Missouri National Recreational River

Volunteer with Missouri National Recreational River (MNRR) by collecting litter and debris from the Missouri River at the annual Missouri River Cleanup event on Saturday May 2nd from 8am to 12pm.

Volunteers will meet and sign-in at the Riverside Park boat launch in Yankton, SD. The majority of volunteers will be transported on boats by the National Park Service or other agency partners to collect litter at designated areas along the Missouri River. Other volunteers will stay in Riverside Park, picking up litter along the shoreline and/or unloading trash from returning boats.

By volunteering, you can help keep the river cleaner and healthier for people, fish, and wildlife, get a free Missouri River Annual Cleanup T-shirt, and get a free lunch as a thank you for all your hard work!

For more information about the event, contact Abby Schauer at abigail_schauer@nps.gov or call (605) 464-7645.

Join park rangers from the Missouri National Recreational River for Paddle with a Purpose, a combined litter cleanup and kayak float to experience, enjoy, and protect the Missouri National Recreational River Water Trail.

The kayak float will begin at the Chief White Crane Boat Ramp near Lake Yankton and end at Riverside Park in Yankton, SD. For the litter cleanup, we will take time to collect litter and debris from our starting location at Lake Yankton, from Green Island Recreation Area (an island along our float route), and our end location at Riverside Park.

This will be a wonderful opportunity for volunteers to explore and learn about the Missouri River during the kayak float while also collecting trash from popular recreation spots where the litter can accumulate and end up in the river.

To register as a volunteer, you must call the Missouri National Recreational River at 605-665-0209x21 and speak with a park ranger to confirm your registration. More details about shuttling, what to bring, etc. will be provided upon registration.

All prospective volunteers should have experience kayaking and must be over the age of 16.

If you have any questions, please call 605-665-0209x21 or email Hannah Ringquist, Hannah_Ringquist@partner.nps.gov

The Missouri National Recreational River (MNRR) is offering free kayaking clinics this summer from 9 AM to 12 PM every other Wednesday beginning June 10th and every Sunday starting June 21st through September 2. 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. 

Calling all Junior Rangers!

Join National Park Rangers at the Territorial Capitol Building in Riverside Park every Friday, June 12th - July 31st from 9am - 12pm for fun Junior Ranger Activities! This is a come-and-go event, so feel free to stop by anytime between 9am and 12pm. Learn something new every week and participate in our Freedom Friday activity as we celebrate America's 250th anniversary. Learn about birds, fishing, wildlife, steamboats, river safety, Lewis and Clark, national parks and more! Fill out your Junior Ranger book and earn a badge! We hope to see you there!

For additional information, contact Abby @ abigail_schauer@nps.gov or 605-464-7645.

Homestead Days is an event hosted by South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks that includes many different historical activities and exhibits. The activities range from making (and eating) homemade ice cream and butter, finding gold using a mining sluice, wearing old timey clothes, visiting with a modern day honey farmer, viewing historical displays, making your own ragdoll, and sampling some Dutch oven cooking!

Come visit to check out the Missouri National Recreational River's mobile ranger station!             

Come visit the Missouri National Recreational River's Mobile Ranger Station at the 2025 River Honoring event at Clay County Park. In addition to the Mobile Ranger Station, join in on a Community Potluck which starts at 5pm, Kids activities, Native American perspectives on the river, and live music! Free and open to the public, the event begins at 4:30pm and runs through the evening.

The Missouri National Recreational River (MNRR) is offering free kayaking clinics this summer from 9 AM to 12 PM every other Wednesday beginning June 10th and every Sunday starting June 21st through September 2. 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.