![]() NPS One quarter of one percent of all rivers in America have the distinction of being included within the National Wild and Scenic River System. Even fewer of these rivers have island areas open to the public that can be visited and explored. Goat Island lays within the 59-Mile District of the Missouri National Recreational River in between the two cities of Yankton and Vermillion, South Dakota. ![]() Goat Island provides unique and unparalleled recreational opportunities, as well as a place to simply pause and reflect. Situated along the Missouri National Recreational River Water Trail, the island is one of only a few places in both Nebraska and South Dakota where island camping, hiking, hunting, and other pleasure activities are available on publicly owned land. As part of the National Park Service System, the island is ideally suited as a stopover point for boaters navigating the river. Similarly, Goat Island provides a natural setting to hike trails or set out on one’s own to explore and enjoy the riverine backdrop. ![]() NPS Photo. Goat Island Management PlanOn August 16, 2019, the National Park Service Acting Regional Director, Patricia Trap signed the decision record Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for the Goat Island Management Plan and Environmental Assessment. The approved FONSI allows the National Park Service to implement the management plan, as described in the selected action.Visit the Goat Island Management Plan and Environmental Assessment FONSI through the NPS Planning Environment and Public Comment (PEPC) website: http://parkplanning.nps.gov/goatislandplan. The Goat Island Management Plan emphasizes the intent to retain the primitive character of the island in permanency. The overarching goal and management objectives outlined in the plan is to provide a quality recreational experience for visitors in the same spirit that historically contributed to the island’s popularity. ![]() NPS Photo |
Last updated: February 24, 2020