Nearby Attractions

Nearby Attractions

The Missouri National Recreational River is a unique, partnership park. Many of the nearby parks, museums, and trails along the river are managed by local, state, or federal park partners. A visit to any of these nearby sites can provide wonderful opportunities to learn about and enjoy the natural and cultural resources of the river and other public lands!

 

 

Nearby Federal Sites

Near the 59-Mile District

• Gavins Point National Fish Hatchery and Aquarium near Yankton serves a dual purpose. The hatchery raises a variety of fish from the endangered pallid sturgeon to the common bluegill. The public aquarium displays over 40 native and introduced species of fish, reptiles, and amphibians in a diverse assortment of tanks. Visit their website for hours, seasons, and additional information.
• Lewis and Clark Visitor Center, Gavins Point Dam, and Lake Yankton is managed and operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The Visitor Center is perched above Gavins Point Dam near Yankton, with amazing views of Lewis and Clark Lake and the upper 59-mile reach of the Missouri National Recreational River. The area around Lake Yankton offers many day-use areas, two campgrounds (Cottonwood and Nebraska Tailwaters Campgrounds), fishing piers, and lakeside access for paddling and swimming. For information call 402-667-2546.

Near the 39-Mile District

• Lake Andes National Wildlife Refuge is a 5,600-acre wildlife refuge which includes Lake Andes, a 4,700-acre lake created by the last ice age. Each spring and fall, thousands of waterfowl and other waterbirds migrate through this region, taking advantage of the nutritious food found in the wetlands. The refuge can be a great place to visit to observe wildlife; more information on hours, seasons, and facilities are available on their website.
• Karl Mundt National Wildlife Refuge protects one of the most critical bald eagle winter roosts in the country and provides important habitat for 100-300 bald eagles. To protect the eagles from disturbance, the Refuge itself is closed to visitors. However, the overlook on Eagle Drive below the Fort Randall Dam includes interpretive panels, and visitors can witness bald eagles hunting and interacting with one another from this view point.
• Fort Randall Dam and Visitor Center is managed and operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers. The Visitor Center is located on the western edge of Pickstown, SD along US highway 281 and 18 and contains exhibits about the dam, local cultural history, paleontological history, early exploration and natural history of the area.

 

Nebraska State Parks

Near the 59-Mile District

• Ponca State Park encompasses some 2,100 acres of heavily forested bluffs, bottomland wetlands, and prairies. Situated along the picturesque Missouri River in northeast Nebraska, the state park offers a wide variety of outdoor recreation including camping, hiking, boating, archery, paddling, horseback riding, and more. It serves as the eastern gateway to the 59-Mile District. A valid state park entry permit applies.
• Lewis and Clark Lake State Recreation Area is located on the south side of Lewis and Clark Lake. This Nebraska Game and Parks Commission state recreation area includes five areas--Weigand Burhach (headquarters), Miller Creek, Bloomfield, South Shore, and Deep Water. A valid state park permit applies.

Near the 39-Mile District

• Niobrara State Park sits at the confluence of the Niobrara and Missouri rivers on Nebraska's northeastern border along the 39-Mile District.. The 1,200-acre state park offers a wide variety of outdoor activities, including picnicking, hiking, horseback riding, and primitive camping. The view from the J. Alan Cramer interpretive kiosk offers an outstanding view of the wild and scenic river. A valid state park entry permit applies.
• Ashfall Fossil Beds State Historical Park is located in northeast Nebraska, about a half hour’s drive from Niobrara, NE. This State Historical Park is a fossil site of international significance. A Pompeii-like event roughly 12 million years ago entombed barrel-bodied rhinos, three-toed horses, llama-like camels, and saber-toothed deer in a volcanic ash deposit. Today, visitors can see paleontologists dig the site and can visit the museum. A valid state park entry permit applies. Visit their website for hours, seasons, and additional information.

 

South Dakota State Parks

Near the 59-Mile District

• Lewis and Clark Recreation Area is located on the north side of Lewis and Clark Lake near Yankton, SD. This state park encompasses nearly 1,100 acres and comprises three areas--Lewis and Clark Recreation Area, Chief White Crane Recreation Area and Pierson Ranch Recreation Area. Camping, trails, lake access, fishing, boating and paddling, naturalist programs, and more are available. A valid state park entry permit applies. Visit their park websites for additional information.
• Clay County Park
• Spirit Mound Historic Prairie is located five miles north of Vermillion, SD and offers a 320-acre restored prairie surrounding Spirit Mound, which is a sacred Native American site and a notable spot explored by members of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. There is a small parking lot, interpretive signs and a 3/4-mile hiking trail to the summit. No entrance fee is required.
• Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve near North Sioux City, SD, includes 1,500 acres along the Missouri River and features close to 10 miles of limestone trails that wind through prairie, forest and along the riverbank and offer an immersive experience in nature. A visitor center, interpretive exhibits and signs, wildlife viewing blinds, restored historic structures, and a group picnic shelter round out the visitor amenities. No entrance fee is required.

Near the 39-Mile District

• Randall Creek Recreation Area is located in Pickstown, SD, downriver from Fort Randall Dam, and is managed under North Point Recreation Area, which is located above the dam along Lake Francis Case. Randall Creek is home to many roosting bald eagles along the river and visitors can enjoy amenities at this site include campsites and cabins, hiking, shore fishing access, river access, and more. Visit their website for more information about reservations, closures, and activities. A valid state park entry permit applies.
• Springfield Recreation Area is nestled along the Missouri River/Lewis and Clark Lake in Springfield, SD. Bike trails, campgrounds, river/lake access, and more are available. A valid state park entry permit applies.

 

Local Museums

• Mead Museum provides visitors an authentic historical experience in a beautiful 1909 building, located in Yankton, SD. The museum holds three floors of exhibits, some permanent and some temporary. Admission fees are charged. Visit their website for hours and more information about exhibits.
• W. H. Over Museum is located on the University of South Dakota campus in Vermillion, SD. The museum houses one of the state's largest collections of natural and cultural history items featuring exhibits on Native Americans, settlement of the Dakotas in the mid-1800s, and on the plants, animals and environment of the region. Admission is free.
• National Music Museum is located on the University of South Dakota campus in Vermillion, SD and houses a renowned collection of historic instruments from many cultures and historical periods. Admission fees are charged. For more information about exhibits, hours, events, and more visit their website.