The Missouri National Recreational River is located in Yankton, South Dakota, and offers visitors a unique and scenic outdoor experience. The river serves as a natural border between South Dakota and Nebraska, spanning a length of 100 miles.
With its rich historical background, the Missouri National Recreational River holds significant cultural and historical importance. It was once a vital transportation route for Native American tribes, explorers, and fur traders during the early days of American expansion. The Lewis and Clark expedition also traveled along this river, leaving a notable mark in the region's history.
Visitors to the Missouri National Recreational River can engage in various recreational activities. Fishing enthusiasts will find the river teeming with catfish, walleye, and other species, providing ample opportunities for angling adventures. Canoeing and kayaking are popular water sports, allowing visitors to navigate the gentle currents while taking in the stunning natural scenery.
For those interested in history, the river offers several historical sites and interpretive centers. The Lewis and Clark Visitor Center in Nebraska showcases exhibits and artifacts related to the famous expedition. The Gavin's Point Dam Visitor Center in Yankton provides insight into the role of the river in generating hydroelectric power and flood control.
Nearby attractions include the historic town of Yankton, which boasts charming architecture, local shops, and restaurants. The Dakota Territorial Museum offers a glimpse into the region's past, housing exhibits on pioneer life and Native American artifacts. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the nearby Lewis and Clark Recreation Area, which offers camping, hiking, and biking trails.
In summary, the Missouri National Recreational River in Yankton, South Dakota, is a picturesque destination with a rich historical background. Visitors can enjoy fishing, canoeing, and kayaking on the river while also exploring historical sites and nearby attractions such as Yankton and the Lewis and Clark Recreation Area.
The Missouri National River Monument is situated in Yankton, South Dakota, within the southeastern region of the state. Yankton is located on the banks of the Missouri River, which meanders through the picturesque landscapes of this area. The town itself is nestled in the rolling hills and lush greenery, offering a tranquil setting for visitors to explore. As part of the Missouri National River Monument, Yankton serves as a gateway to the scenic beauty and natural wonders found along the Missouri River. With its strategic position along the river's course, this location provides visitors with a unique opportunity to experience the river's grandeur, witness its wildlife, and immerse themselves in the rich history and cultural heritage of the region.
508 East 2nd StreetYankton, SD 57078Driving DirectionsPhone: 605-665-0209Web: Link
The best time to visit the Missouri National Scenic River would be during the months of April and May. During these months, the average maximum temperatures range from 60°F to 72°F, providing pleasant weather for outdoor activities. Additionally, the average monthly precipitation during this period is 3.6 inches, which is relatively moderate. These months also see a considerable increase in visitor counts, indicating that it is a popular time to visit, but not as crowded as the summer months.
Some of the activities you can do in Missouri National Scenic River are: Astronomy Stargazing Food Picnicking Guided Tours Self-Guided Tours - Walking Hands-On Junior Ranger Program Wildlife Watching Birdwatching Park Film Museum Exhibits Shopping Bookstore and Park Store Gift Shop and Souvenirs Biking Road Biking Camping Car or Front Country Camping Hiking Front-Country Hiking Boating Canoe or Kayak Camping Fishing Hunting and Gathering Hunting Paddling Canoeing Kayaking Skiing Cross-Country Skiing Auto and ATV Scenic Driving Living History Swimming Group Camping RV Camping Freshwater Fishing Dining Citizen Science Freshwater Swimming Playground Pool Swimming
Learn about these topics at Missouri National Scenic River: Animals Birds Geology Night Sky Archeology Native American Heritage Transportation Tragic Events Floods Westward Expansion Fish Fire River and Riparian Rock Landscapes and Features Trails Water Trails Unique Species Explorers and Expeditions Military Watersheds Climate Change Foothills, Plains and Valleys Forests and Woodlands Grasslands Astronomy Scenic Views Forts Infantry and Militia Monuments and Memorials Wars and Conflicts Deciduous Forests Migrations Roads, Routes and Highways Tribal Conflicts Rare Endangered Ruins Engineering Prairies Bridges Dams Maritime Ships and Shipwrecks Buttes
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.
The following locations have passport stamps for your "Passport to Your National Parks" booklet: Missouri National Recreational River Headquarters.
Primitive, Leave No Trace camping is allowed and free. Camp only in designated sites marked with brown camping signs and metal fire rings. Please call us at 605-665-0209 and leave your basic itinerary for your safety. Located along Bow Creek and the Missouri River in Cedar County about 2 miles northeast of Wynot, Nebraska. A series of gravel roads wind you to the location by car. Follow the brown Bow Creek Recreational Area directional signs to the gravel parking lot and trailhead.
