Yankton’s 100 year old Meridian Bridge provides a great experience for foot and bicycle traffic across the Missouri River. Unfortunately, once you’re on the Nebraska side there isn’t much to do other than turn around and head back to Yankton. Plans are underway to create a park on the Nebraska side.

Back in July, FOMNRR joined staff specialists from the NPS/MNRR for a field visit on the Nebraska side of the Missouri River to learn about future improvements. A proposed land transfer (not including the Meridian Bridge) from the City of Yankton to the NPS would allow for the development of a visitor’s services area, including improved parking, shade structures, restroom facilities, signed hiking trails, river access, and a kayak/canoe area just to the west of the southern Meridian Bridge entrance. Improvements are also included for camping locations on Green Island, and a River Trail west of Highway 81. Once plans and surveys are finalized, FOMNRR will work with the NPS/MNRR on grant and funding possibilities. Collaboration is an exciting process and FOMNRR appreciates the opportunity of playing a major role in such a significant visitor services and recreational development.