MNRR Water Trail River Access Points

 
Three images viewed from left to right: topo map of river access, information board at boat ramp, boat ramp at the river.
Located just downstream of Fort Randall Dam on the south side of the river is the Randall Creek Recreation Area and boat landing.

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1. Randall Creek Recreation Area

Gregory County, South Dakota
River Mile: 879
Waypoint: Latitude: 43 3 15.55N Longitude: 98 33 21.74W

Access Type: Boat landing
Restrooms: Yes
Water: Yes
Camping: Yes
Picnic Facilities: Yes
Owned and Maintained By: South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks
Directions: From Pickstown, SD, take US-18 west for 1 mile. Turn onto Powerhouse Road for 0.5 miles. Take the second right turn and that will take you into Randall Creek Recreation Area.
Note: A South Dakota state park entrance license is required to access boat ramps inside the boundaries of all South Dakota state parks and recreation areas as well as some lakeside use areas.

 
Three images viewed from left to right: topo map of river access, brown highway sign points direction to river access, boat ramp at the river.
Located just downstream of Ft. Randall Dam on the north side of the river.

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2. Fort Randall Dam Spillway

Gregory County, South Dakota
River Mile: 879 Waypoint: Latitude: 43 3 4.1N Longitude: 98 32 23.74W

Access Type: Boat landing
Restrooms: Yes
Water: No
Camping: No
Picnic Facilities: Yes
Owned and Maintained By: South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks
Directions: From Pickstown, SD, take Spillway Drive south to the access point.
Note: A South Dakota state park entrance license is required to access boat ramps inside the boundaries of all South Dakota state parks and recreation areas as well as some lakeside use areas.

 
Three images viewed from left to right: topo map of river access, entrance from the land-side, river access area.
Located on the Nebraska side of the Missouri River.

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3. Sunshine Bottom River Access

Boyd County, Nebraska
River Mile: 866 Waypoint: Latitude: 42 55 18.69N Longitude: 98 24 28W

Access Type: Boat landing
Restrooms: No
Water: No
Camping: Primitive camping site located 200 yards downstream on the south side of the river.
Picnic Facilities: No
Owned and Maintained By: Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
Directions: From Lynch, NE, take highway 12 east for 3 miles. Turn north onto Sunshine Bottom Road and follow that to the river.

 
Three images viewed from left to right: topo map of river access, information signs at river access, boat ramp at the river.
Located on the Nebraska side of the Missouri River.

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4. Verdel River Access

Knox County, Nebraska
River Mile: 852 Waypoint: Latitude: 42 49 51.63N Longitude: 98 9 7.56W

Access Type: Boat landing
Restrooms: Yes
Water: No
Camping: Primitive camping
Picnic Facilities: No
Owned and Maintained By: Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
Directions: From Verdel, NE, take Highway 12 east for 2 miles. Turn north onto Lazy River Road and follow that for 2 miles to the boat ramp.

 
Three images viewed from left to right: topo map of river access, brown park boundary sign at boat ramp, river access, view looking upriver from near boat ramp.
Located on the South Dakota side of the Missouri River.

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5. Running Water River Access

Bon Homme County, South Dakota
River Mile: 849 Waypoint: Latitude: 42 46 15.16N Longitude: 97 58 44.18W

Access Type: Boat landing
Restrooms: Yes
Water: No
Camping: Primitive only
Picnic Facilities: No
Owned and Maintained By: South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks
Directions: From Springfield, SD, take Highway 37 west until you reach Running Water, SD.

 

6. Springfield River Access

Bon Homme County, South Dakota
River Mile: 832 Waypoint: Latitude: 42 51 29.84N Longitude: 97 53 0.31W

Access Type: Boat landing
Restrooms: Yes
Water: Yes
Camping: Yes
Picnic Facilities: Yes
Owned and Maintained By: South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks
Directions: From Springfield, find 10th St. and follow that East as far as it will go to the Springfield access point.

 

7. Santee River Access

Knox County, Nebraska
River Mile: 830 Waypoint: Latitude: 42 50 34.44N Longitude: 97 50 11.43W

Access Type: Boat landing
Restrooms: Yes
Water: Yes
Camping: Yes
Picnic Facilities: Yes
Owned and Maintained By: Santee Reservation
Directions: From Santee, take Main St. east past Santee Sioux Recreation Park until you get to East St. Turn north on East St. and follow that to the access point.

 

8. Sand Creek

Gregory County, South Dakota

River Mile: 829 Waypoint: Latitude: 42 52 22.72N Longitude: 97 49 37.45W

Access Type: Boat landing
Restrooms: Yes
Water: Yes
Camping: Primitive only.
Picnic Facilities: Yes
Owned and Maintained By: South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks
Directions: From Springfield, SD, take Highway 35 north 1 mile. Turn east onto Apple Tree Road and follow that for 3 miles. Turn south onto Sand Creek Road.
Note: A South Dakota state park entrance license is required to access boat ramps inside the boundaries of all South Dakota state parks and recreation areas as well as some lakeside use areas.

