Top 10 Reasons To Live In Yankton
1. Recreational Activities
Yankton’s proximity to the Missouri River and Lewis & Clark Lake, along with Lake Yankton, makes this city a prime destination for outdoor enthusiasts. During the summer months, Yankton is also buzzing with campers driving through town, on their way west to the number of campgrounds.
There are also a number of other in-town options, such as Riverside Park, Memorial Park, a dog park, a community garden, the Meridian walking bridge and the Auld-Brokaw Trail.
2. Healthcare Opportunities
Yankton, for a town of just over 15,000 citizens, is a healthcare hub, with both the number of opportunities and the access to quality care.
From Avera Sacred Heart Hospital to Yankton Medical Clinic to Lewis & Clark Family Medicine to Lewis & Clark Specialty Hospital, there is no shortage of option for people in need.
There is no shortage of options for doctors and physicians: Including medical students, residents, nursing students, PA and FNP students, radiologic technicians and CRNAs.
3. Athletic Opportunities
One can attend high school and college sporting events within a 5-minute drive of their home.
Yankton High School is one of the state’s most tradition-rich athletic programs, with one of the region’s top outdoor track complexes (Williams Field). Mount Marty College, an NAIA school, regularly competes with some of the top athletes and teams in the nation.
Yankton is also home to two golf courses, Fox Run and Hillcrest Country Club, that host a number of pro-ams and other tournaments throughout the year.
And if a family wants to see Division I athletic competition, the University of South Dakota in Vermillion is only a 25-minute drive on Highway 50.
4. Dining & Entertainment
From the number of events and options for eating, drinking and socializing, there is no shortage of things to do in Yankton.
This city is known regionally for its summer-time events, including Riverboat Days, Ribfest and Fourth of July festivities.
While there are a growing number of chain restaurants in Yankton, this city still boasts a wide array of locally-owned eateries and bars that have proven popular.
5. Education System
From four elementary schools to Yankton Middle School and on to Yankton High School, students in town — and from across the region — have access to quality education. Yankton is also home to Sacred Heart Elementary and Sacred Heart Middle School.
Those same students also have various opportunities available to them through the Regional Technical Education Center (RTEC), which is headquartered in Yankton.
6. Job Market
Eighteen percent of Yankton’s community workforce is involved in manufacturing.
That was one of the many statistics used by the Yankton Area Chamber of Commerce during South Dakota Manufacturing Week last October, and it only proves that this town has numerous options for prospective employees.
Many of those businesses in Yankton are always hiring, so there’s never a shortage of job opportunities.
7. Shopping Opportunities
Yankton residents rarely have to travel for to purchase what they need, thanks to the number of shopping locales in town.
Whether it’s one of three big box stores (KMart, Walmart and Menards), the Hy-Vee grocery store, Yankton Mall, or one of the many smaller locations, citizens rarely have to look elsewhere.
8. Media Landscape
From the radio a person turns on or a newspaper a person flips through, there are a number of ways in Yankton stay on top of the news.
This city is home to a number of FM and AM radio stations (WNAX, KYNT, KVHT, KDAM), and two newspapers, the Yankton Daily Press & Dakotan and the Yankton County Observer.
Residents are also able to access television channels from a 3-state region, South Dakota, Nebraska and Iowa.
9. Arts
The Yankton Area Arts Association, a non-profit organization, not only hosts a number of events every year but it educates the community on the variety of art-related activities in town.
The annual Summer Arts Festival, which boasts a variety of arts and craft vendors, is held in conjunction with Riverboat Days. In addition, the historic G.A.R. Hall provides a setting for exhibits and special meetings.
The Historic Downtown also highlights our RiverWalk statues which change annually and bring something special for those enjoying our quaint downtown district.
10. Archery Hub
Five years ago, this may have not appeared on a top 10 list for this city, but the National Field Archery Association (NFAA) based in Yankton continues to grow and in the process attracts a number of international events.
The highlight for the national headquarter’s 8-year stay in Yankton is this summer’s World Archery Youth Championships. The international tournament will attract approximately 600 archers from 60-70 countries.
The Easton Yankton Archery Center also hosts a number of other national tournaments during the year, including the First Dakota Classic in the spring.
In addition to those events, the complex boasts a growing number of youth programs and other opportunities for younger archers — including a club team at Mount Marty College.
Yankton is considered a year-round destination for fun! And there is definitely something for everyone to enjoy. A hike or bike ride on one of the many trails is not only healthy but the sights you can take in while enjoying it are truly breath-taking, in town as well as out by the lake.
A family picnic at Riverside Park and a walk across the Meridian Bridge can also be a relaxing and fun activity. And when you’re done you can visit one of the many fine museums, shops or restaurants in Yankton.
There are so many fantastic sites and attractions in and around Yankton, you won’t want to miss any of them.