Bow Creek Primitive Camping

• A camping permit is required.
• The 205-acre property includes a mix of wetlands, grasslands, riparian cottonwood forest, and mesic-bur oak forest. Rock and sediment exposures along the Missouri River reveal past geologic events. A mowed grass trail is planned for the property to loop through these environments. In the restored prairie, look for dragonflies and butterflies. In the cottonwood and oak forests, watch for wildlife sign including resident whitetail deer and turkey.

Goat Island Primitive Camping

• Primitive camping is allowed at no cost under the auspices of a back country use permit issued by the Park's HQ Office through a request via email (MNRR-Interpretation@nps. gov), or by calling 605-665-0209. Reservations are not required, however we do ask that you call and leave us your basic itinerary.
• This prominent island, also affectionately known and referred to by locals as Jake’s Island, is a remnant of large emergent sandbars that later developed into successional forests and sand flats. Today the 800-acre property supports a wide variety of wildlife on its sandbars and within its dense forested areas of cottonwood and Eastern red-cedar. Chutes paralleling the island, free-flowing water, vegetation, and sandbars not only provide important wildlife habitat, but add to the aesthetic qualities of the Park’s 59-Mile District. Situated along the Missouri National Recreational River Water Trail, the island is between Nebraska and South Dakota.

Green Island Primitive Camping

• No reservations are required, however we do ask that you call and leave us your basic itinerary.
• Near River Mile 806 is the 60-acre Green Island Recreation Area. Green Island Recreation Area has 1.75 miles of mostly flat sand or gravel trails. Access to the island trail is only by boat; land access is by taking the Yankton City Forest trail. Green Island has undergone quite a change. A backwater was restored as a mitigation measure during the construction of the Discovery Bridge. In 2008, the backwater was connected to the main river channel on the downstream end. The flood of 2011 eroded the upstream end of the backwater, creating an island with a flowering side channel.

Bolton River Access

Access the Missouri River and explore the MNRR Water Trail from Bolton River Access located north of Burbank, South Dakota.

• Sandy area that is only accessible to paddling watercraft such as kayaks and canoes. Boat landing is primitive, small dirt/mud ramp.

Bow Creek

Bow Creek is a High Potential Historic Site on the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail. On August 26, 1804, the expedition camped on a sand bar (in present-day South Dakota) across the Mis-souri from the mouth of Bow Creek (in present-day Nebraska).

• The 205-acre property includes a mix of wetlands, grasslands, riparian cottonwood forest, restored prairie and mesic-bur oak forest. Rock and sediment exposures along the Missouri River reveal past geologic events. A mowed grass trail is planned for the property to loop through these environments.

Bow Creek River Access

Access the Missouri River and explore the MNRR Water Trail from Bow Creek Recreation Area.

• Canoe and kayak landing near the river's edge by Bow Creek. Grassy area near paddling landing. There is a primitive boat ramp in which you can launch any boat you can carry to the river.

Brooky Bottom River Access

Access the Missouri River and explore the MNRR Water Trail from Brooky Bottom.

• Directly across from Goat Island to the south (Nebraska side). This river access point is a two-lane concrete boat ramp. Two 12-foot wide concrete boat ramps with 15-foot long wooden dock and gravel parking lot.

Clay County River Access

Access the Missouri River and explore the MNRR Water Trail from Clay County.

• Two concrete ramps with a wooden dock and large dirt parking area. One-lane boat ramp leading into the Missouri River. Small walkable dock extends off to the side of the boat ramp. Grassy area on the two sides of the boat ramp.

Dakota Territorial Capitol Replica

Located in Yankton's Riverside Park, this replica of the territorial capitol includes photographs of old Yankton, maps of the Dakota Territory, a collection of former Territorial governors, and other artifacts on display. This capitol replica symbolizes Yankton as being the first capitol of the Dakota Territory from 1861- 1883. The replica is patterned after the original Dakota Territorial Capitol built in Yankton in 1862 and torn down in 1886.

• The building is 25 feet by 45 feet, has two floors, and a restroom. White side paneling with six windows on the front of the building. Brick chimney.

Fort Randall Dam Spillway River Access

Access the Missouri River and explore the MNRR Water Trail from Fort Randall Dam Spillway.

• Near informational wayside on grassy area. Landing leads into the water trail.

Fort Randall Dam Visitor Center

The Fort Randall Dam Visitor Center features exhibits that include information and displays about the authorized project purposes, construction of the dam, local cultural history, paleontological history, early exploration and natural history of the area. The center also houses a freshwater aquarium that displays fish species of the Missouri River.

• Lake Francis Case and Fort Randall Dam are located within the rolling plain of the Missouri Plateau, and bordered by rugged bluffs, broken by a complex of eroded canyons and ravines and has become one of the most popular recreation spots in the Great Plains.

