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

Swiftel Center

Swiftel Center

Brookings

Zymurcracy Beer Company

Zymurcracy Beer Company

Rapid City

Badlands Trading Post

Badlands Trading Post

Philip

EyeTime Promotions

EyeTime Promotions

Mellette

2nd Street Diner

2nd Street Diner

Madison

Arrowwood Cedar Shore Resort

Arrowwood Cedar Shore Resort

Oacoma

The Iron Mountain Road Store

The Iron Mountain Road Store

Keystone

Black Hills Contraband Distillery

Black Hills Contraband Distillery

Rapid City

The Silk Road Cafe

The Silk Road Cafe

Vermillion

John C. Green Art Gallery & Studio

John C. Green Art Gallery & Studio

Madison

Prairie Village

Prairie Village

Madison

The Custer Wolf Food & Drink

The Custer Wolf Food & Drink

Custer

Akela Spa of Deadwood

Akela Spa of Deadwood

Sturgis

The Meridian Bridge

The Meridian Bridge

Yankton

Mavericks Steak & Cocktails

Mavericks Steak & Cocktails

Aberdeen

Fort Pierre Chouteau Site

Fort Pierre Chouteau Site

Fort Pierre

Firehouse Brewing Company

Firehouse Brewing Company

Rapid City

Dry Creek Farm & Ranch

Dry Creek Farm & Ranch

Caputa

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.