News Release

Missouri National Recreational River is Modifying Operations to Implement Latest Health Guidance In Response to COVID-19 Pandemic

Headquarters and Visitor Contact Station of the Missouri National Recreational River is located at 508 East Second Street in Yankton, South Dakota.

NPS

News Release Date: April 8, 2020

Contact: Rick Clark, 605-665-0209 Ext 22

Yankton, SD – The National Park Service (NPS), Missouri National Recreational River is announcing modifications to operations to implement the latest guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), and local and state authorities to promote social distancing. As of April 8, 2020, Park Headquarters and its Visitor Contact Station are closed until further notice. Where it is possible to adhere to the latest health guidance, park property including Bow Creek, Goat Island and Green Island Recreation Areas and Mulberry Bend Overlook will remain open to provide healthy options for the public such as open trails and areas of recreation. 

“We encourage visitors to continue to enjoy the Missouri National Recreational River by visiting the park areas and online, such as the website and social media venues including Facebook and Instagram that are updated weekly,” said Rick Clark, Superintendent.

The NPS is working with the federal, state, and local authorities to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic. We will notify the public should we further modify park operations, as were at when normal programming and business hours resume. The NPS will also provide updates on our website and social media channels.  

The NPS urges visitors to do their part when visiting a park and to follow CDC guidance to prevent the spread of infectious diseases by maintaining a safe distance between yourself and other groups; washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth; covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze; and most importantly, staying home if you feel sick.   

For high-risk populations, such as the elderly and people with underlying conditions, we ask that they take extra caution and follow CDC guidance for those at higher risk of serious illness.   

Updates about NPS operations will be posted on www.nps.gov/coronavirus. Please check with individual parks for specific details about park operations.