Franklin Island Conservation Area

Franklin Island Conservation Area offers public boat access to the Missouri River near Boonville in Howard County. This is a major river access point on one of North America's largest waterways—the Missouri River is a Class 10 stream with an average flow of over 121,000 cubic feet per second and swift currents averaging 7.4 feet per second. The ramp provides access to the lower Missouri River, part of the largest free-flowing river system in the United States and surrounded by nearly 1.5 million acres of bottomland habitat managed by the Big Muddy National Fish and Wildlife Refuge.

**Practical Notes for Paddlers:** Users report the ramp can be swept by swift currents, so approach with caution and position your boat carefully before launch. The pickup point can be difficult to spot, so look carefully or ask locally for guidance. Stay toward the left (north) side of the river if you need to identify the ramp location. The Boonville water tower and bridge serve as useful landmarks when approaching from upstream. Given the Missouri's powerful currents and high average velocity, this site is best suited for experienced paddlers and boaters familiar with large river conditions.

The conservation area designation allows public access for boating, fishing, hunting, camping, and nature observation across its managed lands.