The Missouri National Recreational River The Missouri National Recreational River preserves two stretches


of the Missouri River. Forming much of the border between South Dakota and Nebraska, it is also par t of the nation’s Wild and Scenic River system. Congress added the 59-mile reach between Gavins Point Dam and Ponca State Park in 1978 and the 39-mile reach, which includes the lower 20 miles of the Niobrara River and the lower eight miles of Verdigre Creek, between Ft. Randall Dam and Running Water in 1991. In the eastern reach the "Big Muddy" is vast, spectacular and


unique, flowing fast past chalk bluffs, some as high as 100 feet. The river valley is as wide as two miles in some places, a testament to the twists and turns the river has taken over the last several thousand years. Islands, bars, and chutes attest to the


Things to See and Do Most visitors come to the Missouri National Recreational River for


its refreshing water and premier boating, fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. You can also camp, tour powerhouses and historic sites, birdwatch, trace the Lewis and Clark Expedition, visit a fish hatchery and aquarium, and explore quiet trails.


Lewis and Clark Visitor Center Various oppor tunities exist to explore the Lewis and Clark saga,


with the Lewis and Clark Visitor Center at Gavins Point Dam providing a par ticularly useful introduction to the story. The visitor


SSDTA Photo


river’s dynamic character. The river in the western reach is more than 20 feet deep, with


thick groves of willow and cottonwood trees growing on numerous islands and sandbars. Limestone bluffs rise 250 feet over the untamed river. The main channel twists and turns in gnarled braids from one shore to the other, and the river flows slower, sometimes as slow as a lazy two miles per hour. Native floodplain forests, tall and mixed grass prairie remnants,


and the rivers and tributaries themselves provide habitat for several endangered and threatened bird and fish species.


Fishing and Hunting Walleye, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, bluegill, and catfish


are popular catches. In season hunters take geese, ducks, quail, turkeys, pheasants, and deer. Licenses required.


Tol l Free 1-888-353-7382


center offers views of the river, Lewis and Clark Lake, and Gavins Point Dam. It has information, exhibits, a theater, and a bookstore. National Park Service and Corp of Engineers staff can help you plan your visit.


The park’s web address is http://www.nps.gov/mnrr


Get a Free Brochure for the Missouri River Corridor


This brochure contains a map of the river along with information about activities on the river, nearby attractions and campgrounds.


1-888-353-7382


or download at www.southeastsouthdakota.com/attractions/ missouri-national-recreational-river.php


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