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A Great American Riverway

The Missouri has a history like no other river. Explore the great waterway of American Indians, fur trappers, Lewis and Clark, homesteaders, and many others. Experience the dynamic character of the river's ever-changing nature. View the natural beauty of the 126 miles of the Missouri River and its tributaries along the Nebraska-South Dakota border.  

 
Tent camping is popular

Camping in the area

The National Park Service operates no campgrounds along the park. However, park partners do have plenty of sites and locations up and down the Missouri River corridor from which to choose.  Reservations are recommended for summer weekends.
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Group of canoeists on the river

Canoeing on the River

Canoeing is increasing in popularity as a means to experience the Missouri River. However, it is not recommended for the beginning paddler. River descriptions can help you decide what section of the river to paddle.
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Riverboat Days Festival

Resources to Enhance Your Visit

Are you looking for special events to attend, other areas to visit, or services you might need?

State or local tourism offices can help you locate lodging, restaurants and other visitor services available along the Missouri River corridor.

South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks and Nebraska Game and Parks Commission offer camping and other opportunities within the state parks as well as regulate hunting and fishing. The US Army Corps of Engineers operates two campgrounds nearby (Cottonwood and Nebraska Tailwaters).
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Write to

Missouri National Recreational River
508 E. 2nd Street
Yankton, SD 57078

Phone

Park Headquarters
(605) 665-0209

Visitor Information
(605) 665-0209

Fax

(605) 665-4183

Climate

Summers can be hot and humid with occasional thunderstorms, gusty winds and accompanying hail. Temperatures may vary from the mid-80s to the low 100s. Winters can vary between mild and very cold with rain, ice/sleet, snow, and blizzard conditions. Spring and autumn are moderate. Be prepared to take cover during any season.

Click below for current conditions at Yankton and the 5-day forecast. Use your "back" button to return to this page.
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Communities Surrounding Missouri National Recreational River
Note: The times listed below are approximate driving times to the park.
Newcastle, NE (20 min. ) Pop. 299
Jackson, NE (21 min. ) Pop. 205
Waterbury, NE (23 min. ) Pop. 89
Maskell, NE (28 min. ) Pop. 67
Allen, NE (32 min. ) Pop. 411
Hubbard, NE (32 min. ) Pop. 234
Dakota City, NE (33 min. ) Pop. 1,821
South Sioux City, NE (34 min. ) Pop. 11,925
Vermillion, SD (37 min. ) Pop. 9,765
Sioux City, IA (37 min. ) Pop. 85,013
North Sioux City, SD (40 min. ) Pop. 2,288
Riverside, IA (41 min. ) Pop. 928
Dixon, NE (41 min. ) Pop. 108
Jefferson, SD (46 min. ) Pop. 586
Concord, NE (46 min. ) Pop. 160
Hinton, IA (51 min. ) Pop. 808
Emerson, NE (52 min. ) Pop. 817
Burbank, SD (52 min. )
Elk Point, SD (53 min. ) Pop. 1,714
Akron, IA (1 hr.  11 min. ) Pop. 1,489