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  • Writer's pictureTammy Bashore

Where to Stay and Eat in Yankton, South Dakota

I love a good combination of staying at a quiet state park resort and then going into town to eat at local restaurants.

View of Meridian Bridge on the South Dakota side looking over the Missouri River
Meridian Bridge in Yankton, SD

Where is the best place to stay when visiting Yankton, South Dakota?

The Lewis & Clark Resort is a privately owned resort within the Lewis & Clark State Park. The resort includes cabins, cottages, a lodge, motel rooms, and campsites and is open year-round. Other amenities include a heated pool, fire pits with Adirondack chairs, basketball hoops, sand volleyball, and bike rentals.


You will have easy access to the marina, bike path, and public beaches, all just steps away during your stay. Rent an E-bike from the office to easily explore the bike bath and lake shoreline!


Note: You will need a state park pass in order to stay at the resort, which can be obtained from the office.


What are the best places to eat in Yankton, South Dakota?

#1 :: Willa B's Bistro is located close to the Meridian Bridge Plaza. This restaurant is named after the mother of one of the co-owners, a thrifty survivor of the Great Depression! The restaurant includes both indoor and outdoor seating. The furniture is an eclectic mix of vintage tables and chairs that are sure to remind you of Grandma's kitchen! Highly recommend a half Tres Cheese Panini with cup of Tomato Basil soup!


#2 :: Tastee Treet Drive Inn is an old fashioned drive-in restaurant and the perfect location for an afternoon sweet treat! You can go indoors to sit in their small storefront space or enjoy your food from the comfort of your vehicle! I ordered a small cotton candy shake and had it gone in no time! Wishing I had ordered a medium instead! Pro tip: Pull right in under the awning for a unique nostalgic drive-in experience!


#3 :: Charlie's Pizza is considered the oldest pizza house in South Dakota, has been a staple restaurant in Yankton, SD since 1959, and named Best Pizza in South Dakota by Food Network Magazine. The menu includes many one-of-a-kind pizza combinations or the option to create your own. The interior has a dive bar feel, but don't let that fool you because the food is top-notch!


The Lewis & Clark Resort is the perfect place to unwind after a long day of exploring. Choosing to eat at local restaurants - Charlie's Pizza, Tastee Treet, and Willa B's - means that your spending helps support small businesses, fostering a more sustainable and vibrant community.


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