Canoeing Rivers
Missouri River
To take a virtual tour of the Missouri River near Bismarck, visit Real ND.com.
Dotted with sandbars and lined by gentle river bluffs, this broad, swift waterway commands respect from numerous standpoints. Its historical, recreational, and natural values within the state are unparalleled. The Missouri River ranks as North Dakota’s most prominent river.
The Missouri River has influenced the lives of people and the course of history for the past 12,000 years. “Modern” history of the Missouri corridor began with Native Americans. Indian occupation of the river valley peaked during the 1700s and continued into the 1800s. Cultural remnants of villages remain at several sites along the river: Knife River Indian Villages near Stanton, Double Ditch State Historic Site north of Bismarck, and On-A-Slant Indian Village at Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park.
The famed Lewis and Clark expedition, commissioned by President Thomas Jefferson, came through what is now North Dakota in the fall and winter of 1804-05 and the spring of 1806. North Dakota has many historic sites along the river and several document the expedition, such as the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center and Fort Mandan at Washburn.
The Missouri River corridor eventually became a hub for the state’s development and growth. Fur trading, steam-boating, and military relics can still be found on the river’s banks.
Unique and rare flora and fauna inhabit the river and surrounding land. Four federally threatened or endangered species make the river their home: bald eagle, least tern, piping plover and pallid sturgeon. The river bottom forests provide one of the biggest expanses of woodland in the state. Many wildlife species use this corridor for food, shelter, water and as a migration route.
The swift current and surrounding scenery make the Missouri a challenging and exciting river to canoe. The clear, cold water that is released from Garrison Dam has transformed the river into the top recreational river in the state. The extended canoeing season, which typically runs from May into September, boasts excellent conditions throughout the summer. Swift current and underwater deadfalls are the biggest hazards. Because the river is so wide, high winds can make paddling difficult. Sandbars provide fun spots for picnicking, loafing or sunbathing.
Public access points are most numerous along the southern stretch of the river and most are good. Several public sites can be used for camping for canoeists who wish to make an extended trip. Canoe rentals and outfitters are also available.
Where to go for day trips
Several options are available. In the upper stretches, a leisurely paddle from the Washburn City Park to Cross Ranch State Park, or from Cross Ranch State Park to Steckel Boat Landing would take two to four hours. The more serious canoeist might want to canoe from the Garrison Dam Downstream Recreation Area to the UPA boat landing, which would take about four to six hours. Short trips are also possible near the cities of Bismarck/Mandan, but the river’s flow slows near Bismarck and heavy motorboat traffic can be a hazard. The following day trips are recommended.
GARRISON DAM TO UPA BOAT RAMP NEAR STANTON - 4 to 6 hours. This is a very scenic stretch of the river, with beautiful river bluffs near waters edge. It is also a very undeveloped stretch.
Access—Garrison Dam Downstream Recreation Area (good); UPA boat ramp on west side of river (good)
Hazards—Underwater deadfall, sandbars, swift current
WASHBURN TO CROSS RANCH STATE PARK - 2 to 4 hours or Fort Mandan Historic Site to Cross Ranch State Park - 3 to 5 hours
Access—Boat ramp at Washburn City Park (good); Fort Mandan Historic Site northwest of Washburn (no boat ramp, fair); Sanger Boat landing at Cross Ranch State Park (good)
Hazards—Underwater deadfall, sandbars, swift current
CROSS RANCH STATE PARK TO STECKEL BOAT RAMP- 1 to 2 hours or to Burnt Boat ramp - 5.5 miles, 2 hours
Access—Sanger Boat landing at Cross Ranch State Park (good); Steckel Boat landing and park on east side of river (good); Burnt Boat ramp on east side of river (good)
Hazards—Underwater deadfall, sandbars, swift current
All these day trips are easy to medium in difficulty, but at least one person in the canoe should be an experienced canoeist.
Where to go for overnight trips
An overnight trip can be very enjoyable and extend your Missouri River experience. Those with the desire to spend more than one day on the river can combine any of the day trips mentioned above into a one or two night excursion. A favorite trip is to canoe for a weekend from Garrison Dam to the Burnt Boat ramp, a trip of about 80 miles. It can be canoed in two days, or if you take a leisurely pace and explore along the way, three days and two nights. Several parks and access points allow camping and provide water and toilets.
Most of the land adjacent to the Missouri River is privately owned, so permission must be obtained from the landowner.
County Maps —
- Upper Missouri: Williams 3, McKenzie 2.
- Lower Missouri: Mercer 1, Mclean 3, Mercer 2, Oliver, Burleigh 1 & 2, Morton 1.
Contacts—
- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has river maps and information about recreation areas they manage. 701-255-0015 or 701-654-7411.
- Knife River National Historic Site - 701-745-3300
- Cross Ranch State Park - 701-794-3731
- Ft. Abraham Lincoln State Park - 701-663-9571
- City of Washburn - 701-462-8558
- Bismarck/Mandan Convention and Visitors Bureau (for information on sites and facilities in Bismarck/Mandan area) - 701-222-4308
- Dakota Tackle has maps showing river bottom elevations - 701-222-3092.
- North Dakota Tourism Dept (for information on Lewis and Clark attractions and other activities along the Missouri River) -1-800-HELLO-ND (1-800-435-5663).
Flow Information—U.S. Army Corps of Engineers - 701-255-0015 or 701-654-7441; visit their web page for most recent flow information: http://nd.water.usgs.gov. The Bismarck Tribune has daily discharge information from Garrison Dam.
Outfitters—
- Matah Adventures - Canoe Rental and Guide Service - 701-663-0054
- Cross Ranch State Park - Canoe Rental and Transportation - 701-794-3731
- Lewis and Clark Canoe and Kayak Rentals, guided and unguided excursions - 701-462-3668 or 701-462-8635
- BirdWoman Missouri River Adventures - Guided canoe trips - 701-462-3367 - www.birdwoman.com
