Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
The Missouri River Corridor stretches over 2,300 miles from the Rocky Mountains of Montana to the confluence with the Mississippi River in Missouri. This river system flows through six states and includes diverse landscapes ranging from mountain canyons in Montana to broad, fertile floodplains and bluffs in the Midwest. The corridor is part of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System, preserving free-flowing segments and natural characteristics of the Missouri River. It supports a variety of habitats including riparian forests, wetlands, sandbars, and grasslands, providing critical habitat for fish, migratory birds, and mammals such as deer and beavers. Historically, the Missouri River was a key route for Native American tribes and later European explorers and settlers, including Lewis and Clark, whose expedition followed its path. Modern visitors enjoy fishing for catfish, smallmouth bass, and paddlefish; paddling in canoes and kayaks; hiking along numerous trails near wildlife refuges; and bird watching for species like bald eagles and herons. The corridor features several notable landmarks including Fort Benton, Montana—the "Birthplace of Montana" and riverport of early steamboats—as well as the expansive Loess Hills region in Iowa and Missouri's Big Muddy National Fish and Wildlife Refuge. The river corridor is a destination for anglers, boaters, photographers, and history enthusiasts. Access points are scattered along the river with developed facilities near urban areas and more primitive sites along rural stretches, providing ample opportunities to experience the river’s natural and cultural heritage.
