City Highlight | Yankton

YANKTON YANKTON THRIVE

When we ask visitors what they like about Yankton, we receive lots of responses: Lewis and Clark Lake, the Meridian Bridge, the Missouri River, great dining, shopping, and night life. While these are all great representations of what our city has to offer, the other answer people frequently provide is simply, “The people are so friendly and welcoming.”

With its easy access beaches, shoreline, and mesmerizing chalkstone bluffs, Lewis and Clark Lake and Lewis and Clark Recreation Area draw more than two million visitors each year. The lake is fantastic for swimming, sailing, boating, jet skiing, skiing, wakeboarding, and fishing in the spring, early summer, and fall. A total of seven beaches line the northern shoreline within the state park’s boundaries.

The water just keeps on flowing below Gavins Point Dam where open water fi shing can be enjoyed year-round – and not just for anglers, either. In December and January (sometimes into February), several bald eagles fl y to the dam to fi sh since their normal habitat is frozen. It’s not uncommon to see more than 20 eagles hunting on a good afternoon below the dam. Yankton is also home to some nesting pairs of bald eagles who reside here throughout the year.

The city of Yankton is nestled along the shores of the Missouri River and has a history rich in Riverboat stories, Native American lore and, of course, the journey of Lewis and Clark.

If you’re a foodie or a self-styled brew connoisseur, you’ll be in luck in Yankton with two phenomenal local craft breweries – Ben’s Brew Station and Brewery and Backspace Brewery. Restaurant options include many locally owned and unique bistros and cafés, along with choice ranging from elegant dining to quirky food joints and food trucks. If you’re a fan of live music, you will fi nd it almost nightly during the summer months and Thursday-Saturday nights in the winter.

To complement our unique community amenities, we also have a variety of career opportunities if you are considering a move to Yankton. We offer top-notch healthcare options along with a school district that offers free preschool. We value our youth and the vibrancy they bring to our community. We invite you to take a look at all Yankton has to offer and visit us soon. We can’t wait to meet you! ■

PHOTOS: Top: HUETHER FAMILY AQUATICS CENTER, City of Yankton (opened 2021). Middle: RIVER CITY RELICS, Drew Delvaux owner. Bottom: MISSOURI RIVER, Yankton Thrive