Missouri National Recreational River, Protected river section in Nebraska and South Dakota, United States.
Missouri National Recreational River is a protected waterway spanning roughly 100 miles across Nebraska and South Dakota, preserving sections that flow naturally without dams. These river segments support diverse plant and animal habitats along their banks and in the water.
Protection came in two stages: first in 1978 when one section was designated, then years later when additional miles were added to the program. This gradual protection safeguarded the final free-flowing parts of this major river system.
The riverbanks show traces of long-term human settlement patterns, reflecting the waterway's importance to people in the region over many centuries. Today visitors notice how the landscape retains a natural character that connects to this deep history.
Access points include state parks and visitor centers along the protected sections, offering different entry locations depending on which area you wish to explore. Plan visits during stable weather when water levels are predictable and shoreline trails remain passable.
These sections represent some of the final stretches where the lower Missouri flows completely free from dams and artificial channeling between its upper reaches and the mouth. This rarity makes them a striking example of how the river once moved naturally.
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