Missouri
National Recreation River

Two stretches of the Missouri River are protected here. The portion set aside in 1978; from Gavins Point Dam near Yankton, South Dakota, to Ponca, Nebraska, still exhibits the river's dynamic character in its islands, bars and chutes. The portion set aside in 1991; from Ft. Randall Dam near Pickstown, South Dakota, to Niobrara, Nebraska, represents the natural landscape of the Missouri River, reminiscent of pre-settlement days. Included are the lower 20 miles of the Niobrara River, and the lower eight miles of Verdigre Creek. In both segments; native flood plain forest, tall and mixed grass prairie, and the river, provide habitat for several endangered and threatened bird and fish species.

VISITATION:
Open year round, based on weather and road conditions.

LOCATION:
Downstream, 59 miles from Gavins Point Dam near Yankton, South Dakota; and downstream, 39 miles from Ft. Randall Dam near Pickstown, South Dakota.

ADDRESS:
Niobrara/Missouri National Scenic Riverways
P. O. Box 591
O'Neill, NE 68763

U. S. Army Corps of Engineers
(manages the segment below Gavins Point Dam)
Planning Division, Environmental Branch
215 N. 17th St.
Omaha, NE 68102

TELEPHONE:
National Park Service (402) 336-3970, Email NIMI @ NPS.GOV, U. S. Army Corps of Engineers (402) 221-4602.

CLIMATE, RECOMMENDED CLOTHING:
Summer temperatures in the 70's to 90's with occasional thunderstorms. Spring and fall, boating is available and pleasant on the warmer days.

DIRECTIONS:
Local roads parallel to, or ending at the river, provide the only access.

TRANSPORTATION:
To Park: commercial air service to Yankton, South Dakota. Otherwise, access is by personal auto.

FEES, COSTS, RATES:
none applicable.

FACILITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES:
Visitor Center/Exhibits:
Facilities are provided by state, country and local jurisdictions at only a few locations. Make local inquiry before venturing onto the Missouri River by boat.

The U. S. Army Corps of Engineers operates a visitor center at Gavins Point Dam and several state parks provide information.

Trails, Roads:
Trails for hiking are available in several state parks. Local roads parallel to, or ending at the river, provide the only access.

Programs/Activities:
None.

Lodging and camping facilities:
In Park: available adjacent to the Missouri River at Niobrara State Park and Ponca State Park, both in Nebraska.

Food/supplies:
Available in nearby town.

Other Concessions/NPS-Managed Visitor Facilities and Opportunities:
There are no canoe or boat rentals on the Missouri River. Boat ramps and docks are provided by local government or private landowners.

Accessibility:
The state parks are generally accessible.

RECOMMENDED ACTIVITIES/PARK USE:
Sight-seeing, birdwatching, boating along river; hiking, lodges, camping, horseback riding, swimming in state park.

RESERVATIONS/PERMITS:
Niobrara State Park
P. O. Box 226
Niobrara, NE 68760

Ponca State Park
P. O.Box 688
Ponca, NE 68770

BASIC VISIT RECOMMENDATIONS:
Both river segments are generally remote and accessed in only a few places. No commercial and few public facilities are available to accommodate public use. Lewis and Clark Lake, located between the two river segments, offers state park facilities on both the South Dakota and Nebraska shores. Cabins, campgrounds, marinas, and hiking and bicycle trails are among the facilities.

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Last Updated:Monday, 08-Dec-97 18:49:37
http://www.nps.gov/mnrr/