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Description:
America's longest river, the "Big Muddy" is steeped in stories about American Indians, Lewis and Clark, fur traders, and steamboat captains. The river's role in the settlement of the Great Plains is celebrated in two free-flowing reaches along the Nebraska-South Dakota border--the Missouri National Recreational River. Between Gavins Point Dam and Ponca State Park, NE, it still exhibits its dynamic character with a variety of islands, bars, and chutes. Between Fort Randall Dam and Running Water, SD, it represents the natural landscape of pre-settlement days. These segments also provide habitat for several endangered and threatened bird and fish species. Missouri NRR also offers such activities as boating, fishing, canoeing, camping, birdwatching, and touring of historic sites, thus providing opportunities to pursue outdoor activities within one of America's great historic settings. Directions:
Plane - Sioux City Gateway Airport is a regional airport served by American West, United, TWA Express, TWA, and Northwest Link. However, there is no public transportation from there to the park and to its various public accesses. Chad Gurney Airport is located on the north side of Yankton, SD. Again, there is no public transportation to the park, though car rental is available (605/665-3473).
Car - South Dakota Route 50 and Nebraska Route 12 parallel the park for much of its length. Most of the public accesses to the river are off these two highways. Call 402/667-2550 for a list of the more popular river accesses. NPS Rangers work out of the Lewis and Clark Visitor Center, which is located on Nebraska Route 121 about four miles west of Yankton, South Dakota.
Public Transportation - No public transportation is available within the park corridor. Limited taxi service is available in Yankton (605/665-4551 or 605/668-9808).
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