Things to Do Near the Missouri River

With approximately 10 miles of paved trails inside the city limits and connecting to 20+ miles of trails outside the city, the Auld-Brokaw Trail provides opportunities for vigorous exercise, family walks, bike riding, leisurely strolls, and it meets a transportation need of getting from one place to another around Yankton without using a motorized vehicle. The majority of the trail is along the Marne Creek. The trail also connects a few of the 14 parks found in Yankton.

Springfield Recreation Area is nestled along the shore with breathtaking views of the Missouri River in southeastern South Dakota. Adjacent to the park overlooking the river is a beautiful nine-hole golf course and a bike trail connects the park to the town of Springfield. Facilities include 20 campsites, two camping cabins, a fishing dock, a boat ramp, a picnic shelter and a playground.

The NFAA Easton Yankton Archery Center in Yankton is the largest archery center in the world. Every archery format and range is available for archers of all ages and skill levels, from beginners to professionals. Situated on nearly 100 acres, the center includes three outdoor field ranges, a 3-D range with a 40-foot elevated platform, two FITA ranges, a 90-meter indoor range, two classrooms, a fitness studio, indoor tennis courts, and indoor air rifle. We are open to the public year-round.

Located in Yankton's historical riverfront district, the 1886 Cramer-Kenyon Heritage Home has the architectural design of Eastlake Stick Style with an elegant Queen Anne interior. The home is open to the public for guided tours from Memorial Day (late May) through Labor Day (early September), Wednesday through Sunday, 1-4 p.m. During the off season, tours may be scheduled by reservation. Admission is $7 for adults (age 12 and older) and $3 for students (under age 12). See our Facebook page for special events and activities.

Lake Francis Case - one of four Missouri River reservoirs in South Dakota - draws visitors to Snake Creek State Recreation Area near Platte. The park is popular with boaters and anglers, as well those looking for scenic beauty along the Missouri River. History buffs will enjoy knowing that the Lewis and Clark expedition traveled through the area, where they were told to watch for "burning bluffs" along the river. The park is open year-round. Between October 1 and April 30, showers, flush toilets and other water systems may be closed. Reservations may be made online for the campground, which includes more than 80 campsites and five camping cabins.

The Outpost is Lake Oahe's finest fishing and hunting lodge overlooking Cow Creek Bay. Our guests enjoy comfortable accommodations and fine dining in the unique atmosphere of the Lodge. Located just 15 miles north of Pierre, accommodations include houses, cabins and camp sites. The restaurant is open year-round for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and it specializes in charbroiled steaks and BBQ ribs. Fishing and hunting guide services are available, and there is a convenience store and bait shop.

The Dakota Plains Gallery & Gifts in downtown Chamberlain provides a venue for artists to showcase and market their work. The gallery also features artists who provide gallery talks, cultural classes, storytelling and author signings. The Dakota Indian Foundation is a non-profit organization that created the Dakota Plains Gallery for the purpose of promoting economic development for local tribal artists. Every purchase is a donation toward academic scholarships and grants that preserve Dakota culture. Business hours are 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Painted by famous Native American artist Oscar Howe in 1942, with the help of a two-week furlough from the federal government, the ten life-sized murals that grace the walls of the Mobridge Auditorium never fail to inspire visitors. The Auditorium is on the National Register of Historic Places as a WPA project from 1939. Free tours are available Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., via the Mobridge Area Chamber of Commerce in the on-site Visitor's Center and by appointment on the weekends.

The Sitting Bull and Sakakawea Monuments stand in a remote spot on SD Highway 1806, two miles southwest of Mobridge, overlooking the Missouri River. Although there is some contention, many believe this to be the final resting place of Native American spiritual and social leader, Sitting Bull. Sitting Bull's Monument was sculpted by Korczak Ziolkowski, known for Crazy Horse Memorial in the Black Hills. The Sakakawea Monument was created with funds raised by Mobridge school children in the 1920s.