 

9. Charley Creek Recreation Area

Bon Homme County, South Dakota
River Mile: 824 Waypoint: Latitude: 42 52 0.08N Longitude: 97 44 25.76W

Access Type: Canoe and kayak only
Restrooms: No
Water: No
Camping: No
Picnic Facilities: No
Owned and Maintained By: South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks
Directions: From Tabor, SD, take Highway 50 south for 2 miles. Turn west onto Highway 52 for 3 miles. Turn south onto The Colony Road for 2 miles. Turn west onto 311th Street for 1 mile. Take the first left turn and that will take you to Charley Creek Recreation Area.

 

10. Miller Creek

Knox County, Nebraska
River Mile: 821 Waypoint: Latitude: 42 49 46.92N Longitude: 97 39 42.11W

Access Type: Boat landing
Restrooms: Yes
Water: No
Camping: Primate only.
Picnic Facilities: Yes
Owned and Maintained By: Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
Directions: From Crofton, NE, take Highway 121 north for 7 miles. Turn west onto Road 897 and follow that for 10 miles until you reach Miller Creek Recreation Area.

 

11. Tabor River Access

Bon Homme County, South Dakota
River Mile: 820 Waypoint: Latitude: 42 51 33.84N Longitude: 97 39 16.45W

Access Type: Boat landing
Restrooms: Yes
Water: No
Camping: Primitive only.
Picnic Facilities: Yes
Owned and Maintained By: South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks
Directions: From Tabor, SD, take Highway 50 south for 2 miles. Turn west onto Highway 52 for 0.2 miles. Turn south onto Tabor Recreational Road and follow that to the river.
Note: A South Dakota state park entrance license is required to access boat ramps inside the boundaries of all South Dakota state parks and recreation areas as well as some lakeside use areas.

 

12. Weigand Recreation Area

Knox County, Nebraska
River Mile: 816 Waypoint: Latitude: 42 50 13.55N Longitude: 97 34 39.25W

Access Type: Boat landing
Restrooms: Yes
Water: Yes
Camping: Yes
Picnic Facilities: Yes
Owned and Maintained By: Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
Directions: The Lewis and Clark Visitor Center is located next to Gavins Point Dam. From this Visitor Center, take Highway 121 south 1.5 miles to Road 897. Turn west on Road 897 and drive 4 miles. Turn right into Weigand Recreation Area.

 

13. Gavins Point

Yankton County, South Dakota
River Mile: 814 Waypoint: Latitude: 42 51 31.21N Longitude: 97 33 1.22W

Access Type: Boat landing
Restrooms: Yes
Water: Yes
Camping: Yes
Picnic Facilities: Yes
Owned and Maintained By: South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks
Directions: From Yankton, SD, take Highway 52 west for 7 miles. Turn left onto Gavins Point Road and follow that to the river.
Notes: This landing is part of the Lewis and Clark Recreation Area and consists of campgrounds and hiking/biking trails. The most popular trail is a 6.2-mile paved scenic bike trail that winds around all campground areas of the park and continues an additional 4 miles into the City of Yankton. The trailhead for the 1.2 mile Gavins Point Nature Trail begins behind the fish cleaning station near the boar ramp. A South Dakota state park entrance license is required to access.

 

14. Nebraska Tailwaters River Access

Cedar County, Nebraska
River Mile: 810 Waypoint: Latitude: 42 50 56.3N Longitude: 97 28 05.0W

Access Type: Boat landing
Restrooms: Yes
Water: Yes
Camping: Yes
Picnic Facilities: Picnic tables
Owned and Maintained By: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Directions: Nebraska Tailwaters River Access is part of the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Nebraska Tailwaters Campground; they are both located in Nebraska on the south side of the river, below the USACE Lewis & Clark Visitor Center.

 
Three images viewed from left to right: topo map of river access, boat ramp signs, boat ramp at the river.
White Crane River Access.

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15. White Crane River Access

Yankton County, South Dakota
River Mile: 810 Waypoint: Latitude: 42 50 59.5N Longitude: 97 27 43.9W

Access Type: Boat landing
Restrooms: Yes
Water: Yes
Camping: Yes - available nearby at White Crane Recreation Area.
Picnic Facilities: Yes
Owned and Maintained By: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Directions: Located adjacent to the White Crane Recreation Area on the north side of the river. Lake Yankton is on the north side of the access point.

 
Three images viewed from left to right: topo map of river access, aerial image of boat ramp, view of river docks and the river.
Riverside River Access, Yankton, South Dakota.

