Located in the Southeast Region of the state, in the Little Osage River Drainage Basin, within the Marais des Cygnes River Drainage Basin. Beginning in Morris County, near the town of Xenia on County Road #3. The Little Osage river flows east to cross the Missouri border in Vernon County, Missouri. Eventually to merge with the Marais des Cygnes River, (Exiting Kansas from Linn County), to become the Osage river in Missouri.
On the average, the Little Osage River exceeds bank full discharge 2 times per year.
The primary significance of this stream is historical. Being the site of the single Civil War battle in Kansas, Price's Missouri Raid on 25 October 1864.