About Us

Group of protesters, including women and men, holding signs such as "Save the Farm," "Stop," and "Party" at a demonstration advocating for farm preservation.
A man in a suit is sitting at a table, preparing to inject himself with medication, while four other individuals, two men and two women, observe him. The scene appears to be in a formal or official setting.
Black and white photo of an elderly woman with short, light-colored hair and glasses, looking slightly to the right.

Missouri River Historical Development (MRHD) was founded in 1989 during a turning point in Iowa’s history. As the state explored riverboat gaming to boost jobs and tourism, Woodbury County voters approved gaming on the Missouri River, and MRHD emerged as the nonprofit Qualified Sponsoring Organization (QSO) responsible for holding the county’s gaming license and ensuring gaming revenues benefit the community. Formed from the Riverboat Tourism Task Force led by civic leader Betty Strong, MRHD became the first QSO licensed on the Missouri River.

People waving as a paddle steamer boat named 'Dewitt Clinton' passes on a river, with trees in autumn colors in the background.
A large riverboat with multiple decks cruises along a river with trees and open fields on the shore. The boat has black and red accents and displays signs for 'Belle Casino' and 'Argosy,' with an American flag at the rear.
The Mississippi Queen cruise ship sailing on the water with a park and water tower in the background.

In the decades that followed, MRHD partnered with multiple operators and riverboat casinos, such as the Sioux City Sue, Belle of Sioux City, and Argosy Sioux City, while helping shape Iowa’s expanding gaming landscape.

Bronze statue called "Spirit of Discovery" depicting two men in historic military attire with a dog, with a plaque indicating it was created by Pat Kennedy in 2002.
Museum exhibit displaying a historical scene with a large mural of soldiers and civilians from the Civil War era, American flags hanging from the ceiling, and informational displays.
Aerial view of a park with a large American flag on a flagpole, green lawns, trees, winding pathways, a river in the background, and modern buildings and a bridge across the river.

MRHD’s grant program began in 1994. By 1996, over $1 million in local grants had been distributed. MRHD then started playing a key-role in supporting major civic, public, and charitable projects in Woodbury County. In 2002, MRHD funded the construction and operations of the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center($4 million). In 2007, MRHD funded the construction and operations of the Betty Strong Encounter ($3.6 million) which adjoins the LCIC facility and helps serve as one of the premier destinations in the country for visitors seeking to explore the legacy of the Lewis and Clark Trail and the story of early American exploration along the Missouri River.

Group of people in front of the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Sioux City, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Exterior view of the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino building with signs and parking lot in foreground
People playing guitars on a stage outside Hard Rock Hotel & Casino during a music event, with a large brick wall and the Hard Rock logo in the background.

A new era began on August 1, 2014, when Hard Rock Hotel & Casino – Sioux City opened its doors under the MRHD gaming license. Ten years later, the momentum hasn’t slowed. With the support of Hard Rock and Churchill Downs, Inc., MRHD continues to fuel projects that build a stronger, more vibrant Siouxland. MRHD has awarded more than $40 million in grants generated through this partnership, and over $60 million in total since its program started in 1994.