Kaskaskia River, Navigable river in central and southern Illinois, United States

The Kaskaskia River is a navigable waterway in Illinois that flows southwest from Champaign County and empties into the Mississippi River. The channel passes through major lakes and includes canalized sections designed to support barge traffic and agricultural commerce.

In the late 1800s, the river shifted its course and caused severe flooding that submerged the original capital of Illinois. This change fundamentally altered the landscape and created new territorial boundaries for the state.

The waterway is named after the Kaskaskia people, a group that lived in this region before European settlers arrived. The local community continues to recognize and remember their presence and influence on the land.

The lower sections of the river are canalized to allow larger boats and barges to pass through, particularly in shallow areas. Visitors should check conditions and regulations before planning any water-based travel on this waterway.

The river's shifting path created Kaskaskia Island, an isolated piece of Illinois territory that lies on the west side of the Mississippi River. This geographical oddity makes the island a surprising part of the state that defies typical map expectations.