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

Klinkeltown

Klinkeltown

Rapid City

Grey Goose Store & Social Club

Grey Goose Store & Social Club

Pierre

The Iron Mountain Road Store

The Iron Mountain Road Store

Keystone

Verendrye Site and Monument

Verendrye Site and Monument

Fort Pierre

Granite Sports

Granite Sports

Hill City

Union County Historical Society Museum

Union County Historical Society Museum

Elk Point

South Dakota Air and Space Museum

South Dakota Air and Space Museum

Rapid City

Wagon Wheel Bar & Grill

Wagon Wheel Bar & Grill

Interior

Camp Custer Log Cabins

Camp Custer Log Cabins

Custer

Joshua’s Coffee House

Joshua’s Coffee House

Hartford

Hansen Wheel & Wagon Shop

Hansen Wheel & Wagon Shop

Letcher

Oggie’s Sports Bar & Emporium

Oggie’s Sports Bar & Emporium

Deadwood

Black Hills Rally Weddings

Black Hills Rally Weddings

Lead

Belle Joli Winery Sparkling House

Belle Joli Winery Sparkling House

Sturgis

Holiday Inn Express & Suites

Holiday Inn Express & Suites

Custer

Phnom Penh Restaurant

Phnom Penh Restaurant

Sioux Falls

Cottonwood Bistro

Cottonwood Bistro

Brookings

Rodeway Inn

Rodeway Inn

Custer

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.