Fees (US$): 0.00 (Primitive Camping)
Total Campsites: 5
Toilets: No Toilets
Showers: None
Potable Water: No water
Two designated tent camping only areas. The first (southern) campground area is in the process of being established. The second (northern) is targeted to be established in 2022. Primitive camping is allowed anywhere on the Island, with the exception of the established hunting season after Labor Day to January when camping is restricted to the two designated camping areas. Please email or call (605-665-0209) for a back country use permit issued by the Park's HQ Office.
Fees (US$): 0.00 (Primitive Camping)
Total Campsites: 2
Toilets: No Toilets
Showers: None
Potable Water: No water
Green Island has five primitive tent campsites with fire rings. Two isolated tent sites on the east side of the island & three adjacent sites on the west side. Fires allowed only in designated fire rings. Island access is by boat only. Please visit the Camping page for rules and regulations. Primitive, Leave No Trace camping is allowed and free. Camp only in designated sites marked with brown camping signs and metal fire rings. Please call us at 605-665-0209 and leave your basic itinerary for your safety.
Fees (US$): 0.00 (Primitive Camping)
Total Campsites: 5
Toilets: No Toilets
Showers: None
Potable Water: No water
When you stay at Days Inn by Wyndham Yankton SD in Yankton, you'll be in a shopping district, within a 5-minute drive of Dakota Territorial Museum and Riverside Park. Featured amenities include a business center, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and a 24-hour front desk. Planning an event in Yankton? This hotel has facilities measuring 400 square feet (37 square meters), including a meeting room. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 2410 Broadway Ave, Yankton, South Dakota 57078
Web: Link
Located in Vermillion, Prairie Inn is a 4-minute walk from DakotaDome and 15 minutes by foot from National Music Museum. Featured amenities include complimentary newspapers in the lobby, a 24-hour front desk, and laundry facilities. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 916 N Dakota Street, Vermillion, South Dakota 57069
Web: Link
With a stay at Yankton Inn in Yankton, you'll be within a 5-minute drive of Riverside Park and Dakota Territorial Museum. Featured amenities include a 24-hour front desk and coffee/tea in a common area. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1603 East Highway 50, Yankton, South Dakota 57078
Web: Link
When you stay at Best Western Kelly Inn in Yankton, you'll be connected to the convention center, within a 5-minute drive of Riverside Park and Dakota Territorial Museum. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, express check-out, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby. Planning an event in Yankton? This hotel has facilities measuring 6542 square feet (608 square meters), including conference space. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1607 E Highway 50, Yankton, South Dakota 57078
Web: Link
Located in Yankton, Holiday Inn Express & Suites Yankton, an IHG Hotel is within a 10-minute drive of Dakota Territorial Museum and Sister James Care Center. Featured amenities include a business center, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and dry cleaning/laundry services. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 2607 Broadway Ave, Yankton, South Dakota 57078
Web: Link
With a stay at Broadway Inn Yankton in Yankton, you'll be within a 5-minute drive of Dakota Territorial Museum and Westside Park. The front desk is staffed during limited hours. RV/bus/truck parking is available onsite.
Address: 1210 Broadway Ave, Yankton, South Dakota 57078
Web: Link
A stay at Econo Lodge places you in the heart of Yankton, within a 5-minute drive of Dakota Territorial Museum and Westside Park. Featured amenities include a business center, express check-in, and a 24-hour front desk. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 611 W 23rd Street, Yankton, South Dakota 57078
Web: Link
With a stay at Lewis and Clark Resort in Yankton, you'll be on a lake, just a 1-minute walk from Lewis and Clark Recreation Area and 12 minutes by foot from Lewis and Clark Lake. Featured amenities include a computer station, express check-in, and express check-out. Planning an event in Yankton? This hotel has 1500 square feet (139 square meters) of space consisting of a conference center and a meeting room. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 43496 Shore Drive, Yankton, South Dakota 57078
Web: Link
| Date issued | Details |
|---|---|
| 2025-09-23 | National Park Service Acquires Land on James River Island for Public Recreation The National Park Service has acquired approximately 676 acres of James River Island within the 59-Mile District of the Missouri National Recreational River. More |
| 2024-08-14 | Temporary River Closure for Riverboat Days Fireworks Display To better protect the well-being, safety, and public health of those in attendance of the Riverboat Days pyrotechnics fireworks display, there will be a temporary closure in effect. More |