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National Recreational River

Missouri National Recreational River

Aerial view of the Missouri River and surrounding landscape.

Aerial view of the Missouri River and surrounding landscape.

Photo: NPS Photo

About

Imagine a 100-mile stretch of North America's longest river, a vestige of the untamed American West. The Missouri National Recreational River is where imagination meets reality. Two free flowing stretches of the Missouri make up the National Park. Relive the past by exploring the wild, untamed and mighty river that continues to flow as nature intended.

Activities

Auto and ATVScenic DrivingAstronomyStargazingBikingRoad BikingBoatingCampingCanoe or Kayak CampingCar or Front Country CampingGroup CampingRV CampingFishingFreshwater FishingFoodDiningPicnickingGuided ToursSelf-Guided Tours - WalkingHands-OnCitizen ScienceHikingFront-Country HikingHunting and GatheringHuntingLiving HistoryPaddlingCanoeingCanoe or Kayak CampingKayakingJunior Ranger ProgramPlaygroundSkiingCross-Country SkiingSwimmingPool SwimmingFreshwater SwimmingWildlife WatchingBirdwatchingPark FilmMuseum ExhibitsShoppingBookstore and Park StoreGift Shop and Souvenirs

Directions

The National Park Service headquarters is located at 508 East Second Street in Yankton, South Dakota.

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Weather

Rapid weather changes are common along the Missouri National Recreational River corridor. Variations from season to season and from year to year are great. Characteristics of the climate are hot summers and cold winters. Sunshine is abundant, particularly in the summer months. Average annual rainfall is 25 inches. Thunderstorms can be dangerous and visitors should be prepared for them, especially from June until late August. Winter snowfall averages 34 inches annually.

News

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