National Recreational River · SD, NE

Things to do in Missouri

The National Park Service lists 14 things to do at Missouri National Recreational River. 10 have no extra fee, 14 need no reservation, and 14 allow pets. Each listing links to the full NPS page. Data is from the NPS snapshot of Oct 28, 2026.

Updated · NPS Data API

All (14) Self-Guided Tours - Walking (2)Camping (1)Junior Ranger Program (1)Biking (1)Boating (1)Self-Guided Tours - Auto (1)Fishing (1)Hunting (1)Paddling (1)Stargazing (1)Hiking (1)Park Film (1)
a tent in a prairie overlooking the forest
Photo: NPS Photo / Kim Acker

Backcountry Camping in the MNRR

Missouri National Recreational River offers primitive, Leave-No-Trace camping available at Bow Creek, Green Island, and Goat Island Recreation Areas.

Year-round Pets allowed

Camping

Four junior rangers with the vests and badges.
Photo: NPS Photo

Become a MNRR Junior Ranger

Do you care about exploring, learning about, and protecting the Missouri River? If yes, become a Junior Ranger! There are many ways to earn a Junior Ranger badge at Missouri National Recreational River, and this fun activity book is a great place to start.

30-45 Minutes Year-round Pets allowed

Junior Ranger Program

Boating in the Missouri NRR

Whether you are fishing or enjoying the scenery and wildlife, boating is a great way to experience the river.

Year-round Fee applies Pets allowed

Boating

Fishing in the MNRR

Fishing is a main recreational activity in the Missouri National Recreational River.

Year-round Fee applies Pets allowed

Fishing

Hunting in the MNRR

Hunting & trapping is permitted in Bow Creek and Goat Island Recreation Areas in accordance with site-specific regulations.

Year-round Pets allowed

Hunting

Paddle the MNRR

Paddle the two free-flowing sections of the Missouri, North America's longest river, a vestige of the untamed American West.

Year-round Fee applies Pets allowed

Paddling

Visit Mulberry Bend Overlook

Great view of the river and sandbars from the overlooks. A paved trail takes visitors from the parking lot to several interpretive wayside exhibits that define the natural and cultural history of the river.

Year-round Pets allowed

Hiking

Walk the Historic Meridian Bridge

The bridge allows you to cross from South Dakota to Nebraska while offering splendid views of the Missouri National Recreational River. The bridge also connects to the City of Yankton Forest Tract with hiking trails that lead to the river.

30 Minutes Pets allowed

Self-Guided Tours - Walking

Watch "River of Change"

This 18-minute film tells the story of Missouri National Recreational River. Learn about the park's wildlife as well as the history of the river, explorers, and people who lived along the river.

18 Minutes Year-round Pets allowed

Park Film

Wildlife Watching in the MNRR

Missouri National Recreational River is a great place to go to observe mammals in their native and wild habitat. Wild animals are an important and vital part of our natural ecosystem. We humans can learn a great deal by carefully observing animals.

Year-round Pets allowed

Wildlife Watching

Before you go

Check current alerts and closures, entrance fees and operating hours for Missouri. Programs and tours can change with the season or be cancelled on short notice — confirm on the NPS page before you plan around one.

Things to do at nearby parks

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