Aerial view of the Missouri River and surrounding landscape.
Aerial view of the Missouri River and surrounding landscape. NPS Photo

Missouri National Recreational River

Federal Recreation Area · South Dakota · National Park Service

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.

Plan your visit

Know before you go

Phone
605-665-0209
Official site
www.nps.gov
Managed by
National Park Service

Getting there

Directions on Google Maps →

What's here

Highlights: Archeology · Ruins · Dams · Engineering · Explorers and Expeditions · Forts · Maritime · Ships and Shipwrecks · Migrations · Military · Infantry and Militia · Monuments and Memorials · Native American Heritage · Transportation · Bridges · Roads, Routes and Highways · Tragic Events · Floods · Wars and Conflicts · Tribal Conflicts · Westward Expansion · Animals · Birds · Fish · Climate Change · Fire · Foothills, Plains and Valleys · Forests and Woodlands · Deciduous Forests · Geology · Grasslands · Prairies · Night Sky · Astronomy · River and Riparian · Rock Landscapes and Features · Buttes · Scenic Views · Trails · Water Trails · Unique Species · Rare · Endangered · Watersheds

Activities & features: Auto and ATV · Scenic Driving · Astronomy · Stargazing · Biking · Road Biking · Boating · Camping · Canoe or Kayak Camping · Car or Front Country Camping · Group Camping · RV Camping · Fishing · Freshwater Fishing · Food · Dining · Picnicking · Guided Tours · Self-Guided Tours - Walking · Hands-On · Citizen Science · Hiking · Front-Country Hiking · Hunting and Gathering · Hunting · Living History · Paddling · Canoeing · Kayaking · Junior Ranger Program · Playground · Skiing · Cross-Country Skiing · Swimming · Pool Swimming · Freshwater Swimming · Wildlife Watching · Birdwatching · Park Film · Museum Exhibits · Shopping · Bookstore and Park Store · Gift Shop and Souvenirs

Photos

  • Sunken remains of the North Alabama steamboat appears only when water is low.
    NPS Photo
  • Scenic view of Missouri River on a sunny day
    NPS Photo
  • Park educational trailer
    NPS Photo
  • A canoe loaded with gear sits quietly on a sandy river bank with blue sky above.
    NPS Photo

Nearby parks

Parks of South Dakota

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65 parks mapped in South Dakota

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Sources: National Park Service, Google Places · updated 2026-08-12