Yankton, Dakota Territory was a river port, territorial capital and rollicking frontier outpost. That same spirit thrives today amidst the century-old architecture and culture of a modern city of 15,000. Enjoy restaurants and bars in the Meridian District, where riverboat captains once headquartered. Our entire downtown is on the National Registry of Historic Places and many of the 100-plus old buildings are open to the public.

Yankton has more than 50 places to dine, including wonderful family establishments that have been here for generations like the Black Steer steakhouse, Tastee Treet (a pioneer of the drive-up that specializes in what we call a “tavern”); and Charlie’s Pizza, a 1959 classic that ranks among the West’s best pizzerias. Go to visityanktonsd.com for a full listing.

We are a river town. The last wild stretch of the 2,341-mile Missouri River flows past us (the river is dammed to the north and channeled to the south.) Explore that history at the Mead Cultural Center or the Missouri National Recreational River headquarters (508 E. 2nd). Tour Gavins Point Dam, tube or canoe the river or rent a pontoon on Lewis & Clark Lake. Tubers, canoeists & kayakers like to float from just below the dam to Riverside Park downtown. Depending on the wind, the journey takes 90-120 minutes.

Explore a renaissance underway in The Meridian District, our old-town entertainment and retail center by the river. Walk (l.2 miles both ways) a 1924 double-decker steel bridge that rises high over the Missouri. Peruse dozens of little shops (including a stretch of women’s clothing stores). Experience river nightlife with two local breweries, an axe-throwing venue, live music on weekends and cozy nooks with cocktails and good food.

DID YOU KNOW? Our Meridian District takes its name from U.S. Highway 81, aka the Meridian Highway which follows the 97th meridian from Canada to Mexico.

Begin with a “build your own” omelet at Willa B’s bistro. Walk it off by hiking the nearby Meridian Bridge, then shop the Meridian District. Lunch at El Tapatio (true Mexican dining) or several family diners on Broadway. For history, visit the Mead Museum or drive to the Nebraska side of the lake to see the Lewis & Clark Visitor’s Center. Tour the Gavins Point powerhouse, visit the G.A.R. Art Gallery (508 Douglas) and Mount Marty University’s Bede Art Gallery. Walk the historic residential district (northeast of downtown) or Riverside Park, which features outdoor sculptures and a replica of the territorial capital.

How much do we like kids? We just built a $12 million outdoor aquatics park (Douglas & 19th). A splash pad is free at the foot of the walking bridge. The Karttrax Family Fun Park by the lake has go-carts and miniature golf. We keep a “wild” duck and geese flock in Westside Park just so kids can feed them. And while all our restaurants are kid friendly, Czeckers Bar & Grill serves “mac and cheese” and actually encourages young diners to get up and run about!

OK, most of our politicians left when we lost the territorial capital in 1883. But now we’re the archery capital of the USA, and archers are straightshooters so it’s not a bad trade. The National Field Archery Association’s headquarters on East Highway 50 offers classes, leagues and activities for youth and adults.

Our river valley’s premier event is Riverboat Days, a three-day extravaganza of music, food, arts and crafts, kids’ activities and comradery held the third weekend of August. The celebration attracts tens of thousands of fun-seeking families. In summer, enjoy Tuesday night concerts in the bandstand at Riverside Park and Thursday night music and fun at the foot of the walking bridge. Check our South Dakota Magazine calendar for all area events.

Experience Yankton’s rich agricultural culture. Sit in on a cattle sale at Stockmen’s Livestock (Tuesdays and other special days). Find amazing homemade brats, hot dogs and jerky at Kleinschmit’s (406 E. 3rd), a family meat shop. Visit our festive farmers market (2nd & Douglas) every Saturday morning (April to October).

When a Deadwood jury found McCall innocent, he was brought here, tried and hung in 1877. The courthouse still stands at Third & Capitol (see marker on east side) and the place where he was jailed is at Fifth & Douglas. Another historic marker is at the hanging site, north of Walmart in the soccer park.

Bring binoculars. Our prairies, river valley and hill country attract lots of birds, migratory and year-round. Eagles winter near the river, and some now nest here. Waterfowl hang out in Westside Park; they’re so tame you can photograph and feed them. Hike trails along the lake and river west of town for the best birding but explore wherever you see trees or water.

Got time for a short drive? Leave Yankton on Whiting Street (aka Old Highway 50), travel a few miles to Mission Hill and look for the old, weathered statue of Abraham Lincoln. Return to Old 50 and proceed east. You are now in the “hay capital of the world,” because the flat river bottomland is ideal for alfalfa. During haying season, stop the car and enjoy the aroma. Big round hay bales weigh about 1,000 pounds and the small squares are 100 pounds. Hungry yet? The friendly Hay Shed on Gayville’s main street has morning sweets and noon specials. Return to Yankton on “new” U.S. Highway 50.

Leave town on Eighth Street (which becomes State Hwy 52) to the lake. Visit the free aquarium on the left (in summer), pass by the marina and look for three big crosses on a hilltop marking the House of Mary Shrine, a tranquil place hosted by local Catholics who welcome anyone seeking a bit of tranquility. Follow Highway 52 to the Gavins Point exit and take a hike on Chalk Bluffs Trail, with great views of the lake. Return on Highway 52 and enjoy refreshments at Stringers, Cottonwood Corral or the Marina Bar & Grill — all popular “river rat” hangouts.