Missouri National Recreational River

Flowing freely between South Dakota and Nebraska, the Missouri National Recreational River preserves one of the last unchannelized stretches of the mighty Missouri River. This protected area offers a rare glimpse into what the river looked like before modern development straightened and dammed much of its length. Covering 98 miles—59 miles near Yankton, SD, and 39 miles upstream near Ponca, NE—this national site showcases a dynamic ecosystem teeming with wildlife, lush floodplains, sandbars, and steep bluffs.

Beyond its natural beauty, the Missouri National Recreational River holds deep historical and cultural significance. It traces the path of the Lewis and Clark Expedition and was once vital to Native American tribes, fur traders, and early settlers. Today, visitors come to paddle, fish, camp, hike, and explore interpretive centers that reveal the river’s storied past.

The Missouri National Recreational River serves as a living classroom and sanctuary, preserving an essential piece of America’s environmental and historical heritage. It stands as a tribute to the power, beauty, and enduring importance of wild rivers.