<P> The Mississippi River has the world 's fourth - largest drainage basin ( `` watershed '' or `` catchment '' ) . The basin covers more than 1,245,000 square miles ( 3,220,000 km ) , including all or parts of 31 U.S. states and two Canadian provinces . The drainage basin empties into the Gulf of Mexico , part of the Atlantic Ocean . The total catchment of the Mississippi River covers nearly 40 % of the landmass of the continental United States . The highest point within the watershed is also the highest point of the Rocky Mountains , Mount Elbert at 14,440 feet ( 4,400 m ) . </P>
<P> The Mississippi River has the world 's fourth - largest drainage basin ( `` watershed '' or `` catchment '' ) . The basin covers more than 1,245,000 square miles ( 3,220,000 km ) , including all or parts of 31 U.S. states and two Canadian provinces . The drainage basin empties into the Gulf of Mexico , part of the Atlantic Ocean . The total catchment of the Mississippi River covers nearly 40 % of the landmass of the continental United States . The highest point within the watershed is also the highest point of the Rocky Mountains , Mount Elbert at 14,440 feet ( 4,400 m ) . </P>
where does the mississippi river empty into the ocean
where does the mississippi river empty into the ocean
the Gulf of Mexico
the Gulf of Mexico