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

Mary Jo Wegner Arboretum & East Sioux Falls Historic Site

Mary Jo Wegner Arboretum & East Sioux Falls Historic Site

Sioux Falls

Legion Lake Lodge

Legion Lake Lodge

Custer

Belle Fourche Country Club

Belle Fourche Country Club

Belle Fourche

The Broadwater Bar

The Broadwater Bar

Wentworth

The Pub House

The Pub House

Madison

The Pheasant Restaurant & Lounge

The Pheasant Restaurant & Lounge

Brookings

Flow and Paddle

Flow and Paddle

Sioux Falls

Wileys

Wileys

Sioux Falls

Manolis Grocery

Manolis Grocery

Huron

605 Balloon Ride

605 Balloon Ride

Sioux Falls

Visitor Information Center at Falls Park

Visitor Information Center at Falls Park

Sioux Falls

Flavor Indian & Asian Fare

Flavor Indian & Asian Fare

Brookings

Mochavino

Mochavino

Madison

Flyboy Donuts

Flyboy Donuts

Sioux Falls

Wine Time on Main

Wine Time on Main

Sioux Falls

Pierre Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

Pierre Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

Pierre

Motion Unlimited Museum and Antique Car Lot

Motion Unlimited Museum and Antique Car Lot

Rapid City

Quality Inn

Quality Inn

Mitchell

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.