South Dakota has more natural wonders than any other place on earth, but we are willing to bet that you take this one spot in particular for granted. While it does not have as many geologic deposits as the Badlands or thousands of bison like Custer, this natural wonder is quite possibly the most underrated in all of South Dakota.

Does anything about this picture strike you as familiar?
Flickr/Taber Andrew Bain
That's right; today we are gushing all about the mighty Missouri River!
Flickr/J. Stephen Conn
Spanning an incredible 2,341 miles, the Missouri River is the longest river in North America and runs through Missouri, Nebraska, Iowa, Montana, Kansas, North Dakota, and -- of course -- South Dakota.
Flickr/Taber Andrew Bain
Aside from it being easy on the eyes, the Missouri River is vital for states like SoDak, as is contains several reservoirs that serve for such purposes as hydroelectric power, municipal water, wildlife habitats, and much more.
Wikimedia Commons

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In addition to serving for everyday uses, the Missouri River is also historically significant in several ways, with evidence showing the river first being used by Native Americans thousands of years ago.
Wikimedia Commons
What the Missouri River is best known for is also worth mentioning, as the river was traveled by Lewis & Clark, who explored this new territory before the western part of the United States was even established.
Wikimedia Commons
There are countless ways to explore and enjoy the Missouri River today, including fishing, photography, boating, and other water recreation.
Flickr/USFWS Fish and Aquatic Conservation
How lucky are we to have all of this in our own backyard?!
Flickr/Keith Ewing

Discover even more underrated spots around South Dakota by clicking Most People Don’t Know These 8 Hidden Gems In South Dakota Even Exist.

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