Platte, << plat, >> River is the most important river in Nebraska and one of the largest branches of the Missouri River. The Platte River is formed by the union of the North Platte and South Platte rivers, both of which begin in the mountains of Colorado. The two rivers join near the city of North Platte, in western Nebraska. From this junction, the Platte River flows east and empties into the Missouri at Plattsmouth. 
The North Platte flows 618 miles (995 kilometers), and the South Platte is 424 miles (682 kilometers) long. The main stream is about 310 miles (499 kilometers) long. The Platte and its branches drain a region of about 90,200 square miles (233,600 square kilometers). The Platte is too shallow for navigation. However, its valley provides a flat pathway, which has been followed by pioneers, the Union Pacific Railroad, and the Interstate 80 highway.
