Once a transportation hub where boats arrived every hour along the Missouri River, Yankton has blossomed into a captivating waterfront town. Yankton remains steadfast in the history South Dakota for being a spot along the famed expeditions of Lewis and Clark as well as General Custer.
Its name is rooted in the area’s history as well. Yankton was named for the Yankton Sioux Tribe, who inhabited the region dating back to the early 1700s.
Now, this city, whose history is largely defined by transportation, is a place that transports visitors (figuratively) with its prosperous arts scene. Start off strong with a good night’s rest and book a room at one of the best places to stay in Yankton!
TL;DR Top Hotels In Yankton
| Name | Address | Type | Rating | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best Western Kelly Inn | 1607 SD-50, Yankton, SD 57078 | Hotel | 4.1 | $$ |
| Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Yankton | 508 W 21st St, Yankton, SD 57078 | Motel | 4.5 | $$ |
| Holiday Inn Express & Suites Yankton, an IHG Hotel | 2607 Broadway Avenue, Yankton, SD 57078 | Hotel | 4.4 | $$ |
| Econo Lodge Inn & Suites | 2410 Broadway Ave, Yankton, SD 57078 | Inn | 3.8 | $ |
| Comfort Inn Yankton SD | 611 West 23rd Street, Yankton, SD 57078, | Hotel | 4.1 | $ |
Best Places To Stay in Yankton
1. Lewis and Clark Resort
Address: 43496 Shore Drive, Yankton, SD 50708
A super budget-friendly option, the Lewis and Clark Resort may be a cheap hotel, but it’s big on amenities. This hotel features sandy beaches and has a seasonal heated outdoor pool, playground, and garden.
Guests can enjoy the hotel’s stainless steel grills for cooking, rent bikes to explore six miles of trails, or access a mountain of other games and gear. Some of the rooms even have kitchens for easy food prep.
It’s in the best location for families and couples to explore this fantastic area. Next door to the resort is a fully-equipped, full-service marina with fuel, picnic supplies, equipment and boat rental, and a restaurant.
Pros:
- Free wi-fi access
- Perfect for a family-friendly getaway
- Outdoor activities
- Pet-friendly
- Hiking nearby
Cons:
- Some rooms may be outdated
Things to Do Nearby:
See Related: Best Places to Visit & Things to Do in South Dakota
2. Yankton Inn
Close to Highway 50, the Yankton Inn is a perfect spot for guests on a road trip. With easy access to the highway, you can enjoy a rest before hitting the trail once again. Or you could spend a quiet weekend close enough to the main stretch of the city to enjoy it without the bustle of downtown outside your window.
The Yankton Inn has relatively few amenities, though the savings and proximity to nearby attractions are hard to beat. While there aren’t yard games or activities for the kids, the hotel is pet-friendly, with free parking and complimentary breakfast for guests.
Pros:
- Free wifi
- Free parking
- Pet-friendly
- Free breakfast
- Budget-friendly
Cons:
- No amenities like a pool or fitness center
Things to Do Nearby:
- Black Steer Restaurant (steakhouse)
- Riverside Park
3. Comfort Inn Yankton SD
Address: 611 W 23rd St, Yankton, SD
The Comfort Inn Yankton SD is another family-friendly getaway among the Yankton hotels. Nearby to a HyVee grocery store, you’ve got easy access to groceries as you need them. There’s no indoor pool here, though there is a hot tub area.
The Comfort Inn Yankton SD, also serves breakfast daily. Plus, the hotel has regular rooms and suites, ensuring the whole family has enough room to relax.
Closer to the city center, this hotel enjoys a convenient location for anything you want to do while you’re in the city. It’s not super close to Lewis and Clark Lake, though it’s only a 30-minute drive away, and since the hotel has free parking, you won’t have to worry about costly fees.
