Your Essential Guide to Missouri River Boating Destinations

Want to explore the area near Cottonwood Cove? Planning a Missouri River boating adventure? This comprehensive navigation guide provides detailed mile markers, distances, and available services for every major point of interest along the Missouri River, using Cottonwood Cove Marina in Blair, Nebraska as your central reference point.

Your River Journey Begins Here: Cottonwood Cove Marina

Located at Mile Marker 651, Cottonwood Cove Marina in Blair, Nebraska serves as the perfect starting point for exploring the Missouri River. With full-service amenities including docks, gas, food, restrooms, entertainment, and boat ramp access, this marina is your gateway to unforgettable river experiences.

Downstream Destinations from Cottonwood Cove

Boyer Chute National Wildlife Refuge – Fort Calhoun, NE

Boyer Chute National Wildlife Refuge preserves 4,040 acres of restored Missouri River habitat, featuring grassland, woodland, wetlands, and over six miles of hiking trails. The refuge offers excellent birding, fishing, and wildlife viewing opportunities near Fort Calhoun.

Mile Marker: 637.5
Distance from Cottonwood: 14 miles

Narrows River Park Boat Ramp – Council Bluffs, IA

Narrows River Park offers Missouri River boat access in Council Bluffs with a boat ramp, fishing dock, picnic shelters, archery range, hiking trails, and stunning views of the Omaha skyline.

Mile Marker: 619
Distance from Cottonwood: 32 miles
Services: Boat Ramp

Riverfront Marina – Downtown Omaha, NE

Downtown Omaha’s Riverfront Marina at Lewis and Clark Landing offers Missouri River boat access, fuel, docks, and pumpout services within the revitalized RiverFront park system.

Mile Marker: 616.3
Distance from Cottonwood: 35 miles
Services: Docks, Gas, Restrooms, Pumpout, Boat Ramp

I-480 Missouri River Bridge – Omaha, NE

The I-480 Missouri River Bridge, also known as the Grenville Dodge Memorial Bridge, connects downtown Omaha, Nebraska with Council Bluffs, Iowa. Built in 1965-1966, this vital interstate crossing offers convenient Missouri River access for boaters.

Mile Marker: 616
Distance from Cottonwood: 35 miles

Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge – Omaha, NE

The Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge is a 3,000-foot cable-stayed footbridge connecting Omaha, Nebraska and Council Bluffs, Iowa, opening in 2008. This iconic bridge offers spectacular skyline views and features programmable LED lighting on its towers, making it a stunning riverfront destination for walking, biking, and “bobbing” with one foot in each state.

Mile Marker: 616
Distance from Cottonwood: 35 miles

Bellevue, NE

Historic riverside city offering Missouri River boat ramps at Haworth Park, scenic riverfront views, and Nebraska’s oldest continuous settlement established in 1822.

Mile Marker: 601
Distance from Cottonwood: 50 miles
Services: Boat Ramp

Nebraska City, NE

Nebraska City is the oldest incorporated community in Nebraska and the birthplace of Arbor Day, offering Missouri River access alongside historic attractions including Arbor Lodge State Historical Park, Lewis and Clark Visitor Center, and charming orchards with the annual Apple Jack Festival.

Mile Marker: 363
Distance from Cottonwood: 288 miles
Services: Boat Ramp

Upstream Destinations from Cottonwood Cove

Ponca State Park – Ponca, NE

Ponca State Park features 2,100 acres of forested bluffs along the Missouri River, offering hiking trails, camping, water recreation, and the famous Three State Overlook.

Mile Marker: 735
Distance from Cottonwood: 84 miles

Gavins Point Dam – Crofton, NE

Gavins Point Dam is a 1.9-mile embankment dam spanning the Missouri River, impounding Lewis and Clark Lake. Built between 1952 and 1956, it’s the most downstream dam on the Missouri River, providing flood control, hydroelectric power, and recreation. The dam attracts over 2 million visitors annually to Lewis and Clark Lake and surrounding recreation areas.

Mile Marker: 811
Distance from Cottonwood: 160 miles