th 100Anniversary The Yankton area will be sharing in a special celebration in 2016, as this year marks the 100th anniversary of the creation of the National Park Service (NPS). NPS was created on Aug. 25, 1916, by Congress through the National Park Service Organic Act. According to the law, which was signed by President Woodrow Wilson, the NPS was set up to “conserve the scenery and the natural and historic objects and wildlife therein, and to provide for the enjoyment of the same in such manner and by such means as will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations.” Yankton has two connections to the NPS, with both Missouri National Recreation River (MNRR) and Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail being established in 1978 as historic landmarks in need of preservation. The designation for MNRR was originally applied only to the 59-mile stretch from Gavins Point Dam just west of Yankton downstream to Ponca State Park in Nebraska. In 1991, another section was added, running from Fort Randall Dam at Pickstown to Niobrara, Nebraska, Running Water, SD. These sections are parkland because they represent the last sections of the river between Montana and St. Louis that are undammed or un-channeled. Whereas the Lewis and Clark Trail encompasses the entire trial Lewis and Clark and their expedition followed which crosses 11 different states. Both parks are full of history but also sources of pride for Yankton citizens. Missouri River has a colorful history with not only the Lewis and Clark expedition but also the adventures of Grant Marsh, a steamboat pilot. While the Lewis and Clark Trail retraces the steps the great expedition across the uncharted areas to the ocean. After joining NPS, both have been enriched to be a great source of tourism and in recent years, have added activities to boost the profile of these 40– Yankton, South Dakota places. One key to this was the relocation of the NPS headquarters for the Missouri River to Yankton several years ago. In recent years, rangers have started conducting numerous activities and events on the river but also featuring the trail. Free events are a major feature of the parks throughout the busy summer season. Recreational activities along the river are camping, boating/kayaking, hiking/biking, bird watching and star-gazing. You can also attend Free Ranger Programs that feature different activities for all age levels. There are also activities featured along the trail, outside of the normal hiking or bird watching. There are “expeditions” to go on to not only learn the history of the trail but to also enjoy the beautiful scenery. Another great feature added to the NPS toolbox is the Mobile Ranger Station, which is a “visitor center on wheels.” Established in 2014, the mobile station offers exhibits and interactive programs to give visitors a greater appreciation of the park, the river, the trail, and regional history. It not only sets up shop at various locations along the trail/park/river, but also goes to various communities throughout the region. It is available frequently throughout the summer months in the Yankton area. A schedule of locations and events can be found at www.nps. gov/mnrr/planyourvisit/mobile-ranger-station. htm. For those interested in history, or nature, the MNRR and Lewis and Clark Trail are excellent examples in preserving historic landmarks but also in learning in a fun atmosphere. The beautiful scenery offered by both, although altered through time, must look similar to what those on the Lewis and Clark expedition witnessed when they passed through the region.