Goat Island Recreation Area

Goat Island lays within the 59-Mile District of the Missouri National Recreational River in between the two cities of Yankton and Vermillion, South Dakota. Situated along the Missouri National Recreational River Water Trail, the island is between Nebraska and South Dakota.

• This prominent island, also affectionately known and referred to by locals as Jake’s Island, is a remnant of large emergent sandbars that later developed into successional forests and sand flats. Today the 800-acre property supports a wide variety of wildlife on its sandbars and within its dense forested areas of cottonwood and Eastern red-cedar. Chutes paralleling the island, free-flowing water, vegetation, and sandbars not only provide important wildlife habitat, but add to the aesthetic qualities of the Park’s 59-Mile District. Situated along the Missouri National Recreational River Water Trail, the island is between Nebraska and South Dakota.

Green Island

Green Island actually never used to be an island! This National Park Service property gets its name from the nearby town of Green Island, Nebraska which washed away during the flood of 1881. The town of Green Island was never rebuilt, but the name and story have persisted.

• Near River Mile 806 is the 60-acre Green Island Recreation Area. Green Island Recreation Area has 1.75 miles of mostly flat sand or gravel trails. Access to the island trail is only by boat; land access is by taking the Yankton City Forest trail. Green Island has undergone quite a change. A backwater was restored as a mitigation measure during the construction of the Discovery Bridge. In 2008, the backwater was connected to the main river channel on the downstream end. The flood of 2011 eroded the upstream end of the backwater, creating an island with a flowering side channel.

Ionia Volcano

Ionia Volcano is a High Potential Historic Site on the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail. On August 24, 1804, Clark explored a distinctive “180 or 190 feet high” bluff along the west side of the Missouri River.

• Geologic formation on a bluff that showcases exposed hillside. Having previous contact with the river, the site has erosion and the river has shifted nearly one mile away from the "volcano". The site does not have volcanic activity and the source of the heat resulted from a chemical reaction of the various minerals eroding the bluff. Overtime the Missouri River eroded and washed these minerals away and the base of the bluff is now gone, therefore there is no more seemingly volcanic activity.

Lewis and Clark Recreation Area and Visitor Center

Lewis and Clark Lake, near Yankton, is one of South Dakota's most popular resort parks. Three separate campgrounds comprise this modern recreation area, attracting visitors from throughout the Midwest. Modern resort facilities - from marinas to camping cabins to sandy beaches - attract water lovers to Lewis and Clark.

• Next to Lake Yankton and home to Lewis & Clark Lake and adjacent to Gavin’s Point Dam and the Missouri River.

Lewis and Clark Visitor Center

Operated by the Army Corps of Engineers, this visitor center includes exhibits and information on the Missouri River basin. It is located on Calumet Bluff just downstream from the Gavins Point Dam in Nebraska.

• This center is perched above Gavins Point Dam, atop Calumet Bluff, just downstream from the Gavins Point Powerplant in the chalkstone-lined valley of the Missouri River.

Meridian Bridge

Now a pedestrian/bicycle bridge, the Meridian Bridge in Yankton, SD greatly improved economic and social connections across the Nebraska and South Dakota border when it was opened in 1924.

• Double deck pedestrian walkway and bicycle path overlooking and above the Missouri River. The lane with the remaining lift mechanism is positioned above the lane below. The steel and concrete structure spans over 3,029 feet in length and 33 feet in width, making it the longest pedestrian bridge connecting two states, South Dakota and Nebraska. Various historic lift mechanisms line the top of the double deck bridge.

Missouri National Recreational River Headquarters

Missouri National Recreational River Resource and Education Center

The Resource and Education Center provide visitors an opportunity to understand and develop their own connection to the resource, therefore fostering a sense of personal stewardship and care while visiting and recreating on the river. Exhibits in the Resource and Education Center focus on the meanings and significance of the MNRR, a unit of the National Park System.

• Situated astride the picturesque Missouri River bluffs in northeastern Nebraska, Ponca State Park is the eastern gateway to the 59-mile section of the Missouri National Recreational River, one of two unchannelized stretches of the river bordering Nebraska. Designated under the Scenic River Act in 1978, this section of river gives visitors a glimpse of how the untamed river looked before modern man changed it forever.

Mulberry Bend Overlook

A dramatic view of the Missouri National Recreational River awaits visitors at Mulberry Bend Overlook. From the parking area, a short paved trail leads to two overlooks that offer views of a free flowing segment of the Missouri. This portion of the river exhibits characteristics that were common hundreds of years ago but are no longer seen on the "man-made" portions of the river.

• A stone and wood entrance sign with wooden gates lead you to the paved drive up to the Mulberry Bend Overlook parking lot. The parking lot contains a trash and recycling receptacle. There is also an informational bulletin board with two sides that contain information about the site and other NPS information.