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16. Riverside Park

Yankton County, South Dakota
River Mile: 805 Waypoint: Latitude: 42 51 57.8N Longitude: 97 23 04.3W

Access Type: Boat landing
Restrooms: Yes
Water: Yes
Camping: No
Picnic Facilities: Yes
Owned and Maintained By: City of Yankton, South Dakota
Directions: On the South Dakota side of the river. Modern restrooms are across the parking lot from the boat ramp.

 
Three images viewed from left to right: topo map of river access, two other images are of the boat ramp at the river.
St. Helena River Access.

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17. St. Helena River Access

Cedar County, Nebraska
River Mile: 798 Waypoint: Latitude: 42 51 02.0N Longitude: 97 16 11.3W

Access Type: Boat landing
Restrooms: Yes
Water: Yes
Camping: Primitive
Picnic Facilities: Yes
Owned and Maintained By: Cedar County, Nebraska
Directions: To drive to this boat ramp from Yankton go 1.0 mile south on US 81. Turn left (east) onto Road 898 and continue ahead for 7.0 miles. Turn left (north) on to Road 563 and proceed ahead 0.9 miles to the river. This route is all gravel after turning onto Road 898.
Notes: Exercise caution when landing at this site due to strong currents along the bank.

 
A sandy river beach with a river in the background; forest and bluff in the background.
Beachfront of Bow Creek Recreation Area.

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18. Bow Creek Recreation Area

Cedar County, Nebraska
River Mile: 787 Waypoint: Latitude: 42 46 17.9N Longitude: 97 08 07.3W

Access Type: Canoe and kayak landing only.
Restrooms: No
Water: No
Camping: Primitive
Picnic Facilities: No
Owned and Maintained By: National Park Service
Directions: More Information.
Notes: No vehicle access to the river; portage only from the landside parking area in the recreation area.

 
Two images viewed from left to right: topo map of river access; view looking upriver with trees bordering both sides of the waterway.
Myron Grove River Access

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19. Myron Grove River Access

Clay County, South Dakota
River Mile: 787 Waypoint: Latitude: 42 46 18.9N Longitude: 97 07 16.2W

Access Type: Boat landing
Restrooms: Yes
Water: No
Camping: No
Picnic Facilities: No
Owned and Maintained By: South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks
Directions: To drive to this boat ramp take South Dakota Highway 50 east from Yankton or west from Vermillion and turn south onto 454 Ave (a sign will read “ Myron Grove Lake Access”). Drive south for 5 miles and then continue south on the gravel road where the asphalt road curves to the left. Follow 454 Ave. 1.6 miles to the river.
Notes: This access is on South Dakota side. Canoes and kayaks can be launched at this site.

 
Two images viewed from left to right: topo map of river access; view of river with Goat Island in the background.
Brooky Bottom River Access is directly south of Goat Island Recreation Area.

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20. Brooky Bottom River Access

Cedar County, Nebraska
River Mile: 784 Waypoint: Latitude: 42 45 40.7N Longitude: 97 04 54.4W

Access Type: Boat landing
Restrooms: Yes
Water: Yes
Camping: Primitive
Picnic Facilities: Yes
Owned and Maintained By: Cedar County, Nebraska
Directions: To drive to this boat ramp take Nebraska Highway 12 east 18.1 miles from its intersection with US 81. Turn left (north) onto Road 573 (a sign will read Brooky Bottom Recreational River). Follow this gravel road for 4.6 miles to a dead-end. Turn left (west) onto Road 892 and proceed for 0.3 miles. Turn right (north) onto 572 and continue ahead for 0.2 miles into the small park where the boat ramp is located.
Notes: Goat Island is adjacent to the site.

 
Three images viewed from left to right: topo map of river access; boat ramp into the river; brown guide sign of Clay County River Access.
Clay County River Access.

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21. Clay County River Access

Clay County, South Dakota
River Mile: 781 Waypoint: Latitude: 42 45 57.9N Longitude: 97 00 11.6W

Access Type: Boat landing
Restrooms: Yes
Water: Yes
Camping: Yes - A campground is located ¼ mile north.
Picnic Facilities: Yes
Owned and Maintained By: South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks
Directions: To drive to this access area, take SD Highway 50 (business loop, Cherry St) west 1 mile from Vermillion. Turn south at the junction of South Dakota Highway 19. Turn left (south) onto Highway 19 and almost immediately turn right onto Timber Road. Continue ahead (west) for 1.7 miles. Turn left onto 460 Ave. and continue ahead 1.4 miles to the river.

