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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 part 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.
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.
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 opportunities exist to explore the Lewis and Clark saga, with the Lewis and Clark Visitor Center at Gavins Point Dam providing a particularly useful introduction to the story. The visitor 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.
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.
Contact Information
Southeast South Dakota Tourism
1-888-353-7382
http://www.nps.gov/mnrr
