Missouri River Waterfront, Omaha, Nebraska
General Description & Characteristics: The river we call Missouri is the true "source" of the Mississippi, being by far the longest stem of America's largest river system. It emanates from the Rocky Mountains in Montana. From the point where the Gallatin, Madison, and Jefferson Rivers come together about 50 miles south of Helena, the river bears the name Missouri. From its most remote source, the Missouri-Mississippi River travels approximately 3,800 miles to the Gulf of Mexico, making it the 4th longest river system in the world with the 3rd largest drainage basin.
Location and Navigable Mileage: The upper Missouri River has been dammed in many places, creating a series of lakes with rather short sections of river in between. Some of these lakes are quite huge, and could be considered for an extensive cruise along the scenic shores. However, we suggest cruising on the navigable section of the Missouri River, from the head of navigation near Sioux City, IA, to the river's mouth near St. Louis Missouri. This portion of the river, maintained for navigation by the US Army Corps of Engineers, is 735 miles in length, with no locks or dams.
Like all the major navigable rivers, launching facilities and public access to the river can be easily found at suitable intervals along the river's course. Having said that, the Missouri River is remarkable for its lack of services for pleasure boaters.
Interesting Features: In its upper reaches, this river flows through rugged land, and while the vegetation increases as we move southeastward, it retains this rugged character throughout. Across the state of Missouri, the river marks the southermost boundary of glaciation of the last ice age, and not coincidentally the northern extent of the Ozarks. Some of the most important and interesting towns and cities of America's heartland will be found on the banks of the Missouri.
During your trip, you will be cruising part of the route of the exploration of Lewis and Clark, who explored this region newly acquired in the Louisiana Purchase. We are presently celebrating the bi-centennial of their expeditions (Louisiana Territory was purchased in 1803; Lewis and Clark explored the area in 1804-06). Many celebrations and re-enactments will be happening during the bi-centennial period.
One thing to consider before setting out on the Missouri River is the speed of the current. It is, with the possible exception of the lower Mississippi, the fastest river in the US that is navigable by large watercraft. The 4-5 mph current will significantly affect your progress when running upstream.
While the river is maintained for navigation, in practice, few barges will be seen along the Missouri. You will see the structures (dikes and revetments) which have been installed to keep the river in the desired channel.
There is a great deal of controversy surrounding the water level management on the Missouri River. Environmentalists and sportsmen would prefer to see a more natural regimen, involving seasonal fluctuation, while commercial shipping interests prefer the more uniform flow. In any case, there is always plenty of water for use by recreational boaters.
Additional Information:
| Navigation Information, Charts | There are two chartbooks for the Missouri River, one covering Sioux City to Kansas City, the other covering Kansas City to the Mississipp River. These can both be purchased from the Corps of Engineers. Try this link for ordering information: |
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| Connecting Waterways |
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| Marinas | Few and far between. | ||||||||||||||
| Towns, parks, attractions on/near the Waterway | |||||||||||||||
| Books |
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| More Pictures | . | ||||||||||||||
| Environmental Issues/Organizations | American Rivers Missouri River campaign | ||||||||||||||
| Acknowledgments/Contributors | . | ||||||||||||||
| Miscellaneous | "In the Wake of Discovery (a 2004 recreation of the Lewis and Clark exploration): http://www.lewisandclark-2004.com/ |
