Missouri National Recreational River

The Missouri National Recreational River (MNRR) is offering free kayaking clinics this summer every Wednesday from 9 AM to 12 PM beginning June 11 through September 3. The clinics will take place on Lake Yankton at the non-motorized boat launch near Chief White Crane State Recreation Area off Toe Road, near the “bubble”.

Kayaking is increasing in popularity and the National Park Service wants people to learn to paddle safely. The minimum age requirement to be in a kayak alone is 10 years old. Minimum age to attend is 5 and children ages 5-9 must be accompanied by an adult in a tandem kayak. No prior paddling experience is required. These clinics provide an introduction to kayaking for visitors to learn basic paddling skills and critical safety information. Fun activities on the water will follow the instruction!

Kayaks, equipment, and personal floatation devices (PFDs) are provided. Bring sunscreen, water, and clothes and shoes that can get wet. Enrollment for the clinic is limited and reservations are required. To reserve a spot please call the MNRR office at (605) 665-0209 extension 21. First 12 that sign up will be accepted. Deadline for reservations is noon the day prior to the clinic date. 

The Missouri National Recreational River (MNRR) is offering free kayaking clinics this summer every other Sunday from 9 AM to 12 PM beginning June 22 through August 31. The clinics will take place on Lake Yankton at the non-motorized boat launch near Chief White Crane State Recreation Area off Toe Road, near the “bubble”.

Kayaking is increasing in popularity and the National Park Service wants people to learn to paddle safely. The minimum age requirement to be in a kayak alone is 10 years old. Minimum age to attend is 5 and children ages 5-9 must be accompanied by an adult in a tandem kayak. No prior paddling experience is required. These clinics provide an introduction to kayaking for visitors to learn basic paddling skills and critical safety information. Fun activities on the water will follow the instruction!

Kayaks, equipment, and personal floatation devices (PFDs) are provided. Bring sunscreen, water, and clothes and shoes that can get wet. Enrollment for the clinic is limited and reservations are required. To reserve a spot please call the MNRR office at (605) 665-0209 extension 21. First 12 that sign up will be accepted. Deadline for reservations is noon the day prior to the clinic date. 

Join National Park Service rangers with the Missouri National Recreational River mobile ranger station at the Music at the Meridian free concerts on July 4th! Family fun activities for all ages! 

Calling all Junior Rangers!

Join National Park Rangers in Riverside Park every Friday in July from 9am – 12pm for fun Junior Ranger Activities! This is a come-and-go event, so feel free to stop by anytime between 9 am and 12 pm. Learn about birds, wildlife, steamboats, river safety, Lewis and Clark, national parks and more! Fill out your Junior Ranger book and earn a badge! There will be something new to learn every other week. We hope to see you there!

For additional information you can contact Abby @ abigail_schauer@nps.gov

Join a park ranger from Missouri National Recreational River for an evening talk to learn more about the Missouri River, its resources, history, and more. Topics for the Summer 2025 season include birds and their feathers, geology of the Missouri River, outdoor recreation and campfire safety, fish adaptations, and more!

Talks will be held at one of the South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks campground near Yankton, SD, including Lewis and Clark Recreation Area, Chief White Crane Recreation Area, or Pierson Ranch Recreation Area. 

Join National Park Service rangers with the Missouri National Recreational River mobile ranger station at the Music at the Meridian free concerts on Thursdays! Family fun activities for all ages! 

Join park rangers for an classroom presentation on fishing basics, including conservation, stewardship, basic tackle, knot tying, casting, safety, and more!

This program will be held at Vermillion Public Library's Kozak Room. 

Join a park ranger from Missouri National Recreational River for an evening talk to learn more about the Missouri River, its resources, history, and more. Topics for the Summer 2025 season include birds and their feathers, geology of the Missouri River, outdoor recreation and campfire safety, fish adaptations, and more!

Talks will be held at the campfire pit at Clay County Park Campground. 

Kayak the Missouri River with the National Park Service and Ponca State Park. Starting from the Ponca North Unit and float roughly 8 river miles. Ages 12 and up are welcome! Participants must be intermediate to experienced kayakers. Call 402-755-2284 to register.