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

White River Drive-In

White River Drive-In

White River

Richie Z’s Brickhouse BBQ & Grill

Richie Z’s Brickhouse BBQ & Grill

Pierre

Corn Palace Gift Shop

Corn Palace Gift Shop

Mitchell

Big D’s Timeout Sports Bar & Grill

Big D’s Timeout Sports Bar & Grill

Huron

Sage Meadow Ranch

Sage Meadow Ranch

Hot Springs

Granary Rural Cultural Center

Granary Rural Cultural Center

Groton

Millstone Family Restaurant II

Millstone Family Restaurant II

Rapid City

Black Hills Bagels

Black Hills Bagels

Rapid City

Hartford Steak Co.

Hartford Steak Co.

Vermillion

Grey Goose Store & Social Club

Grey Goose Store & Social Club

Pierre

Camille’s Sidewalk Cafe

Camille’s Sidewalk Cafe

Sioux Falls

Lewie’s Saloon and Eatery

Lewie’s Saloon and Eatery

Lead

Fox Run Golf Course

Fox Run Golf Course

Yankton

Cousins Pub & Pizza

Cousins Pub & Pizza

Deadwood

Musekamp’s Grill & Pub

Musekamp’s Grill & Pub

Rapid City

Someday Cafe

Someday Cafe

Baltic

Daily Clean Food & Drink

Daily Clean Food & Drink

Sioux Falls

Minervas Restaurant & Bar

Minervas Restaurant & Bar

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.