Things To Do
Gavins Point Dam
Gavins Point Dam and Lewis & Clark Lake (the reservoir behind the dam) straddle the Nebraska/South Dakota border and are nestled in the golden, chalkstone-lined valley of the Missouri River and has grown into one of the most popular recreation spots in the Great Plains.
The Meridian District - Historic Downtown Yankton
Spend a couple of hours in the Meridian District and you’ll discover specialty gifts, clothing, and antique shops, as well as art galleries, home furnishing, decorating and business services, food, drink, entertainment, a variety of overnight accommodations, the Mighty MO, and of course, The Meridian Bridge.
Valiant Vineyards Winery & Distillery
Visit South Dakota’s oldest winery, located just minutes from downtown Vermillion. Stop in, and one of our wine experts will guide you through an original South Dakota wine experience. The spectacular setting overlooking the Missouri River valley offers a relaxing escape from the ordinary. While at the winery, enjoy the hospitality of the Buffalo Run Resort, where overnight guests experience a unique bed and breakfast. Valiant Vineyards is the perfect place to start or end your day.
Mead Museum/Dakota Territorial Museum
In 2018, the Dakota Territorial Museum relocated to the Mead Cultural Education Center, a historic building on the South Dakota Human Services Center Campus. Built in 1909, this building is a great addition to the wonderful collection the museum already holds. View the “Journeying Forward: Connecting Cultures with Lewis and Clark” exhibit – an in-depth look into Corps of Discovery’s journey west. The Children’s Transportation Museum offers kids of all ages the experience of what it was like to journey to Yankton by river, wagon, train, auto, and plane.
The Ice House
Shortly after Prohibition, beer was sold there, and it became a fixture of Yankton. It is one of the only bars in the country with a carhop service. However, most people prefer to sit on the “dock” in front of the Ice House while enjoying a beverage and partake in the tradition of smashing empty bottles against the brick wall beneath it.
Ben's Brewing Co.
In 2005, Ben Hanten started The Hugh Glass Bar in downtown Yankton. It quickly gained a reputation as one of the best places in the region to grab a drink. In 2007, Ben changed the name to Ben's and years later the bar became a brewery and is now known as Ben's Brewing Co.
Fantle Memorial Park
The Fantle Memorial Park is home to the Huether Family Aquatics Center which is open during the months of June, July and part of August, weather permitting. The park also offers play structures, swings, lighted pedestrian trails, sand volleyball courts, and an 18-hole disc golf course. Visit www.cityofyankton.org to view and print the course scorecard. Bring your own discs, no fee required.
Fox Run Golf Course
City purchased land from the State of South Dakota in 1989. Course construction started in June 1991. Fox Run Golf Course opened in April of 1993 and was operated by the City until 2018. Facilities include practice putting green, practice chipping green, practice sand bunker, driving range, and pro-shop with food and beverage service.
Lewis & Clark State Park & Water Recreation
Lake Yankton is about 250 acres with camping around the lake area. The lake has a “Gas Motors Prohibited” wake rule, which makes it great for fishing, kayaking and canoeing.