Missouri River, Chamberlain

Missouri River

History and adventure abound along and on the waters of the Mighty Mo’. Free-flowing sections and four reservoirs – Lake Oahe, Lake Sharpe, Lake Francis Case and Lewis & Clark Lake – are prime for fishing, boating and water recreation.

Below you’ll find trip planning tools & frequently asked visitor questions to help you plan your next great adventure along the Missouri River!

Oahe Dam
While You're Here
THEY CALL IT “BIG WATER”

Dedicated by President Kennedy in 1962, the Oahe Dam controls the waters surrounded by Lake Oahe’s 2,250 miles of shoreline. More than a million people, annually, visit the country’s fourth-largest reservoir.

Powwow
While You're Here
A CULTURAL ROUTE

South Dakota’s cultural roots unfold when following the Missouri River through the lands of five Native American tribes. The route follows Highway 37 at Running Water north to Highway 1806 near Kenel in the north central part of the state.

Kayaking
While You're Here
WATER RECREATION

From sailboats and houseboats to kayaks and canoes, there are many ways to play.

While You're Here
Lewis and Clark Recreation Area
Lewis & Clark Recreation Area

With 417 shaded campsites, 17 cabins, sandy beaches, hiking trails, beautiful chalkstone bluffs and a modern marina along Lewis & Clark Lake, there is a variety of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors.

Native American National and State Scenic Byway
Native American Scenic Byway

Cruise this scenic route and travel through the lands of Native American Tribes.

Hunting
Hunting

Hunting opportunities abound.

Mountain Bluebird
Birding

Bird-watch along one of America's premier flyways.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:

What is the closest airport to Missouri River?

Q:

What is the driving distance to nearby U.S. cities from the Missouri River?

Q:

What is the best time of year to visit the Missouri River?

Q:

 What are the busiest times of week to visit the Missouri River?

Q:

What is the climate, geographic information and history of the Missouri River?

SEE WHAT AMAZING THINGS WILL BE WAITING ALONG THE MISSOURI RIVER
Missouri River, Pierre
Plan Your Visit

Just go with the flow.

Missouri river map

20207 SD Highway 1804, SD57501
United States

Great 8
Badlands National Park

This striking South Dakota landscape boasts a maze of buttes, canyons, pinnacles and spires. Skeletons of three-toed horses and saber-toothed cats are among the many fossilized species found here. Wildlife abounds in the park’s 244,000 acres and can often be seen while hiking, camping and traveling the Badlands Loop Scenic Byway.

badlands national park
Badlands
Great 8
Mount Rushmore National Memorial

America's Shrine of Democracy, Mount Rushmore National Memorial features the 60-foot faces of four great American presidents who represent the birth, growth, development and preservation of this country. 

Mount Rushmore
Mount Rushmore
Great 8
Jewel Cave National Monument

The third-longest cave in the world features a variety of tours below the surface and a 1,279-acre park with nature trails above ground.

Jewel Cave Interior
Jewel Cave
Great 8
Custer State Park

Few truly wild places remain in this country. Custer State Park is one of them. Nearly 1,300 bison wander the park’s 71,000 acres, which they share with pronghorn antelope, elk, mountain goats and a band of burros.

Needles Highway
Custer State Park
Great 8
Historic Deadwood

Walk in the footsteps of historic Old West legends like Wild Bill Hickok, Calamity Jane and Seth Bullock. This 1870s gold rush town became a National Historic Landmark in 1961. Today, it teems with Black Hills entertainment and things to do including concerts, casinos, museums, historic sites, spas and parades.

Deadwood
Deadwood reanactors
Great 8
Missouri River

History and adventure abound along and on the waters of the Mighty Mo’. Free-flowing sections and four reservoirs — Lake Oahe, Lake Sharpe, Lake Francis Case and Lewis & Clark Lake — are prime for fishing, boating and water recreation.

Missouri River Fishing
Pierre Missouri River
Great 8
Wind Cave National Park

The first cave to be designated a national park, Wind Cave National Park features the world's largest concentration of rare boxwork formations along with 33,851 acres of forest and prairie on the surface, creating a sanctuary for wildlife.

Wind Cave National Park
Wind Cave
Great 8
Crazy Horse Memorial

Korczak Ziolkowski began work on Crazy Horse Memorial in 1948. Once complete, this tribute to the Lakota leader will be the largest mountain carving in South Dakota, and the world. The on-site Indian Museum of North America and the Native American Educational & Cultural Center also provide opportunities to learn and explore.

Crazy Horse Memorial
Crazy Horse
Badlands
Badlands icon
Mount Rushmore
Mount Rushmore icon
Jewel Cave
Jewel Cave icon
Custer State Park
Custer State Park icon
Deadwood reanactors
Deadwood icon
Pierre Missouri River
Missouri River icon
Wind Cave
Wind Cave icon
Crazy Horse
Crazy Horse Icon
Trip Planning Resources
Illustrated image of three bison grazing in Custer State Park. The Needles rock formation is visible in the background.
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Feeding a burro
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