mainly flat forest and swamp country with heavily forested watershed. Canoeing good with some white water areas. | Recreational, Scenic | Red Lake | 1982 | ||
| Rice River | St. Louis | Big Rice Lake to Virginia Ranger District to Cook Airport | 37 | Flows through area of intermediate hills and swamp country. | Scenic | Scenic | Little Fork | 1982/ 1993 | |
| Root River | Houston, Fillmore | Headwaters to mouth at Mississippi River | 82 | Flows through southeastern Minnesota hill country and extensive Richard J. Dover Memorial Hardwood Forest. Upper portion has high limestone and sandstone bluffs. Watershed generally forested with some bottomland agriculture. Fair to good trout fishing. Good recreation potential. | Geologic, Recreational, Scenic | Coon-Yellow | 1982 | ||
| Roseau River | Roseau, Beltrami | Mulligan Lake to Hays Lake impoundment | 22 | An international river, half of which is located in Province of Manitoba. Flows through flat northwestern Minnesota area of vast swamps and peatland. Generally low recreational use. | Scenic | Roseau | 1982 | ||
| Rum River | Anoka, Mille Lacs, Isanti | Sewage treatment plant at Princeton to State Hospital in Anoka | 85 | A very good east central Minnesota river flowing through rolling hill country to the Mississippi River. Farmland is prevalent in the area but the corridor is generally well wooded. Lower segment has some moderate cultural intrusion. High existing recreational use. Good canoe river. An existing component of State Wild and Scenic Rivers System. Very meandering in upper portion. | Recreational | Rum | 1982 | ||
| Sand Creek | Pine | Confluence with Pickle Creek to mouth at St. Croix River | 31 | A small tributary of the St. Croix River flowing several miles through St. Croix State Park. Relatively little cultural development. It has a heavily wooded watershed in lower reaches with some farming in upper portion. Generally not canoeable but is used for trout fishing. Good water quality. | Scenic | Upper St. Croix | 1982 | ||
| Sauk River | Stearns | Headwaters at Lake Osakis downstream to Richmond- excluding Sauk Lake | 83 | A central Minnesota river flowing through primarily farm country with some forest areas in watershed. Receives low to medium fishing and floating use. | Scenic | Sauk | 1982 | ||
| Schoolcraft River | Hubbard | Headwaters to mouth at Plantagenet Lake | 29 | A small stream flowing through a heavily forested watershed with many low, swampy areas in the corridor. Majority of this segment lies within Paul Bunyan State Forest. Low to moderate recreational use. | Scenic | Mississippi Headwaters | 1982 | ||
| Shell River | Wadena | Lower Twin Lake to confluence with Crow Wing River | 9 | A short segment all within the Huntersville State Forest. Watershed generally forested with some farmed land. River banks are mostly tree lined. Low recreational use. | Scenic | Crow Wing | 1982 | ||
| Shell Rock River | Freeborn | Albert Lea Lake to Minnesota boundary | 12 | Flows through southern Minnesota farm country originating at Albert Lea Lake, with the major portion being in Iowa. A relatively small stream in Minnesota portion. Good canoeing and limited fishing. | Recreational | Shell Rock | 1982 | ||
| Snake River | Aitkin, Kanabec | S.R. 65 above Mora in Kanabec County to S.R. 65 crossing at McGrath | 39 | Upper portion has some very wild and scenic areas. Has some difficult rapids through high granite walled gorges. Very scenic. Lower segment is more placid with long quiet pools. A good recreational river with some challenging canoeing. Fair fishing. Authorized for study for State Wild and Scenic Rivers System. | Recreational, Scenic | Snake | 1982 | ||
| St. Francis River | Sherburne | Northern boundary of Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge near Benton County line to confluence with Elk River | 46 | Lower portion flows through area of fairly heavy agriculture. Corridor generally well wooded. Low to moderate recreational use. Flows for many miles through Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge. | Scenic | Clearwater-Elk | 1982 | ||
| Sturgeon River | St. Louis | Confluence with Dark River to confluence with Little Fork River | 28 | Flow through generally flat northern MN forest, swamp, and farming country. Designated trout stream. | Scenic | Scenic | Little Fork | 1982/ 1993 | |
| Temperance River | Cook | Marsh Lake to mouth at Lake Superior | 27 | Begins as gentle stream in uplands and flows last few miles over rapids, falls, and through deep, rocky gorges. Provides excellent fishing opportunities. | Scenic | Baptism-Brule | 1982/ 1993 | ||
| Turtle River | Beltrami | Headwaters to mouth at Mississippi River | 49 | A northern tributary to the upper Mississippi River. Flows through flat, forested and sometimes swampy watershed in the Chippewa National Forest and Leech Lake Indian Reservation. A number of archeological sites occur along river. Moderate floating and fishing use. | Historic | Mississippi Headwaters | 1982 | ||
| Vermilion River | St. Louis | Dam at Vermilion Lake to Vermilion Gorge | 42 | Flows from rapids and narrow rocky gorges to large expanses of water surrounded by bog. Popular for canoeing, fishing, wild rice gathering, and waterfowl hunting. | Geologic, Recreational, Scenic | Vermilion | 1982/ 1993 | ||
| Whiteface River | St. Louis | Whiteface Reservoir to mouth Saint Louis River | 64 | A relatively gentle river flowing through a fairly flat watershed with a few rolling hills. Watershed is about 80 percent forested and 20 percent farmed. Many tamarack and spruce swamps. Moderate fishing and boating use. | Scenic | St. Louis | 1982 | ||
| Wild Rice River | Clearwater, Norman, Mahnomen | Lower Rice Lake toTwin Valley | 97 | A very interesting river segment in western Minnesota flowing though forested and sometimes heavily farmed watershed. A meandering river with a generally well wooded corridor. A major portion is within the White Earth Indian Reservation and a small part of upper segment is in White Earth State Forest. Heavy recreational demand on river. | Recreational, Scenic | Eastern Wild Rice | 1982 | ||
| Willow River | Aitkin | Confluence with Hill River to mouth at Mississippi River | 38 | A meandering stream flowing through generally flat north central Minnesota. Watershed fairly well forested with farming heavy in some areas. Much swamp-marsh land. Low to moderate canoeing and fishing usage | Scenic | Elk-Nokasippi | 1982 |
Last updated: November 30, 2016