Yankton, SD

Quick City Facts

County: Yankton
Population (2019): 14,687
Population (2010): 14,454

Data provided by US Census Bureau (2019)

Originally part of the territory acquired in the Louisiana Purchase, the location now known as Yankton, South Dakota was first marked as open for settlement in 1859. The county seat of Yankton County, it’s located along the Missouri River and near the James River, earning it the nickname of River City. The close proximity of the Missouri River and its Rhine Creek tributary made the city a popular layover point for traveling steamboats during the Black Hills Gold Rush. Over the years, the Missouri River continued to serve as a major contributing factor to the settlement and growth of Yankton. As of 2000, the city was home to nearly 14,000 permanent residents. Its most famous native inhabitant was Tom Brokaw, the nationally recognized news anchor.

Historic downtown Yankton offers more than 150 eclectic gift shops, antique brokers, art galleries, and specialty stores. Shoppers can satisfy their appetites at a variety of dining establishments, including Jo Dean’s Steakhouse. Its small-town charm and unique architecture make downtown Yankton an inviting destination for tourists. The area’s historical residential communities and homes can be explored in guided tours.

The city is also home to a variety of cultural museums and art galleries, such as the Dakota Territorial Museum and Bede Art Gallery. Superior education is offered by a public school district, a Catholic primary school, and Mount Marty College. The school district’s athletic events and debate tournaments draw a large number of local spectators. Each summer, Yankton hosts a cultural and recreational celebration called Riverboat Days, where more than 135,000 people enjoy cultural art displays, diverse food offerings, a golf tournament, and a spirited parade and rodeo. The musically inclined can visit the Riverside Park Amphitheatre, which hosts weekly summer concerts.

Popular Attractions

Grant County Historical Museum

Grant County Historical Museum

Milbank

Rushmore Borglum Story

Rushmore Borglum Story

Keystone

The Treasury at Hotel On Phillips

The Treasury at Hotel On Phillips

Sioux Falls

Blue’s Family Restaurant

Blue’s Family Restaurant

Freeman

Dry Creek Farm & Ranch

Dry Creek Farm & Ranch

Caputa

Sandy Swallow Gallery

Sandy Swallow Gallery

Hill City

The Knuckle Brewing Company

The Knuckle Brewing Company

Sturgis

Doubletree Gallery Framing, Gifts & Collectibles

Doubletree Gallery Framing, Gifts & Collectibles

Sisseton

Cubby’s Sports Bar & Grill

Cubby’s Sports Bar & Grill

Brookings

Roy’s Black Hills Twin Drive-In

Roy’s Black Hills Twin Drive-In

Hermosa

Andy’s Trail Rides

Andy’s Trail Rides

Lead

Baymont Inn & Suites

Baymont Inn & Suites

Spearfish

Oxbow Restaurant

Oxbow Restaurant

De Smet

JJ’s Axes & Ales

JJ’s Axes & Ales

Sioux Falls

WoodGrain Brewing Company

WoodGrain Brewing Company

Sioux Falls

Putters and Scoops

Putters and Scoops

Huron

River’s Edge at The Landing

River’s Edge at The Landing

Yankton

Mama’s Phried & Phillys

Mama’s Phried & Phillys

Sioux Falls

Great Faces. Great Places.

South Dakota is an incredibly unique state in that each region offers a completely different experience then the others. Check out each of the regions to see what each has to offer!

Badlands

Western South Dakota

Featuring the Black Hills, Badlands, the Sturgis Rally. This region tends to be the most popular.

CENTRAL REGION

This region of South Dakota offers some of the best hunting and fishing in the entire central US. 

Eastern Region

The eastern region is home to the largest city in the state and provides visitors with a true "prairie" experience.