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

Midnight Star

Midnight Star

Deadwood

Four Mile Old West Town

Four Mile Old West Town

Custer

Glacial Lakes & Prairies Tourism Association

Glacial Lakes & Prairies Tourism Association

Watertown

The SandBar and Grill

The SandBar and Grill

Sioux Falls

Pierre Area Chamber of Commerce

Pierre Area Chamber of Commerce

Pierre

International Vinegar Museum

International Vinegar Museum

Roslyn

South Dakota Air and Space Museum

South Dakota Air and Space Museum

Rapid City

Minervas Sioux Falls

Minervas Sioux Falls

Sioux Falls

Lazy S-Y Lodge

Lazy S-Y Lodge

Glenham

Powder House Lodge & Restaurant

Powder House Lodge & Restaurant

Keystone

Miner Brewing Company and Prairie Berry Winery Taproom

Miner Brewing Company and Prairie Berry Winery Taproom

Sioux Falls

Putters and Scoops

Putters and Scoops

Huron

Mt. Rushmore Brewing Company

Mt. Rushmore Brewing Company

Custer

ROAM Kitchen + Bar

ROAM Kitchen + Bar

Sioux Falls

W. H. Over Museum

W. H. Over Museum

Vermillion

Pizza King

Pizza King

Brookings

Grand River Casino & Resort

Grand River Casino & Resort

Mobridge

Tri-State Museum

Tri-State Museum

Belle Fourche

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.