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

That Pickin Patch

That Pickin Patch

Humboldt

Sioux Pottery

Sioux Pottery

Rapid City

Moonshine Gulch Saloon

Moonshine Gulch Saloon

Rochford

Zymurcracy Beer Company

Zymurcracy Beer Company

Rapid City

Fox Run Golf Course

Fox Run Golf Course

Yankton

Old Lumber Company Grill and Bar

Old Lumber Company Grill and Bar

Vermillion

Greatest Show on H20 at Catfish Bay

Greatest Show on H20 at Catfish Bay

Sioux Falls

Josiah’s Coffeehouse and Cafe

Josiah’s Coffeehouse and Cafe

Sioux Falls

CJ’s Patisserie

CJ’s Patisserie

Aberdeen

Hickok’s Hotel and Casino

Hickok’s Hotel and Casino

Deadwood

Game On!

Game On!

Rapid City

Rodeway Inn

Rodeway Inn

Keystone

Rusty Spur

Rusty Spur

Murdo

Bourbon-County Speakeasy

Bourbon-County Speakeasy

Hot Springs

Best Of The West Tours

Best Of The West Tours

Rapid City

Mineral Palace Hotel and Gaming

Mineral Palace Hotel and Gaming

Deadwood

1905 Opera House

1905 Opera House

Wessington Springs

Oggie’s Sports Bar & Emporium

Oggie’s Sports Bar & Emporium

Deadwood

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.