Lower NEBRASKA GAME AND SCENERY Missouri River The Nebraska Tailwaters Recreation CANOE TRAIL PARKS COMMISSION Area is a busy fishing and camping area. PO Box 30370, Lincoln, NE 68503 Housing developments, mostly summer Gavins Point Dam to 402-471-0641 • www.outdoornebraska.org cabins, are scattered along either side of the Ponca State Park Missouri River. But most of the river is wild, ACCESS SITES AND appearing much as it did when Lewis and GENERAL INFORMATION Clark headed up it in 1804. Some of the The Missouri River begins its journey POINTS OF INTEREST landmarks that the explorers observed on southwest of Great Falls, Montana, and Only Nebraska access sites are listed, their journey exist today. ends 2,340 miles later at its confluence while landmarks and reference points given The Missouri winds back and forth with the Mississippi River near St. Louis. are on both sides of the river. between high banks, alternately flowing Lewis and Clark's Corps of Discovery Your trip begins at the Nebraska south and east. Grassland and farmland rise followed the Missouri on their journey Tailwaters Recreation Area below Gavins above the South Dakota side of the river. to the Pacific Ocean. The river frequently Point Dam, located 13 miles north of On the Nebraska side, the river often runs changed its course as it rose and fell; Crofton on Nebraska Highway 121. A boat hard against high, wooded bluffs. The creating sandbars that constantly frustrated ramp and camping facilities are available unique geology of the region — orange explorers and the many who followed. at this site. and white chalk and gray shale — is often Man worked for most of the past It is 12 river miles from the Nebraska exposed where the river has carved away century to tame the Missouri. Six dams Tailwaters to the Cedar County Park and at the bluffs. store runoff from rains and Rocky Mountain St. Helena Public Boat Ramp. Caution is The river is dotted with sandbars, snowmelt to control floods and generate required when landing at this site because island and backwater marshes that are power. The dams also regulate flows for of the strong current along the bank. havens for waterfowl, shorebirds and navigation in the lower third of the river, Parking and primitive camping is available. other wildlife. Birdwatchers and others which was channelized for barge traffic. Note: The area between the Nebraska may want to stop and explore these Two segments of the river in Nebraska, Tailwaters boat ramp and the Cedar County areas, but they must remember that other including the one described here, remain Park would make a wonderful afternoon than sandbars, a few islands and state in a semi-natural state and are managed by float trip. recreation and wildlife areas, most of the the National Park Service as the Missouri From Cedar County Park to Brooky land is privately owned and permission National Recreational River. Bottoms public access site is 14 river is required for access. miles (3-5 hours). A private campsite is Anglers will want to bring a rod and SECTION DESCRIBED available at this location. reel. Smallmouth bass, walleye, sauger Nebraska Tailwaters Recreation Note: An alternate access point located and catfish are plentiful in the river. Area, below Gavins Point Dam north of at the mouth of Bow Creek was purchased Crofton, Nebraska, to Ponca State Park — recently by the National Park Service and COMMUNITY AND 57 river miles. includes three-quarters of a mile of river- AREA INFORMATION: front and primitive camping. Goat Island, CHARACTERISTICS a 3-mile-long island across from Brooky Ponca State Park (402) 755-2284 Gavins Point Dam, located just below Bottoms, is publicly owned and is a good National Park Service (402) 336-3970 Lewis and Clark Lake, regulates water flow place for an overnight campout. There are Corps of Engineers, Gavins Point Dam on the Missouri. The amount of water no facilities. (605) 667-7875 discharged varies seasonally and depends From Brooky Bottoms to Mulberry Yankton County Sheriff, Non-emergency, on many factors, including the amount of Bend Wildlife Management Area (WMA), Yankton (605) 668-3567 water stored in the dams and the sale of is 9 river miles (2-3 hours). There is a Cedar County Sheriff, Non-emergency, hydroelectric power. public boat ramp, an outhouse and a Hartington (402) 254-6884 Caution: The Missouri is the deepest picnic table. No open fires are allowed. Dixon County Sheriff, Non-emergency, Nebraska river — 25 feet or more in places Primitive camping is permitted, but no Ponca (402) 755-2255 — and contains many hazards. Therefore, potable water is available. Cedar County Clerk, Hartington it is important to always wear a life jacket. From Mulberry Bend WMA to Ponca (402) 254-7411 The river channel follows a winding State Park is 22 river miles (5-7 hours). course between the riverbanks. There are The river channel moves to the Nebraska MEDICAL ASSISTANCE: many islands and sandbars. Some sandbars side above Ponca State Park, making access Avera Sacred Heart Hospital (Yankton) and snags are just under the water’s surface at the park’s boat ramp easy. Ponca State (605) 668-8100 and require caution. Prevailing south winds Park has excellent camping and day-use Vermillion Medical Center (605) 624-2611 can make this trip difficult. facilities, as well as cabins for rent. Cabin Ponca Medical Clinic (402) 755-2231 Recommendation: Please read the reservations are essential between Memorial Dial 911 to reach emergency General Canoeing Introduction guide Day and Labor Day. A new access point is personnel in the area. before beginning. It offers a good review planned on Elk Point Bend north of the for the avid canoeist and a quick lesson for park. This will allow visitors to make the novice, and may make the difference half-day float trips that end at the park. between an adventure and a nightmare. Trip ends at Ponca State Park.

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