Exploring the Missouri River: Its History and People, Missouri

The Trip

This trip reflects a new five-day model. The Missouri River has been heavily impacted by the efforts of humans to control its path and reduce flooding while not impeding barge travel. Many of the changes that have been made have been controversial and have impacted historic river towns as well as adjacent landowners. On this trip, you will have the opportunity to learn from local experts about the history of the river from the Missouria Tribe to Lewis and Clark to modern-day river caretakers like the nonprofit Missouri River Relief. Enjoy a sunset boat cruise on the Missouri River, morning birding, biking the Katy Trail, and exploring the historic town of Arrow Rock. We will stay in a comfortable B&B while exploring the outdoors. This trip reflects a new model being offered by Sierra Club -- one that allows participants to take less time off work. We hope this approach will meet your needs. You can always stay longer on your own if you wish!

Day 1: Meet at our B&B between 3 and 4 p.m. so that you can get settled before we start. If you wish to spend time exploring the quaint river town of Rocheport before the trip starts, arrive anytime between noon and 3 p.m. At 4 p.m. sharp we will begin with introductions -- to each other, the historic places where we will spend our time, the various aspects of the trip, and fun opportunities. Our first meal will be dinner and we will spend the evening getting to know one another -- perhaps enjoying a campfire. Please come prepared to share some of the conservation or environmental challenges in your home town or wider area. It is important to be there for the introductions starting at 4 p.m.

Day 2: We will spend most of the first and second day with staff from Missouri River Relief (MRR), a 20-year-old nonprofit whose mission is to engage individuals and communities along the Missouri River in the exploration, enjoyment, restoration and care of the river through hands-on river clean-ups, education events and stewardship activities. This morning we will go on an educational Missouri River Excursion. It will incorporate spectacular views of limestone bluffs and eagles' nests as well as insider’s knowledge about the river imparted by our crew. The afternoon will be spent canoeing down one of the most beautiful stretches of the Missouri River along the astounding Manitou Bluffs, just downstream of Rocheport, again with MRR staff as our guides. Dinner will be at one of the most charming eateries in Rocheport with one of the best views of the river. The cost of this meal is not included in the trip cost. 

Day 3: We will spend the morning exploring the town of Rocheport and/or biking along the Katy Trail State Park. The park is the largest unbroken rail trail corridor in the country, stretching nearly 240 miles across most of central Missouri. In the afternoon we will participate in another river excursion with MRR staff as our guides. The river excursion will end with dinner aboard the boat as the sun sets through the trees.

Day 4: This morning, we will drive to Arrow Rock, a town that was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1964. We will do some birding and check out the town’s many historic sites in the morning. The afternoon will be spent at Arrow Rock State Park learning about its rich indigenous and cultural history. We hope to be able to provide a couple of hours of service in this charming place during the afternoon. We will make dinner back at our B&B in Rocheport and then perhaps take in a local talk about some aspect of the Missouri River.

Day 5: We will have our last meal together this morning at the B&B, pack our belongings, and be on our way by 10 a.m.

Note: The leaders will make every reasonable effort to meet the goals outlined in the itinerary. Please keep in mind that flooding, weather, or other conditions beyond our control may cause us to modify the itinerary in order to ensure the safety and well-being of the group. Also, remember that the leaders will have prepared the menu and shopped for the food ahead of time. We will all share responsibilities for preparing and cleaning up after meals and making things work generally. We usually find that it's a great way to get to know fellow trip participants. 

Getting There

The closest airport is Columbia Regional Airport about 30 miles away. Cabs are available at COU. Uber and/or Lyft may be available by the time of the trip. Kansas City International Airport and St. Louis Lambert International Airport are each about two hours away and there is a shuttle service from both KCI and STL. Each of these airports supports different airlines, so you may want to consider which airlines are also supported by airports near where you live.

If you decide to drive to the trip, consider offering a ride to others along the way or at an airport. Sierrans often share rides or the cost of rental cars. Cars will come in handy for the travel between Rocheport and Arrow Rock. Leaders will update this information as the time draws closer for those who register for the trip.

Please do not make non-refundable travel arrangements until notified to do so by the trip leader.

Accommodations and Food

Housing is in a unique B&B that typically serve bikers along the Katy Trail. Simple rooms with multiple beds are the norm. Bathrooms are in each site with a shared kitchen and laundry. Dishware and utensils are provided as are linens and towels. Meals will be planned ahead of time by the staff and shopping will be done by the time you arrive. Food preparation and cleanup will be shared by the participants; each day, a small group will be responsible for meals and cleanup. Meals will be vegetarian-friendly.

Trip Difficulty

The trip difficulty will be easy to moderate and you will be able to choose the level at which you are comfortable. The trip is especially appropriate for beginners at any level. This is an especially laid back trip. The only things that might be challenging are the canoeing on the river, the service job that you choose to do at the park, and/or the bike you choose to ride on the Katy Trail.

Equipment and Clothing

Any needed work equipment will be provided. Bedding, towels, and kitchenware will be provided as well. Only toiletries and clothing required. Bring clothing that can be layered. It is often colder on the river than on the land. Closed-toed shoes are appropriate for being on the boat and in the canoe, even if the weather is warm. Please bring rain gear. A detailed gear list will be sent to you after you are approved for the trip.

References

• Katy Trail State Park: https://www.traillink.com/trail-history/katy-trail-state-park/
• Arrow Rock State Historic Site: https://mostateparks.com/park/arrow-rock-state-historic-site
• The Village of Arrow Rock, A National Historic Landmark: http://www.arrowrock.org/
• Missouri River Relief: https://www.riverrelief.org/
• The Complete Katy Trail Guidebook: www.amazon.com
• Arrow Rock: Crossroads of the Missouri Frontier: www.amazon.com
• Moniteau Creek at Manitou Bluffs: https://www.nps.gov/places/moniteau-creek-at-manitou-bluffs.htm

Conservation

Please bring stories of the challenges and conservation movements from your home area. We will share our stories one evening as a program. We will be in river country -- undoubtedly many facets of conservation as it relates to water will be all around us. 

Sierra Club National Outings is an equal-opportunity provider and when applicable will operate under permits obtained from U.S. federal land agencies.