Pros:
- Free wifi
- Free parking
- Complimentary breakfast
- Hot tub
- Fitness center
Cons:
Things to Do Nearby:
See Related: Best Small Towns in South Dakota
4. Econo Lodge Inn & Suites
Address: 2410 Broadway Ave, Yankton, SD 57078
Formerly a Days Inn, the Econo Lodge Inn & Suites is another incredible road trip spot. Located near I-80, it’s an easy on/off for a day or a weekend.
This super South Dakota hotel is just a short drive from downtown, too, making for simple buzzing around once you’re in Yankton. Plus, like the Comfort Inn, the Econo Lodge is also near the HyVee grocery store so travelers can grab anything they missed while packing.
Families will be happy to know that there is a free breakfast to start the day off right and free parking so you can go about as you please. There’s also a heated indoor pool, and the Econo Lodge is pet-friendly, too. Verified traveler reviews also indicate a very helpful front desk staff.
Pros:
- Low average nightly price
- Free wifi
- Rooms and suites available
- Indoor pool
- Pet-friendly
Cons:
- Some rooms may be outdated
Things to Do Nearby:
- Hillcrest Golf and Country Club
- Fox Run Golf Course
- Ridgeway Park
- Mead Museum/Dakota Territorial Museum
5. Fairfield Inn & Suites By Marriott Yankton
Address: 508 W 21st St, Yankton, SD 57078
In the same neck of the woods as the previous two Yankton hotels, the Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Yankton is a step up in accommodations. Just finished in 2023, this is one of the newest hotels in Yankton, giving it a modern edge over its competition.
The Fairfield Inn rooms are contemporary, cozy, and comfy, with verified reviews praising the hotel’s comfortable beds. The hotel features patio seating spaces, a pool, breakfast, a fitness area, and free parking. Larger groups will appreciate the shared lounge space for extra room. There is also a minimart on-site for those snacky moments!
Pros:
- Very comfortable bed
- Free wi-fi
- Clean hotel
- Pool
- Breakfast and minimart
Cons:
- A bit far from the city center
Things to Do Nearby:
- Yankton Summit Activities Center
- Fantle Memorial Park
- Ridgeway Park
See Related: Best Things to do in Hot Springs, South Dakota
6. Best Western Kelly Inn – Yankton
Address: 1607 SD-50, Yankton, SD 57078
The Best Western Kelly Inn – Yankton has a vibe befitting the Dakotas, just a short drive away from the Lewis and Clark State Recreation Area. With a cabin aesthetic, the inn makes for a wonderful experience for outdoorsy visitors. Even the restaurant fits the hotel’s homestyle environment, which we love in a hotel visit.
In the pool area at the Best Western Kelly Inn, there is a water slide and jacuzzi tub, making this one of the best Yankton hotels for families. That, combined with the free breakfast, free parking, and zero pet fees, makes Best Western a terrific value for money.
Pros:
- Cabin aesthetics
- Close to parks
- Pool with slide and hot tub
- Restaurant
- No pet fees
Cons:
- Some rooms may be outdated
Things to Do Nearby:
- Sertoma Park
- Black Steer (steakhouse)
- Riverside Park
7. Holiday Inn Express & Suites Yankton, an IHG Hotel
Address: 2607 Broadway Ave, Yankton, SD 57078
We love the hotels with varied room types to accommodate different kinds of travelers. The Holiday Inn Express & Suites Yankton is exactly that kind of hotel, with some guest rooms having kitchenettes with refrigerators and microwaves, giving more flexibility for a visit. Its proximity to the HyVee is also ideal for anyone who prefers to make their own meals when traveling.
The Holiday Inn Express & Suites offers free parking, free Wi-Fi, a fitness center, a hot tub, and an indoor pool. You also receive free breakfast daily, so fear not non-kitchenette visitors.
There is even a complimentary happy hour/evening reception for guests. As far as hotel deals go, this one is a steal.
Pros:
- Happy hour
- Free breakfast
- Regular rooms and suites are available
- Swimming pool and hot tub
- Free parking
Cons:
- Some rooms may be outdated
Things to Do Nearby:
- El Tapatio Méxican Restaurant
- Mead Museum/Dakota Territorial Museum
- Ridgeway Park
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