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Des Moines River

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The Des Moines River begins at a point just north of Fort Dodge where the East and West Forks of the river join as one. The River flows generally in a southeasterly direction passing through Des Moines and Ottumwa before emptying into the Mississippi River near Keokuk. The river is 485 miles in length and is Iowa's longest.

The East Fork rises in north central Iowa from Okamanpedan Lake which straddles the border with Minnesota. The West Fork rises in southwestern Minnesota from Lake Shetek.

Major tributaries include the Boone and the Raccoon Rivers.