Missouri National Recreational River - Activities

The river has constantly changing sandbars and snags, and can be difficult to navigate; safe use of the river requires some knowledge and experience. The river can flow very fast, up to seven miles an hour. The constant prairie wind will either blow against downstream canoeists or make it difficult to keep a straight course. Paddlers will have to share the river with motor boaters.

Remember that most land along the "rec river" is privately owned. Please respect the rights of property owners.

Least terns and piping plovers are protected under the Endangered Species Act due to their low population size and loss of habitat. Both species use the river"s sandbars for summer nesting. The chicks and eggs are difficult to see and avoid; therefore, restriction signs may be posted on sandbars to minimize disturbance to nesting colonies. Please help conserve this important part of our natural heritage. Protect the piping plover and least tern by avoiding active nesting area.

Please call 402/667-2550 if you are planning to follow the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail by boat north