By Staff
Waterhead™ Watersports
November 3, 2011

Missouri River flows an estimated 553 miles through Missouri to meet the Mississippi River in St. Louis. The river played a major role during the Lewis and Clark expedition and during the Westward Expansion. Apart from hosting some of the oldest settlements in America, the river is home to many sites that hold the American history. 

Today, Missouri River is always busy with people engaging in outdoor recreational activities. In addition, it provides enough water for irrigation and domestic use to the natives living around the areas it passes through. Prior to its modification by man, the river was mostly known for shifting channels, periodic floods and high turbidity. Back then, it was commonly known as the ‘Big Muddy’ and served as a travel way for people and both domestic and wild animals.

While the common floods were very destructive, they were important in ensuring the Missouri River valley ecosystem survived. The floods replenished backwaters and also played a major role in building sand bar habitats that provided homes for different wild animals.

The Geography of the Missouri River

Missouri River passes through three different states, two large cities and other small towns. The river passes through St. Louis, Kansas City and also the famous Jefferson City. Many of the towns that the river passes through have historic antiques and buildings and where lots of recreational activities can be undertaken. Visiting the cities and the small towns will give you a chance to see different beautiful natural and manmade sites that provide a glimpse of the past and present day life of the river Missouri.

Missouri River is filled with silt and is mainly home to catfish. Other fish species that live in the river include crappie, carp, bass, bluegill, walleye and drum. Different parts of the river have been conserved and are used for recreational boating, water skiing, sailing, kayaking and canoeing. Apart from the public places, the river has private concessionaire’s areas that offer boats rentals, camping options and marinas. The concessionaries also have restaurants where live music is played on the river for party lovers visiting the area.

Missouri River Outdoor Activities - Hiking

Katy Trail State Park is built on the southwest part of the Missouri River. Used majorly for biking and hiking, the trail covers an estimated area of about 226 miles from Clinton. The trail has been built on former railroad tracks and is an ideal sporting area for sports lovers. The trail follows the river through a number of landscapes and natural sceneries allowing one to catch a glimpse of the beautiful sceneries as he trails the Missouri River.

Although a great deal of sceneries can be easily seen during the year, amazing views are normally seen during spring and fall when the river bluffs and changes its normal sequence. During the winter, bald eagles can be spotted flying around in search of easy prey. For history lovers, the river provides enough room for study and understanding of the historic American culture and how the different revolutions affected the river.

Boating/Canoeing

Missouri River offers attractive views and lots of fun filled opportunities for boaters. The has varied depths that range from a few inches to around 9 inches and 13 feet with holes that run as deep as forty feet. Since the channel usually shifts from time to time and many sunken sandbars and hidden obstacles are usually around the water body, boaters are advised to take caution to avoid accidents when moving in the river.

Use of jet skis around the river is prohibited. However, the jet skis are allowed around the water reservoirs behind the dams. Also, water skiing within the river is only allowed on specific hours during the day. Before going boating, visitors are required to read and understand the river and its course. Canoeing around the river is very interesting and adventurous. At some places, the canoeist may be required to come out and lift or push his or her canoe, an activity that is challenging and fun when done in a group.

Fishing

Missouri River provides good fishing grounds for both the people living around the areas where the river passes and visitors. However, fishing becomes tricky and challenging during the different seasons. During hot summer months, the water levels are usually very low compared to other seasons. The situation is even made more difficult when farmers using a lot of water during the summer to irrigate their farms. With the water levels down, catching fish is nearly impossible. However, during other seasons, fishing around the river is usually adventurous and fun especially when it is done together with other family members or friends.

Camping

Camping is normally allowed on the bay areas surrounding the river and the sandbars close to the river shores. However, campers must adhere to the ‘pack-it-in, pack-it-out’ rule that does not allow any kind of littering around the river. New campers are usually taken through a small tutorial program that gives them information on what they can do and what they should not do when camping around the Missouri River. This program is meant to ensure that the campers adhere to the set rules and regulations when visiting, camping and carrying out various activities around the river. Emergency numbers are usually provided in case of any accidents that may occur during camps.

Lodging

When touring the Missouri River, it is important to take time and visit the different hotels and lodges around. Situated in different areas around the river, the hotels provide unique catering services that are only available in 5 star rated hotels around America. Apart from enjoying the unique yet down to earth catering services, the hotels have mouth watering dishes made from recipes used for centuries, with only slight modifications made from time to time. In addition, the many recreation facilities offer different forms of entertainment for the visitors, including traditional dances and songs that have been borrowed from the natives.

Star Gazing

Visitors can catch astronomical views easily when visiting the river. The towns around the river vary in sizes and different areas provide good positions for stargazing. One of the few unique views that you can see even without the help of a telescope is the passage of the International Space Station that usually orbits at a speed of close to 17,000 miles per hour. The station is usually seen after sunset and before sunrise. Apart from start gazing, tourists are also allowed to hike around the river corridors that have recreational trails. Some of the parks with good hiking corridors include Niobrara State Park, Lewis and Clark State Recreation Area and the Ponca State Park. Also, bird watching and taking pictures of the natural sceneries around the river and its surrounding walls are perfect around the Missouri River shores.

Hunting

Hunting around the river is another common sport that attracts lots of visitors. However, before anyone is allowed to carry out any hunting activity, one must obtain permits from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Nebraska and South Dakota hunting regulations govern this specific activity around the Missouri River.

Sightseeing

There are dozens of sightseeing opportunities around Missouri River. Some common tourist attractions around the river include art galleries, National and State parks, amusement parks, historic places and different festivals. You can spend a day taking a scenic drive around the different byways, historical routes and back-ways and enjoy the different wildlife you will come across. This can be done privately or by hiring a guide to take you around the different places for only a small fee. With dozens of tour companies around, getting a guide is very easy, especially if you are staying at one of the hotels or lodges near the river.

The Importance of the Missouri River

Missouri River supports life of both the natives and the wildlife such as reptiles, terrestrial birds and amphibians that live and totally depend on it for their survival. Apart from this, the river banks have sand dunes that are habitats for big game animals, and different bird and dish species like the cat fish. The river also has different tourist attraction sites for the visitors and the natives and is therefore a source of revenue for the state.

Why You Should Visit Missouri River

Missouri River provides you with lots of outdoor adventurous opportunities. Whether you are making a trip to get away from the fast city life, get a break from work or you are visiting for educational purposes, the river’s sites, habitats and scenic environments will make your trip worth it. For educational tours, you will learn about the Native American Indian culture and way of life. In addition, you can learn more about the wild animal species that live around the banks of the river and the irrigation schemes used by the natives. Visiting for fun gives you an opportunity to try out different recreational activities and see the different natural sceneries. To fully enjoy your visit, it is best to visit Missouri River with your family or a group of friends.

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