Which national parks are within a day's drive of Missouri National Recreational River?

Within about a day's drive you can reach Pipestone National Monument (2 h 35 min), Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail (2 h 57 min), Niobrara National Scenic River (3 h 26 min), Homestead National Historical Park (4 h 2 min), Minuteman Missile National Historic Site (4 h 54 min), Brown v. Board of Education National Historical Park (5 h 27 min).

Aerial view of the Missouri River and surrounding landscape.

NATIONAL RECREATIONAL RIVER

Missouri National Recreational River

Imagine a 100-mile stretch of North America's longest river, a vestige of the untamed American West.

Photo: NPS Photo / NPS

NE · SD

states

things to do

parks within a day

OVERVIEW

About Missouri National Recreational River

Imagine a 100-mile stretch of North America's longest river, a vestige of the untamed American West. The Missouri National Recreational River is where imagination meets reality. Two free flowing stretches of the Missouri make up the National Park. Relive the past by exploring the wild, untamed and mighty river that continues to flow as nature intended.

WITHIN A DAY'S DRIVE

Pair it with another park

6 in range

Pink wall of rock next to path and grass

Missouri National Recreational River◆◆this park

National Monument · Minnesota

Pipestone National Monument

Missouri National Recreational River◆◆this park

National Historic Trail · Iowa

Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail

Missouri National Recreational River◆◆this park

National Scenic River · Nebraska

Niobrara National Scenic River

Missouri National Recreational River◆◆this park

National Historical Park · Nebraska

Homestead National Historical Park

Missouri National Recreational River◆◆this park

National Historic Site · South Dakota

Minuteman Missile National Historic Site

Missouri National Recreational River◆◆this park

National Historical Park · Kansas

Brown v. Board of Education National Historical Park

Driving times from Missouri National Recreational River, one way, via road — a realistic day is 8–10 hours behind the wheel.

WHEN TO GO

Hours

Park Hours

Mon: All Day
Tue: All Day
Wed: All Day
Thu: All Day
Fri: All Day
Sat: All Day
Sun: All Day

THINGS TO DO

Activities

AstronomyAuto and ATVBikingBirdwatchingBoatingBookstore and Park StoreCampingCanoe or Kayak CampingCanoe or Kayak CampingCanoeingCar or Front Country CampingCitizen ScienceCross-Country SkiingDiningFishingFoodFreshwater FishingFreshwater SwimmingFront-Country HikingGift Shop and SouvenirsGroup CampingGuided ToursHands-OnHikingHuntingHunting and GatheringJunior Ranger ProgramKayakingLiving HistoryMuseum ExhibitsPaddlingPark FilmPicnickingPlaygroundPool SwimmingRV CampingRoad BikingScenic DrivingSelf-Guided Tours - WalkingShoppingSkiingStargazingSwimmingWildlife Watching

PLAN YOUR VISIT

Getting there

Rapid weather changes are common along the Missouri National Recreational River corridor. Variations from season to season and from year to year are great. Characteristics of the climate are hot summers and cold winters. Sunshine is abundant, particularly in the summer months. Average annual rainfall is 25 inches. Thunderstorms can be dangerous and visitors should be prepared for them, especially from June until late August. Winter snowfall averages 34 inches annually.

Directions →Official NPS page →

Frequently asked questions

What is there to do at Missouri National Recreational River?: Popular activities include Astronomy, Auto and ATV, Biking, Birdwatching, Boating, Bookstore and Park Store.
Which national parks are within a day's drive of Missouri National Recreational River?: Within about a day's drive you can reach Pipestone National Monument (2 h 35 min), Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail (2 h 57 min), Niobrara National Scenic River (3 h 26 min), Homestead National Historical Park (4 h 2 min), Minuteman Missile National Historic Site (4 h 54 min), Brown v. Board of Education National Historical Park (5 h 27 min).