 
Three images viewed from left to right: topo map of river access; boat ramp leading to river; view looking upriver over highway bridge.
Mulberry Bend River Access

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22. Mulberry Bend River Access

Dixon County, Nebraska
River Mile: 775 Waypoint: Latitude: 42 42 53.2N Longitude: 96 56 35.5W

Access Type: Boat landing
Restrooms: Yes
Water: No
Camping: Primitive
Picnic Facilities: No
Owned and Maintained By: Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
Directions: To drive to this access area take South Dakota Highway 19 south from Vermillion (it becomes Nebraska Highway 15 as soon as you cross the bridge) or Nebraska Highway 15 north of Nebraska Highway 12 toward Vermillion until you come to Road 579. Turn on to this gravel road and continue ahead 2 miles until you come to the boat ramp on your left.
Notes: Mulberry Bend River Access is below the Vermillion-Newcastle Bridge.

 

23. Cotton Park

Clay County, South Dakota
River Mile: 772 Waypoint: Latitude: 42 46 23.1N Longitude: 96 55 50.4W

Access Type: Canoe and kayak only.
Restrooms: Yes
Water: yes
Camping: No
Picnic Facilities: Yes
Owned and Maintained By: City of Vermillion, South Dakota
Directions: From Main St. in Vermillion, turn south onto South Dakota St. and follow that to the Cotton Park parking lot. Once there, follow the sidewalk under the bridge to the access point.
Notes: Located on the Vermillion River, this site is accessible only for canoes and kayaks as there is no boat ramp.

 
Two images viewed from left to right: topo map of river access; river edge view with sandbars and river forests.
Bolton River Access located north of Burbank, South Dakota.

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24. Bolton River Access

Union County, South Dakota
River Mile: 763 Waypoint: Latitude: 42 39 57.1N Longitude: 96 47 11.9W

Access Type: Boat landing - primitive
Restrooms: No
Water: No
Camping: No
Picnic Facilities: No
Owned and Maintained By: South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks
Directions: To drive to this access area leave I-29 at Exit 18 in Elk Point, SD. Turn left(west) onto Burbank Road and travel 0.5 miles. Turn left(south) onto Union County Road 26 and proceed 4.3 miles. Turn left (south) onto Road 471 and travel ahead 1.8 miles to the river.
Notes: Located on the South Dakota side, this site features a primitive boat ramp.

 
Three images viewed from left to right: topo map of river access; boar ramp leading down to river; view of river with cottonwood trees in autumn color.
Ponca State Park - North Unit

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25. Ponca State Park - North Unit

Dixon County, Nebraska
River Mile: 761 Waypoint: Latitude: 42 39 36.3N Longitude: 96 44 42.8W

Access Type: Boat landing
Restrooms: Yes
Water: No
Camping: Primitive only
Picnic Facilities: No
Owned and Maintained By: Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
Directions: More information.

 
Two images viewed from left to right: topo map of river access; scenic overlook looking downriver with farmland in the view.
Ponca State Park - Canoe Landing.

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26. Ponca State Park - Canoe Landing

Dixon County, Nebraska
River Mile: 753 Waypoint: Latitude: 42 36 47.2N Longitude: 96 43 03.9W

Access Type: Canoe/Kayak landing
Restrooms: Yes
Water: Yes
Camping: Yes
Picnic Facilities: Yes
Owned and Maintained By: Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
Directions: To drive to this access area, take Nebraska Spur 26E north from Ponca, NE. A state park permit is required.
Notes: More information.

 

27. Rosenbaum

Union County, South Dakota
River Mile: 748 Waypoint: Latitude: 42 33 36.5N Longitude: 96 38 40.4W

Access Type: Boat landing
Restrooms: Vault toilet
Water: No
Camping: No
Picnic Facilities: No
Owned and Maintained By: South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks
Directions:

From exit 9 on Interstate 29 (Jefferson exit), go 3.5 miles west, then 3 miles south on 478th Ave.

From exit 15 on Interstate 29 (Elk Point southern exit), go 4.25 miles south, 1 mile east, then 3 miles south on 478th Ave.

Notes: South of Elk Point, SD or west of Jefferson, SD.

 

28. Sioux City (Chris Larsen Park)

Woodbury County, Nebraska
River Mile: 732 Waypoint: Latitude: 42 29 23.4N Longitude: 96 25 26.4W

Access Type: Boat landing
Restrooms: Yes
Water: No
Camping: No
Picnic Facilities: No
Owned and Maintained By: Sioux City Iowa Department of Parks
Directions: Take I-29 Hamiltion Blvd Exit

 

29. South Sioux City (Scenic Park)

Woodbury County, Nebraska
River Mile: 732 Waypoint: Latitude: 42 29 09.8N Longitude: 96 24 22.1W

Access Type: Boat landing
Restrooms: Yes
Water: Yes
Camping: Yes
Picnic Facilities: Yes
Owned and Maintained By: City of South Sioux City Department of Parks
Directions: Just east of Veteran's Memorial Bridge and Marina Inn.

Last updated: September 23, 2024

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