Cities and Towns in Yankton County, South Dakota
Founded in 1862, Yankton County is one of 66 counties in the state of South Dakota. Historically, Yankton County was formed from unorganized territory. The city of Yankton is the county seat. With FIPS code of 135, Yankton County has a population of 23,297 and area of 522 square miles (1,352 km²).
List of all cities in Yankton County, SD alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Gayville, SD | 57031 | 605 |
| Janesville, SD | 57067 | 605 |
| Lesterville, SD | 57040 | 605 |
| Mission Hill, SD | 57046 | 605 |
| Utica, SD | 57067 | 605 |
| Volin, SD | 57072 | 605 |
| Yankton, SD | 57078 | 605 |
Major Cities and Towns in Yankton County, South Dakota
Yankton, South Dakota
Location and History
Yankton, the county seat of Yankton County, is located in southeastern South Dakota, near the confluence of the Missouri and James Rivers. Founded in 1859, it is one of the oldest cities in the state and played a crucial role in the early history of South Dakota. Originally settled by European pioneers, Yankton became the first capital of the Dakota Territory in 1861, prior to South Dakota’s statehood. The city grew rapidly as a center for trade, farming, and transportation, particularly with the establishment of steamboat trade along the Missouri River. The city served as an early hub for agriculture, especially wheat and corn farming, and later expanded into other industries as the railroad and later the highway systems connected Yankton to larger regional markets. Today, Yankton is known for its rich history, vibrant arts scene, and beautiful riverfront, making it a hub for both residents and tourists in southeastern South Dakota.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Yankton is served by the Yankton School District, which includes Yankton High School, Yankton Middle School, and several elementary schools. The city is also home to the University of South Dakota’s satellite campus, providing higher education opportunities to the region. Yankton’s downtown district features a mix of historic buildings, such as the Yankton County Courthouse, which reflects the city’s architectural heritage. The city is known for its riverfront, with the Lewis and Clark Recreation Area offering a range of outdoor activities such as boating, hiking, and camping. Notable landmarks include the Cangelosi Park, which features sports fields, a marina, and walking trails, and the Missouri River, which is central to the city’s historic development. The nearby Gavins Point Dam, located just south of Yankton, is a significant water management project that provides recreation, wildlife viewing, and flood control.
Key Statistics
- Area: 5.4 square miles
- Population: 15,000 (2020 census)
- Zip Codes: 57078
- Latitude: 42.8790° N
- Longitude: 97.3890° W
Mission Hill, South Dakota
Location and History
Mission Hill is a small town located in the southeastern part of Yankton County, approximately 15 miles south of Yankton, near the Missouri River. The town was founded in the late 19th century, primarily as a farming community and named after the nearby Catholic mission, which was established in the mid-1800s to serve the region’s Native American populations. Mission Hill grew as a center for agricultural trade, benefiting from its proximity to Yankton and the Missouri River. Over the years, it remained a quiet, rural community, with many of its residents engaged in farming, particularly crop production and livestock. The town’s population has remained relatively stable, and its rural character persists today. Mission Hill is known for its community spirit, with a strong emphasis on local agriculture and a close-knit atmosphere.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Mission Hill is part of the Yankton School District, with local children attending schools in Yankton. As a small town, Mission Hill doesn’t have its own schools, but it provides easy access to the educational facilities in Yankton. The town is home to a few small parks and community centers that host local events and gatherings. Key landmarks in the area include the Mission Hill Cemetery, which serves as a historical reminder of the area’s early settlers and Native American history. The town’s location along the Missouri River provides opportunities for fishing and boating, while the surrounding agricultural land adds to the area’s scenic beauty. Mission Hill is also close to the Lewis and Clark Recreation Area, which offers hiking, camping, and other outdoor activities, further enhancing the town’s recreational appeal.
Key Statistics
- Area: 0.3 square miles
- Population: 150 (2020 census)
- Zip Codes: 57046
- Latitude: 42.8891° N
- Longitude: 97.4560° W
Tabor, South Dakota
Location and History
Tabor is located in the northeastern part of Yankton County, about 18 miles north of Yankton. The town was established by Czech immigrants in the late 19th century and has maintained a strong Czech cultural heritage to this day. Tabor was founded in 1874, and its name is derived from Mount Tabor in the Holy Land, reflecting the religious significance of the early settlers. The town’s early growth was spurred by its agricultural roots, with wheat and corn as primary crops, along with a significant Czech-speaking population that brought its traditions, music, and food to the area. Tabor became a thriving community in the early 20th century, and its identity remains tied to its Czech roots. Today, Tabor is a small, rural town with a tight-knit community, known for its Czech heritage and local events that celebrate its cultural history.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Tabor is part of the Bon Homme School District, with children attending the Bon Homme High School and Tabor Elementary School. The town is home to the Tabor Historical Society Museum, which showcases the town’s Czech heritage and its role in the region’s agricultural history. The town’s most notable landmark is St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, which is a beautiful example of the town’s Czech heritage and serves as a central gathering place for the community. Tabor also hosts an annual Czech Days festival, which celebrates the town’s cultural roots with music, food, and traditional Czech dances. The surrounding farmlands are a scenic backdrop to the town, and the local area is known for its hiking, birdwatching, and outdoor recreational activities.
Key Statistics
- Area: 0.4 square miles
- Population: 450 (2020 census)
- Zip Codes: 57063
- Latitude: 42.9810° N
- Longitude: 97.5076° W
Utica, South Dakota
Location and History
Utica is a small town located in the southwestern part of Yankton County, approximately 14 miles west of Yankton. Founded in the late 19th century, Utica has always been a rural farming community, primarily known for its wheat and corn production. The town grew modestly over the years, benefiting from its location along major transportation routes, including nearby rail lines. Over time, Utica’s population remained small, but it retained its agricultural focus throughout the 20th century. The town’s history is marked by periods of boom and bust, as economic conditions fluctuated with the agricultural market. Today, Utica is a peaceful, rural town with a very small population and a close-knit community that continues to focus on farming and local industries.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Utica is part of the Yankton School District, with students attending schools in Yankton. There are no schools directly within Utica, but its proximity to Yankton allows residents access to educational opportunities in the larger city. The town itself features a few parks and community spaces, which host local events and gatherings, including the annual Utica Days festival, celebrating the town’s history and local culture. A major landmark near Utica is the historic Utica Lutheran Church, which is an integral part of the community’s heritage. The surrounding farmland provides a scenic backdrop to the town, and the area is known for its wide-open spaces, ideal for outdoor recreation, including hiking, wildlife watching, and farming-related activities.
Key Statistics
- Area: 0.3 square miles
- Population: 130 (2020 census)
- Zip Codes: 57067
- Latitude: 42.9996° N
- Longitude: 97.5629° W
