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

Black Hills Glass Blowers

Black Hills Glass Blowers

Keystone

The Hillside Steakhouse & BluCabana Bar

The Hillside Steakhouse & BluCabana Bar

Wentworth

Caputa Alpacas

Caputa Alpacas

Rapid City

D.C. Booth Historic National Fish Hatchery & Archives

D.C. Booth Historic National Fish Hatchery & Archives

Spearfish

Micro Doughnuts

Micro Doughnuts

Brookings

State Theatre

State Theatre

Sioux Falls

Coffea Roasterie & Espresso Bar

Coffea Roasterie & Espresso Bar

Sioux Falls

Dry Creek Farm & Ranch

Dry Creek Farm & Ranch

Caputa

Porter Sculpture Park

Porter Sculpture Park

Montrose

Flags and Wheels Indoor Amusement Park

Flags and Wheels Indoor Amusement Park

Rapid City

Falls Park

Falls Park

Sioux Falls

The Meridian Bridge

The Meridian Bridge

Yankton

Shooters Wood Fire Grill

Shooters Wood Fire Grill

Rapid City

Millstone Family Restaurant

Millstone Family Restaurant

Rapid City

Camille’s Sidewalk Cafe

Camille’s Sidewalk Cafe

Sioux Falls

The Broadwater Bar

The Broadwater Bar

Wentworth

The Prairie Mermaid Boutique

The Prairie Mermaid Boutique

Brookings

Hay Camp Brewing Company

Hay Camp Brewing Company

Rapid City

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.