Yankton South DakotaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Yankton, South Dakota.
1. Lewis and Clark Recreation Area
LAKESIDE OUTDOOR PARADISE
Lewis and Clark Recreation Area is a popular park surrounding the 25-mile Lewis and Clark Lake with sandy beaches, campsites, and cabins. Visitors can enjoy marinas with boat rentals, fishing spots, and even a horse camp. The recreation area offers endless outdoor fun with hundreds of miles of water available for activities.
2. Meridian Highway Bridge
HISTORIC PEDESTRIAN PATHWAY
Meridian Highway Bridge is a historic landmark that has been transformed into a pedestrian path crossing the Missouri River. Visitors can walk or bike across this unique bridge while enjoying scenic views of the river. The bridge connects to the vibrant Meridian District, which features boutiques, galleries, and restaurants.
3. Missouri National Recreational River
WILD RIVER EXPERIENCE
Missouri National Recreational River is a must-visit for nature lovers with miles of hiking trails along the Mighty Mo. The area features untouched wildlife areas and prime bird-watching opportunities. Visitors can experience the natural beauty of one of America's longest rivers in its relatively undisturbed state.
4. Cramer-Kenyon Heritage Home
VICTORIAN ARCHITECTURAL GEM
The Cramer-Kenyon Heritage Home is an 1886 historic house that offers tours showcasing Yankton's rich past. This beautifully preserved home gives visitors a glimpse into life during Dakota Territory's formative years. The home features period furnishings and architecture representative of Yankton's prosperous early days.
5. Lewis and Clark Visitor Center
EXPEDITION HISTORY HUB
The Lewis and Clark Visitor Center provides educational exhibits about the famous expedition that passed through the Yankton area. Visitors can learn about the Corps of Discovery's journey along the Missouri River and the significance of this region to their expedition. The center offers interpretive displays and panoramic views of Lewis and Clark Lake and Gavins Point Dam.
6. Gavin's Point National Fish Hatchery
AQUATIC CONSERVATION CENTER
Gavin's Point National Fish Hatchery features crowd-free trails and an aquarium showcasing local aquatic species. Visitors can learn about fish conservation efforts and the importance of maintaining healthy river ecosystems. The hatchery is located near the eastern end of Lewis and Clark Lake, making it a perfect addition to a day of outdoor exploration.
7. Riverside Park
RIVERFRONT RECREATION AREA
Riverside Park offers beautiful views of the Missouri River with plenty of space for picnics and outdoor activities. The park serves as a gathering place for community events and provides easy access to the river. Visitors can enjoy the peaceful setting while watching boats and wildlife along the water.
8. Fantle Memorial Park
FAMILY-FRIENDLY GREEN SPACE
Fantle Memorial Park is a beloved community space offering recreational opportunities for visitors of all ages. The park features well-maintained grounds with playgrounds, picnic areas, and open spaces for activities. Families particularly enjoy the park's amenities and relaxed atmosphere.
9. NFAA Easton Yankton Archery Center
WORLD-CLASS ARCHERY FACILITY
The NFAA Easton Yankton Archery Center holds the distinction of being the world's largest archery facility, welcoming archers of all skill levels. The 100-acre campus includes outdoor field ranges, a 3D range with a 40-foot elevated platform, indoor tennis courts, and an indoor air rifle range. Visitors can try their hand at archery or watch competitions at this world-renowned facility.
10. Dakota Territorial Museum
REGIONAL HISTORY COLLECTION
The Dakota Territorial Museum, relocated to the historic Mead Building in 2018, shares the region's rich history through a series of engaging exhibits. Visitors can explore displays on Native American life, Lewis and Clark's expedition, and pioneer experiences in the Dakota Territory. The museum provides insight into Yankton's importance as the former capital of Dakota Territory until South Dakota became a state in 1889.
11. G.A.R. Hall Gallery
HISTORIC ART VENUE
The G.A.R. Hall Gallery is housed in a mid-Victorian Italianate-style building constructed by Civil War veterans in 1887. Today, the gallery hosts rotating art exhibits featuring work by world-renowned, local, and regional artists. The venue also displays a collection of antique furniture related to the area's history, including a table used during the Jack McCall trial at the territorial courthouse.
12. Yankton Historic Homes Tour
ARCHITECTURAL TIME CAPSULE
The Yankton Historic Homes Tour showcases some of the city's best-preserved historic houses built in the early 1870s. Visitors can experience this interactive tour either walking or driving through neighborhoods featuring homes in various architectural styles, including Italianate, cottage, and Queen Anne. These historic residences were built by military generals, bankers, and railroad tycoons, offering a fascinating glimpse into Yankton's prosperous past.
13. Living History Town
PIONEER LIFE RECREATION
The Living History Town at Westside Park allows visitors to tour historical buildings that showcase early pioneer life in Yankton. The outdoor museum features structures such as an old schoolhouse, railroad depot, and blacksmith shop that have been preserved or reconstructed. Eventually, these buildings will be relocated to the new Heritage Park at the Dakota Territorial Museum, continuing to tell the story of Yankton's early days.
14. Meridian District
DOWNTOWN SHOPPING HUB
The Meridian District in downtown Yankton features a collection of boutiques, galleries, and restaurants for visitors to explore. This vibrant area is home to colorful murals, lively events, and riverfront parks that showcase the city's cultural scene. After crossing the Meridian Bridge, tourists can spend hours browsing unique shops and enjoying local cuisine in this historic district.
15. Custer State Park
WILDLIFE AND WILDERNESS
Custer State Park, located a few hours from Yankton, is one of South Dakota's premier attractions with nearly 71,000 acres of breathtaking landscapes. Visitors can drive the Wildlife Loop Road to spot the park's famous bison herd, pronghorn, elk, and the friendly burros known as the 'begging burros.' The park offers excellent hiking, fishing, and camping opportunities amid scenic granite spires and clear mountain lakes.