The Mississippi River primarily flows from north to south.

The Mississippi River predominantly flows from north to south, starting at Lake Itasca in Minnesota and extending more than 2,300 miles to its outlet at the Gulf of Mexico in Louisiana. This extensive river system is essential to the geography and ecology of the central United States, acting as a natural border between multiple states. Its north-south trajectory affects local climates, ecosystems, and economic pursuits, rendering it an invaluable resource for the communities situated along its shores.