Big Bend of the Missouri

The Big Bend of the Missouri refers to the famous landmark that bends expansively along the Missouri River. Famous before Lewis and Clark and the Corps of Discovery even reached it, the bend stretches an impressive width of 1.6 miles with a circumference of 22 miles. Having reached the base of the bend on September 19, 1804, the adventurers began the 30-mile trek through the bend on September 20th and finished their navigation of the bend on September 21st.

Today, the Big Bend of the Missouri serves as a recreational campground for outdoor enthusiasts. While the land within the bend belongs to the Lower Brule Indian Reservation, the rest of the location is managed by the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks. Range of activities include but are not limited to biking, hiking, swimming, fishing, hunting, and birdwatching. Avid campers have their choices of accommodations in the event they want to stay for more than a day.