History and adventure abound along and on the waters of the Mighty Mo’. The Missouri River's 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 to South Dakota's famous river.
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Ask our AI travel guide about the best ways to experience the Missouri River in South Dakota.
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Experience the Missouri River the way early inhabitants and explorers saw it on the Missouri National Recreational River. This 98-mile stretch, which runs between Pickstown and Nebraska’s Ponca State Park, preserves one of the last free-flowing sections of the river, where its natural beauty and native ecosystems remain largely untouched. Along it, you’ll find many opportunities for outdoor recreation, including boating, paddling, birding and camping.
South Dakota’s cultural roots unfold along the Native American National & State Scenic Byway, which follows the Missouri River through the lands of five Native tribes. The route follows Highway 37 at Running Water north to Highway 1806 near Kenel in the north central part of the state.
The Mighty Mo' is a paddler's dream. From sailboats and houseboats to kayaks and canoes, there are many ways to play.
They call it "Big Water" — dedicated by President John F. Kennedy in 1962, the Oahe Dam controls the waters surrounded by Lake Oahe’s 2,250 miles of shoreline. More than 1 million people visit the country’s fourth-largest reservoir every year.
One of South Dakota's most popular parks, Lewis and Clark Recreation Area offers 417 shaded campsites, 17 cabins, sandy beaches, hiking trails, beautiful chalkstone bluffs and a modern marina along Lewis & Clark Lake.
The Missouri River region boasts some of North America's best pheasant hunting grounds. Whether you're new to hunting or a practiced shot, there are several ways to take your game to the next level in South Dakota, including guided hunts and top-notch hunting lodges.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Amazing Sights Await Along the Missouri River
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The Travel South Dakota Stories
The Corps of Discovery and the Teton Sioux
Take an audio journey to South Dakota's Missouri River, where explorers Lewis and Clark first faced the Sioux — an encounter that nearly ended their historic expedition.
