Friends of the Missouri National Recreational River

Fishing Clinic with MNRR
2026-06-20 09:30 - 23:30, 2026-06-27 09:30 - 11:30 (America/Chicago) | Chief White Crane Recreation Area, 31323 Toe Rd, Yankton, South Dakota, 57078
Park ranger from the Missouri National Recreational River are hosting weekly fishing clinics on Saturday mornings this summer. Join them to learn the basics of knot tying, casting, conservation, and more! These FREE fishing clinics are great opportunities for kids to practice their skills.
Fishing gear will be provided for participants to use. No registration is required.
Clinics will take place at the fishing pier is Chief White Crane Recreation Area along Lake Yankton. A South Dakota entrance license is required to enter the recreation area.
If you have any questions about the fishing clinics, please call NPS/MNRR at (605)665-0209 x21.

Kayak Clinic with MNRR
2026-06-21 09:00 - 12:00, 2026-06-28 09:00 - 12:00, 2026-07-05 09:00 - 12:00, 2026-07-08 09:00 - 12:00, 2026-07-12 09:00 - 12:00, 2026-07-19 09:00 - 12:00, 2026-07-22 09:00 - 12:00, 2026-07-26 09:00 - 12:00 and 8 more dates | Lake Yankton, 31323 Toe Rd, Yankton, SD, 57078, United States
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.

Freedom 250 Friday with MNRR
2026-06-26 09:00 - 12:00, 2026-07-03 09:00 - 12:00, 2026-07-10 09:00 - 12:00, 2026-07-17 09:00 - 12:00, 2026-07-24 09:00 - 12:00, 2026-07-31 09:00 - 12:00 | Dakota Territorial Capitol Building, Levee St., Yankton, South Dakota, 57078
Join park rangers from the Missouri National Recreational River on Friday mornings at the Dakota Territorial Capitol Building for “Freedom 250 Friday.” This is a come-and-go event were youth and folks of all ages can come and participate in games, crafts, trivia, and more to learn about the Missouri River, its history, wildlife, and more.
If you have questions about these programs, please call NPS/MNRR at (605)665-0209 x21.

Paddle with a Purpose with MNRR
2026-07-03 08:00 - 12:00 | Riverside Park, 200 Levee St, Yankton, SD, 57078, United States
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 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 605-665-0209×21 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 605-665-0209×21 or email Hannah Ringquist, Hannah_Ringquist@partner.nps.gov
