I know my last post was about the Holistic Health Expo, but we are back on track, and talking about Yankton. So, last week we looked at the Mead Museum, and after I took my
I know my last post was about the Holistic Health Expo, but we are back on track, and talking about Yankton.
So, last week we looked at the Mead Museum, and after I took my tour of this historic site, I made my way to Downtown Yankton. Upon doing research for this river city, I found a ton of reading material referencing the Meridian District. How cool does that sound? And it’s even cooler in person!
making my way downtwon
Parking my car on 3rd Street, I began to explore Downtown Yankton on foot. To start, I was pleasantly surprised there were no parking meters. So, I could spend as much time as I wanted discovering this historic neighborhood.
This has to be one of the most eclectic downtowns I’ve ever seen! New and old businesses, outdoor seating and street art, and even a touch of the Wild West. Mom-and-Pop stores, local establishments, high-end restaurants, and coffee shops existing peacefully next to each other.
Impressively clean streets and alleyways, music playing from art galleries, and shoppers bringing home one-of-a-kind trinkets from corner markets.
what is a meridian?
A meridian is defined as a large imaginary circle that passes through two poles, or is the highest stage of development. An example of a meridian is the height of a civilization. Fitting since this is the oldest downtown in South Dakota, and Yankton was formerly known as the capitol of the Dakota Territory.
meridian district
From every light pole hung a banner “Meridian District” and sidewalks framed with trees. Out in front of almost every boutique were sidewalk signs, chalkboards displaying restaurant menus, and storefront signs suspended overhead as you walk beneath.
Within the Meridian District you’ll find events, information on the Farmer’s Market, and list of downtown businesses. Retail shopping, bars and restaurants, hotels and venues, beauty and wellness, arts and culture, and professional services.
visit their website
Downtown Yankton is known as the Meridian District, and it is a designated area from Linn Street to Burleigh, and 5th to the Missouri River. This area of Yankton even has its own website! (https://www.meridian-district.com/)
And every business listed has a hyperlink attached, which takes you either to their facebook business profile or their website. For being a town of approximately 15,000 this has to be one of the most interactive and well-designed travel websites I’ve come across in a long time.
my plan to return
Ideally, I wish I could spend a month here, just to patron all the local establishments. I will be making several trips back to Yankton during the Spring and Summer, and my husband and I plan to go to Riverboat Days in August for his birthday.
Just an hour north of Sioux City, I hope you are able to make your visit soon. Enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of the Meridian District, support local businesses, and transform your predisposition of what you thought South Dakota looked like.
Cool downtown Yankton. Even I didn’t know it existed. I will have to visit. Good information, Kelly!