Some sections of the river, especially along its middle course in Pope and Swift Counties, have been straightened and channelized.

In Pope County, the river collects the Little Chippewa River, 41 miles (66 km) long, which flows generally southwestwardly through Douglas and Pope counties.

At Benson it collects the East Branch Chippewa River, about 64 miles (103 km) long,[2] which rises in southeastern Douglas County and flows initially southward through Pope County, passing through several lakes, into Swift County, where it turns westward.

At Watson, Minnesota, the river has an average flow of 236 cubic feet per second.

[5] Media related to Chippewa River (Minnesota) at Wikimedia Commons