Things to Do in Yankton.

Outdoor recreation, festivals, dining, and community life in a city of 15,000 on the Missouri River.

For a city of 15,000, Yankton punches well above its weight when it comes to recreation, culture, and things to do. From world-class archery tournaments to boating on Lewis & Clark Lake, from historic downtown charm to annual festivals, there is always something happening here.

Water & Outdoor

Boating on Lewis & Clark Lake
Fishing (walleye, bass, catfish)
Sandy swim beaches at the state park
Kayaking and paddleboarding
Missouri River float trips

Trails & Parks

Meridian Bridge pedestrian bridge
12+ miles of paved bike trails
Riverside Park along the river
Lewis & Clark Recreation Area trails
Disc golf and archery range

Arts & Culture

Yankton Area Arts Association
Dakota Territorial Museum
Meridian Bridge art installations
Historic downtown architecture
Mount Marty University events

Festivals & Events

Riverboat Days (annual summer festival)
Yankton Parade of Lights (winter)
Lewis & Clark Rendezvous
Farmer's markets
High school and university sports

Where Locals Go

Meridian District Downtown

Shopping & Dining

Douglas Ave and Walnut St core. Market at the Meridian (Saturdays), Music at the Meridian (Thursdays), G.A.R. Hall Gallery monthly exhibitions.

20+

shops

Lewis & Clark Recreation Area

Lake & Outdoor

10 miles south. 400 campsites, boat ramps, beaches. Walleye and catfish fishing. Kayaking, disc golf, hiking/biking. Ice fishing in winter.

31,400

acres

NFAA Easton Archery Complex

Sports

World's largest indoor archery venue. 28 lanes, pro shop, rentals, lessons. Annual tournaments draw national competitors.

1,000+

competitors

Riverside Park

Parks

Downtown on the Missouri River. Playgrounds, splash pad, trails, concerts, fireworks. Home of Riverboat Days in August.

300

seat amphitheater

Annual Events

Riverboat Days

August (3rd weekend)

Carnival, live music, fireworks, governor's buffalo feed

Czech Days

May (Tabor, 20 min north)

Czech heritage parade, traditional food, polka music

4th of July

July 4

Fireworks from Meridian Bridge over the Missouri River

Holiday Festival of Lights

November - December

Winter light displays and holiday events

Market at the Meridian

Saturdays (summer)

Fresh produce, crafts, live music downtown

Music at the Meridian

Thursdays (summer)

Free concerts in Riverside Park

Dining & Breweries

Levee Street Steak & Lounge

Steaks, riverside views

Bro Brgr Bar

17 burger options

Charlie's Pizza

Serving since 1958

Ben's Brewing Co.

Craft beer, live music

6th Meridian

Open-air beer garden, farm-to-brew

Muddy Mo's Coffee

Downtown coffee shop

Common Questions

What about year-round activities?

Lewis & Clark Lake offers winter ice fishing, the trail system is open year-round, and the archery center is indoor. Music at Meridian runs through the warmer months.

Best family events?

Riverboat Days, 4th of July fireworks, and Market at the Meridian (free, every Saturday) are the highlights for families.

How do you access the lake?

Boat ramps and campsites at Lewis & Clark Recreation Area (fees apply). The trail system connects the lake to downtown Yankton.