The Corps of Engineers maintains a navigation channel on the Missouri River from Mile 734 at Sioux City, Iowa, to the mouth, just north of St. Louis. Above Sioux City, the river is navigable for small craft for several more miles, but boaters unfamiliar with the area should consult local informants before attempting it. The absolute head of navigation is the Gavin's Point dam at Yankton, S. D.

The Missouri, like the lower Mississippi has no locks. The advantage of not having to allow for lockage delays is partially compensated for by the fact that there is always a significant current, sometimes as much as 7 mph. The river drops about a foot for every mile of length over the navigable stretch. Upstream travelers should expect a 15-20 percent reduction in speed and a corresponding increase in fuel consumption compared to slack water navigation.

Another characteristic of the Missouri to which pilots must be alert is dikes. Apart from dredging, dikes are the main method for maintaining the channel, and they are numerous, especially below Kansas City. There are submerged dikes during periods of moderate to high water. Avoidance of damaging encounters is difficult when they are barely submerged. The dikes are all indicated on the Army Corps of Engineers Navigation Charts, so if you know where you are on the river, you know which side to favor. Generously provided mile markers, some in conjunction with navigation lights and daymarks will help you safely navigate your way through the channel. Channel buoys are not always present. As a last resort, if your charts have fallen overboard and you have forgotten everything else, stay toward the outside of every bend at about a third of the width of the channel from the outer shore. (Approx. 250 feet).

The swift current makes it particularly desirable to have a reliable anchoring system. You can usually escape the current for the purpose of anchoring, however, by turning in below a dike. Proceed with caution to be sure of sufficient depth when you leave the channel, but most of these artificial harbors offer plenty of water for any pleasure craft likely to be on the Missouri.

The only other problem for Missouri River explorers is the scarcity of fuel docks on the lower part of the river although this situation is improving. St. Charles, the first state capital has casinos and parks but no public docks or services.

At mile 68 you will see the City of Washington riverfront. The town is directly on the river but the harbor behind the trail dike is often too shallow to use. The town has a beautiful riverfront with stores and lodging. It is possible to make arrangements for overnight docking and fuel by calling 636-583-5000.

New Haven at mile 81.5 is unique in that it is the only town with a business district located between the railroad and the river. There is a fuel dock which is open by appointment. Call Nick at 636-239-7219 to make arrangements for fuel or docking. You can contact Ralph Haynes at 573-237-2865 to make reservations for space on his dock and get information about his store in the business district.

Upstream from New Haven at mile 99.7 you will find Herman's riverfront park. Herman is a historic river town with winery's, groceries, restaurants, etc. Herman will be providing a dock to the public in 2004. You can make reservations for the dock and fuel by calling Phyllis Hannan at573-486-5500 or fax her at 1-800-460-7875 or email: phannan@laserusa.com.

At mile 130 you will see the mouth of the Osage River. With a short detour of one mile up the Osage you can visit Soda Popp and get 87 octane gasoline on weekends or by appointment. You can also find out about the availability of overnight docking by calling 573-395-4741. You can also get information from Soda Popp about nearby campgrounds and stores.

As you travel up the Missouri from the mouth of the Osage you can enjoy the beautiful view of the state capital and the bluffs at Jefferson City. At mile 148 there is a public boat ramp but no public dock, or other services near the river.

At mile 154.5 you will arrive at Jennings Landing. You can call Rick Snowdell at 489-0931 to make reservations for overnight docking or camping.

At mile 170 you will find Cooper's Landing with 91 octane gas, pump out, boat ramp, campgrounds, 3 bedroom lodge, and store. Cooper's Landing, at the site of the historic river port of Nashville, provides easy access to the Katy Trail. You can call Cooper's at 573-657-2544, email: cooperslanding2004@yahoo.com to make reservations for overnight docking, lodging or camping.

Upstream are the historic towns of Rocheport and Boonville. At present there are no public docks or easily accessible services.

At Glasgow Mo. mile 226 you will see Rooster's Marina and Driftwood Restaurant. When completed this spring or early summer this floating marina will have 87 and 91 octane fuel, pump out, convenience store and lots of overnight docking. You can get more information by calling 660-338-9960.

Upstream from Glasgow it is a long way to the next fuel dock. There are several historic towns directly on the river bank including: Waverly, Lexington, Wellington, and Napoleon. Many boaters have met people in these towns who were willing to help obtain fuel and supplies.

At mile 368, the Kansas City Riverfront is planning a park but at this time there are no plans for any public docks or services.

The next possible place to gas up is at Parkville, mile 377. (Parkville is a northern suburb of Kansas City). The Missouri River Boating Association maintains a dock here at normal pleasure craft height, about a quarter-mile from a gas station. The M.R.B.A. has as one of its objectives the promotion of Missouri River boating, so its members are happy to accommodate transient boaters. If any are on the premises, they're likely to offer ground transportation, but in any case, feel free to use the dock.

You have to go all the way to St. Joseph, mile 452, to find the next commercial gas dock. Sunset Grill and River Towne Resort features 7 luxury cabins located directly on the Missouri River. With 6 docks, gas, bathroom, pump out and restaurant. From St. Joseph, through the Omaha-Council Bluffs area, to Sioux City, marinas with fuel docks are plentiful. You're also more likely to meet other recreational boaters along this stretch.

At mile 497 is Rulo, Nebraska. Rulo has a boat dock and several small boat ramps. At mile 553 the right bank changes from being Missouri to Iowa.

At mile 563 is Nebraska City, site of the new Missouri River Basin Lewis and Clark Interpretive Trails and Visitor Center. Nebraska City has a municipal dock, the Riverview Park and Recreation Area and grain terminals.

There is a new marina being constructed at mile 591 Plattsmouth, Nebraska. Harbor, docks and fuel should be available for the Lewis and Clark events in 2004.

Belleview Nebraska At mile 601 has marinas, docks and a restaurant.

At mile 612 you will begin to see Omaha Nebraska on the left bank and Council Bluffs on the right bank. There are many marinas providing services to boaters in this area. The Missouri River Navigation Charts, Sioux city, Iowa to Kansas City, Missouri and the OmahaRiverFront.com website give detailed information on this area.

There are marinas as you continue up the river to Sioux City, Iowa, mile 734.

The scenery along the Missouri River is pleasant with many historical sites. You can view many of the locations noted in the Lewis and Clark Journals. Visit the communities which served the settlement of the American West up the Missouri River. There hasn't been a better time to explore the Missouri River since Lewis and Clark did it in 1804. This is an exciting time to see the development of recreational boating on the Missouri River as the region celebrates the bicentennial commemoration.

To Purchase navigation charts, contact Omaha District Corps of Engineers, Attn: CEMRO-OP-N, 9901 John J. Pershing Drive, Omaha, NE 68112; Web site www.nwo.usace.army.mil

The Corps of Engineers has recently released the beautifully illustrated; Lewis and Clark bicentennial, Lower Missouri River, A Guide to Recreation & Visitor Safety. It is full of boating safety information, historical information and the most recent maps with information about navigating the Missouri River. It is available from the Missouri River Information Center (River Maps & Information) Toll Free: 1-866-285-3219 and The Missouri River Communities Network (MRCN) 1-573-256-2602 www.moriver.org

For current news about boating and river issues including progress on new services being constructed along the Missouri River see these websites:
 

	www.CoopersLanding.net/newsletter.htm
	www.OmahaRiverFront.com
	www.longestriver.org
	www.missouririvertrips.com