Missouri National Recreational River
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Missouri National Recreational River
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Contact Information:
Missouri National Recreational River
P. O. Box 591
O'Neill, NE 68763
or
P.O. Box 666
Yankton, SD 57078
402-336-3970 (NPS Headquarters)
402-667-2550 (NPS Visitor Information)
http://www.nps.gov/mnrr/
Size: 34,159 acres.
Location: Two stretches of the Missouri River, comprising 98 river miles, are protected in northeast Nebraska and southeast South Dakota. The area includes a 59-mile section from Gavins Point Dam near Yankton, South Dakota, to Ponca, Nebraska, and a 39-mile section from Fort Randall Dam near Pickstown, South Dakota, to Lewis and Clark Lake.
Description: The two reaches of the Missouri River protected here are segments of the nation's Wild and Scenic River System. The reach set aside in 1978 from Gavins Point Dam to the vicinity of Ponca State Park still exhibits the river's dynamic character in its islands, bars, and chutes. The reach set aside in 1991 from Fort Randall Dam to Lewis and Clark Lake represents the natural landscape of the Missouri of pre-settlement days. Included in the upper reach are the lower 20 miles of the Niobrara River and the lower 8 miles of Verdigre Creek.
Activities: The Missouri offers scenic views and a variety of river opportunities for all boaters. The lower 20 miles of the Niobrara River can only be navigated by canoes or kayaks, but in other areas paddlers have to share the river with motor boaters. Camping is available at state parks and recreation areas along the river including Chief White Crane Recreation Area, Niobrara State Park, Ponca State Park, and Randall Creek Recreation Area. In addition, two campgrounds -- Cottonwood and Nebraska Tailwaters -- are operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Primitive camping is normally allowed on islands on the river. There are many opportunities to observe a wide variety of wildlife along the river.
Operating
Hours:
Of the 34,000+ acres included within the boundaries, the National Park Service owns about 25 acres at the Mulberry Bend Overlook on the Nebraska side. Access to the river is available at various locations throughout the year depending on weather and road conditions. National Park Service offices are in the Lewis and Clark Visitor Center near Yankton, SD. Call
402-667-2550 for further information.
History:
Authorized on November 10, 1978; expanded on May 24, 1991.
See other National Rivers
See other Nebraska National Parks
See other South Dakota National Parks
