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Missouri National Recreational River Missouri River from Ponca State Park
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U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Park Service to Host Public Meetings Regarding Conservation Efforts with Willing Landowners along the Missouri River

The FWS and NPS will gather public input for a Land Protection Plan as part of public scoping during the month of February.
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The Longest River in North America

Two-thirds of the "Mighty Mo" has been dammed, channelized
or otherwise "tamed" by the works of man. Missouri National
Recreational River preserves 98 miles of relatively natural,
free-flowing river, designated by Congress under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act.

 
View of the Missouri from Ponca State Park

Your River Awaits - The Digital Experience

Experience the great river of the American West through cyberspace. Learn about the rich history of North America's 
longest river by watching our podcasts. On our social media sites you can find out the latest park news and what adventures await for 2012.

Watch Oral History Project Podcasts

Become a fan of MNRR on Facebook

Follow the park on Twitter @MissouriRecNPS

 
canoe-rangers

Boating, Canoeing, and Kayaking

Adventure awaits you on the Missouri! Canoe and kayak use has been steadily increasing over the last several years. You can explore the more secluded river segments and backwaters and discover a wealth of bird species, or maybe your own secret fishing spot. The high water flows of 2011 have re-sculpted the riverbed and created new habitats for birds, fish, and other wildlife and new opportunities for birders and anglers.

Motorized craft are also allowed, except for airboats and personal watercraft (Jet-Ski®, WaveRunner®, etc.). Be aware that the Missouri River hides many hazards, including sandbars and submerged obstructions.

Canoeing & Kayaking

Boating

 
Camping at a South Dakota state park

Camping

From secluded tent sites to full-hookup RV parks, our partners and commercial parks offer a variety of camping options. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Nebraska and South Dakota state parks have hundreds of reservable and first-come sites available.

Camping page

 
Ranger leads a tour of the Fort Randall site.

Ranger Programs

Like most other national parks, Missouri National Recreational
River offers a variety of interpretive programs to enrich your
visit. Rangers present programs on numerous topics at our
partner sites.  Programs include illustrated talks, living history 
and reenactments, Junior Ranger craft programs, fishing and
canoeing clinics, and more.

Ranger programs and schedule

 
Riverboat Days Parade

Local Events & Attractions

There's always something to do along the river! Browse through museums and visitor centers, visit a fish hatchery and aquarium, or stroll among the historic 1800s buildings of downtown Yankton, the territorial capital. Join the fun at local festivals, concerts, farmers' markets and craft fairs. Immerse yourself in the rhythms of the Plains at the Ponca and Yankton Sioux powwows and dance competitions. 

Nearby Attractions

Local Visitor Information and Events Calendars

 
 

Write to

Missouri National Recreational River
508 E. 2nd Street
Yankton, SD 57078

E-mail Us

Phone

Park Headquarters
(605) 665-0209

Visitor Information
(605) 665-0209

Fax

(605) 665-4183

Climate

Summers can be hot and humid with occasional thunderstorms, gusty winds and accompanying hail. Temperatures may vary from the mid-80s to the low 100s. Winters can vary between mild and very cold with rain, ice/sleet, snow, and blizzard conditions. Spring and autumn are moderate. Be prepared to take cover during any season.

Click below for current conditions at Yankton and the 5-day forecast. Use your "back" button to return to this page.
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Last Updated: February 07, 2012 at 12:50 MST

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