Yankton
Thanks to its prime location on the Missouri River, Yankton is a place where everyone seems to go with the flow. Sailboats skim across the waters of Lewis and Clark Lake west of town. Campers enjoy the cottonwood-shaded parks, while anglers try their luck above and below Gavins Point Dam. Lewis and Clark, General Custer and famous steamboat captains all passed through the Yankton area in the early days. Today, the bustling little town on the Mighty Mo is a recreation hot spot, with hundreds of miles of water available for endless outdoor fun.
Top Things to Do in Yankton
Experience the outdoors at Lewis and Clark State Recreation Area, a popular park with sandy beaches, campsites, cabins, marinas with boat rentals, fishing spots and even a horse camp — all surrounding the 25-mile Lewis and Clark Lake. On the eastern end, wander crowd-free trails and see the aquarium at Gavins Point National Fish Hatchery. Nearby, the Missouri National Recreational River is a must-visit for nature lovers, with miles of hiking trails, untouched wildlife areas and prime bird-watching.
Yankton served as the capital of Dakota Territory until South Dakota became a state in 1889. Learn about this and other aspects of Yankton’s history at the Mead Museum, or tour the 1886 Cramer-Kenyon Heritage Home. Walk or bike the Meridian Bridge, a historic landmark turned pedestrian path, and then browse the boutiques, galleries and restaurants of the Meridian District — home to vibrant murals, lively events and riverfront parks.
The NFAA Easton Yankton Archery Center holds the distinction of being the world’s largest archery facility. Archers of all levels are welcome to explore the 100-acre campus, which includes outdoor field ranges, a 3D range with a 40-foot elevated platform, indoor tennis courts and an indoor air rifle range.
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Annual Festivals & Events in Yankton
- Yankton’s Riverboat Days and Summer Arts Festival is an extravaganza everyone should experience, full of parades, fireworks, entertainment, bull-riding competitions, car shows and more family-friendly fun.
- Kick off summer at Yankton Ribfest, held downtown on historic Third Street. This one-day throwdown pits the area’s best amateur barbecue cooks against one other. Although you won’t be able to sample the competition ribs, you can enjoy other local eats and free outdoor concerts.
- Calling all riders: the Rock-N-Rumble Motorcycle Rally is the event for you. From live music and food vendors to poker runs and a motorcycle parade across the Meridian Bridge, this rally gets bigger and better every year.
- If you’re in Yankton in the fall, celebrate the season at the Harvest Halloween Festival. Take in ghost stories, trick-or-treating, Halloween-themed games and spooky flicks at the Dakota Theatre.
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Where to Stay & Eat in Yankton
Whether you crave a lakeside resort experience, a cozy B&B or a night spent relaxing around a campfire, lodging options abound in the Yankton area.
The city's diverse (and delicious) dining scene caters to many tastes. Grab a slice of South Dakota’s best pizza (according to the Food Network) at Charlie’s Pizza House. Have dinner with a side of sweeping Missouri River views at Levee Street Steak & Lounge or build a handheld masterpiece at Big River Burrito Company. Beer aficionados should check out Ben’s Brewing Co. and its sister establishment, Ben's Brew Station, to try more than 20 beers on tap. For a unique experience, see the locally grown hops that fuel the region’s buzzing craft beer scene at 6th Meridian Hop Farm.
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