Mulberry Bend River Access

Access the Missouri River and explore the MNRR Water Trail from the Mulberry Bend River Access point.

• 16 foot wide concrete boat ramp that is ADA accessible. Gravel road leads to boat ramp. Sides of the boat ramp have trees and green grass lining the boat ramp.

Mulberry Bend Trailhead

This moderately strenuous unpaved trail begins at the upper viewpoint at the end of the paved trail. It is a 3/4 mile trail consisting of a loop with 2 spurs to viewpoints overlooking the river. The route winds through dense bluff forest of bur oak, cedar, ash, and other native trees. There are four points of interest along the trail.

• There is an informational wayside at the trailhead. The trail itself is approximately a two foot wide, .75-mile dirt trail.

Myron Grove River Access

Access the Missouri River and explore the MNRR Water Trail from Myron Grove boat ramp.

• 15' x 60' boat ramp. Large boats are not recommended. Gravel paddling and boat ramp that leads to the river from the parking area. Ramp has green brush around it. Looking across the ramp the trees are visible on the other bank of the Missouri.

Nebraska Tailwaters River Access

Access the Missouri River and explore the MNRR Water Trail from Knox County, NE through the Nebraska Tailwaters.

• Two 12-foot wide concrete boat ramps with a 60-foot long wooden dock and a paved parking area. There is no fee to launch. There are two more paved ramps with docks on the north side of the river as well, reached by driving across the dam.

Niobrara State Park Visitor Center

This Nebraska state park has a small visitor center with information about the park and surrounding area. The state park is on State Route 12 about two miles west of the town of Niobrara, and is near the eastern end of the 39-mile reach of the national park at the confluence of the Niobrara River.

• Niobrara State Park is situated at the confluence of the Niobrara and Missouri rivers on Nebraska’s northeastern border.

Ponca State Park – Canoe Landing

Access the Missouri River and explore the MNRR Water Trail from Ponca State Park.

• Concrete boat ramp is approximately 50-foot wide with a 30-foot long wooden dock.

Ponca State Park – North Unit River Access

Access the Missouri River and explore the MNRR Water Trail from Ponca State Park from the North Unit.

• Approximately 16 foot wide, 277 feet long reinforced concrete boat ramp.

Private Shannon’s Misadventure

George Shannon, a member of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, got lost near here in 1804.

• Wooden stairs down a grassy hill. Forested area surrounds the knob, with parking lot behind the stair structure.

Randall Creek Recreation Area

Explore and access the Missouri National Recreational River through Randall Creek Recreation Area.

• Located on the banks of the Missouri River downstream from Fort Randall Dam

Randall Creek Recreation Area River Access

Access the Missouri River and explore the MNRR Water Trail from Randall Creek Recreation Area.

• Located just downstream of Fort Randall Dam on the south side of the river is the Randall Creek Recreation Area and boat landing.

Riverside Park River Access

Access the Missouri River and explore the MNRR Water Trail from Riverside Park.

• Across the parking lot is the two-lane concrete ramp leading to the Missouri River. Two paved boat ramps with wooden docks.

Running Water River Access

Access the Missouri River and explore the MNRR Water Trail from Running Water.

• About 0.2 miles downstream from this former landing is the Running Water Boat Launch. Unpaved road leads to the boat ramp.

Spirit Mound

On August 25, 1804, Lewis, Clark, and several of their men walked nine miles to Spirit Mound from their camp on the south bank of the Missouri River. They were determined to see the mound that was so feared by the indigenous people of the area. In his journal Clark explained the legend of Spirit Mound:

• A natural hill that rises from a plain covered by glacial till. From a geological perspective, it is a remnant of bedrock forming a knob from the lower part of the Niobrara Chalk not eroded away by Ice Age glaciers. The walking trail is approximately 1.4 miles long and leads to the top of Spirit Mound so that you may orient yourself on the vast landscape of the Great Plains.

Spirit Mound, South Dakota

Meriwether Lewis and William Clark visited this Lakota sacred site in 1804.

• About 1,000 feet to the east of South Dakota Highway 19, a small conical mound rises seventy-five feet out of the otherwise flat, treeless prairie. A trail leads from a small parking area to the top of Spirit Mound. The trail crosses a small stream and winds through acres of prairie beneath an open sky.

St. Helena River Access

Access the Missouri River and explore the MNRR Water Trail from St. Helena.

• Gravel road leading to river access point. Boat ramp itself is lined with grasses and a sidewalk. 12-foot wide concrete boat ramp with no fee to launch.

Sunshine Bottom River Access

Access the Missouri River and explore the MNRR Water Trail from Sunshine Bottom.

• There is a concrete/aggregate pad launch area available. The launch is not recommended for boaters inexperienced on the Missouri River. Paved boat ramp near grassy area with an informational wayside.

The Tower

The Tower is a High Potential Historic Site on the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail. On September 7, 1804, the expedition landed near “the foot of a round mounting […] resembling a dome”, which Clark had sighted the previous day.

• The appearance of the Tower has changed very little since it was first documented by Lewis and Clark. Located about a half-mile south of the Missouri River in Boyd County, Nebraska, the landform rises an ad-ditional 70 feet above a line of bluffs along the southern edge of the Missouri valley. The surrounding land-scape is characterized by open prairie and burr oak woodlands. In 2005, a 524-acre conservation easement was enacted to protect the Tower and the environs. Although the site is privately owned, it can be viewed from multiple vantage points along nearby roadways.

Verdel River Access

Access the Missouri River and explore the MNRR Water Trail from Verdel.

• Two 12-foot wide concrete boat ramps with two 15-foot long wooden docks, plus a large gravel parking lot. There is also a grass parking lot. A paved road leads you directly to the river access. A pit toilet stands nearby. The boat ramp is paved and is connected to the parking area.

White Crane River Access

Access the Missouri River and explore the MNRR Water Trail from the White Crane river access point.

• Large concrete boat ramp. Boat ramp leading to river near grassy area and guard rail. Signage and information about about river access point.

Missouri National Recreational River Headquarters

• Missouri National Recreational River Headquarters
• The Missouri National Recreational River has a visitor contact station located inside their headquarters building in Yankton, South Dakota. Information about the park including junior ranger booklets, passport stamps, park maps, and an 18-minute video are available 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. The building is closed on all federal holidays including Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's days. For more information, please call 605-665-0209. 

• Wildlife Watching in the MNRR
• Missouri National Recreational River is a great place to go to observe mammals in their native and wild habitat. Wild animals are an important and vital part of our natural ecosystem. We humans can learn a great deal by carefully observing animals.

• Stargaze at Spirit Mound
• stargaze

• Fishing in the MNRR
• Fishing is a main recreational activity in the Missouri National Recreational River.

• Hunting in the MNRR
• Hunting & trapping is permitted in Bow Creek and Goat Island Recreation Areas in accordance with site-specific regulations.

• Backcountry Camping in the MNRR
• Missouri National Recreational River offers primitive, Leave-No-Trace camping available at Bow Creek, Green Island, and Goat Island Recreation Areas.

• Paddle the MNRR
• Paddle the two free-flowing sections of the Missouri, North America's longest river, a vestige of the untamed American West.

• Boating in the Missouri NRR
• Whether you are fishing or enjoying the scenery and wildlife, boating is a great way to experience the river.

• Biking in the MNRR
• Various partners have different biking paths.

• Become a MNRR Junior Ranger
• Do you care about exploring, learning about, and protecting the Missouri River? If yes, become a Junior Ranger! There are many ways to earn a Junior Ranger badge at Missouri National Recreational River, and this fun activity book is a great place to start. This booklet includes activities like crosswords, drawings, matching activities, maps, and more to help you learn about the Missouri River.

• Watch "River of Change"
• This 18-minute film tells the story of Missouri National Recreational River. Learn about the park's wildlife as well as the history of the river, explorers, and people who lived along the river.

• Tour the Mobile Ranger Station
• The Mobile Ranger Station travels to schools, special events and programs and is often set up in various sites along the MNRR. If you're interested in its schedule contact Park Ranger Dugan Smith at 605-665-0209 Ext 28 or visit our park calendar on our webpage or the NPS app to see where it is headed next!

• Walk the Historic Meridian Bridge
• The bridge allows you to cross from South Dakota to Nebraska while offering splendid views of the Missouri National Recreational River. The bridge also connects to the City of Yankton Forest Tract with hiking trails that lead to the river. Parking is available near the intersection of Walnut and Second Street in Yankton, SD. Average visit time: 30 minutes.

• Explore the Middle Missouri with Lewis and Clark
• Explore the Missouri River through the perspective of Lewis and Clark with these notable places within the MNRR.

• Visit Mulberry Bend Overlook
• Great view of the river and sandbars from the overlooks. A paved trail takes visitors from the parking lot to several interpretive wayside exhibits that define the natural and cultural history of the river. Continue your journey by exploring a bur oak forest on the Nature Trail. Average visit time: 30 minutes. Nature Trail may take 60 minutes.

MNRR Highlights: Explore the 39-Mile District and 59-Mile District

This self-guided tour combines driving and walking, and calls out the main sites to see throughout the Missouri National Recreational River. This tour can be completed year round and the destinations are worthwhile throughout the seasons. Duration will vary depending on time spent throughout each stop.