Kasi Haberman has been with Visit Yankton for almost four years, promoting the town’s many amenities, such as its vast outdoor recreational sites and the NFAA Easton Yankton Archery Complex, which is the world’s largest archery complex. She’s so passionate about the state (and Yankton in particular), the she took away the Ruth Ziolkowski Outstanding Hospitality & Customer Service Award at this year’s South Dakota Governor’s Conference on Tourism. 605 caught up with the director on her town’s growth, can’t-miss stops, and tips for post-crisis road trips.
IF SOMEONE IS THERE FOR THE WEEKEND, WHAT ARE YOUR CAN’TMISS THINGS TO SEE?
In the summertime, you definitely want to go out and spend some time at [Lewis and Clark] lake, especially if you enjoy the great outdoors. There is definitely no shortage of things to do out there. We have boating, kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding, windsurfing, sailing, camping, fishing, hiking, biking, archery, disc golf, hanging out at the beach, and even more. Families would love the National Fish Hatchery, Karttrax Family Fun Park mini golf and go-carts, and Gavins Point Dam tour.
I think any Yankton visitor would really enjoy a stroll around the Meridian District, Yankton’s downtown shopping district, including the Meridian Pedestrian Bridge, the longest pedestrian bridge to span two states (did I mention it’s a double-decker with amazing views of the Missouri River?). There are some really unique retail, dining, and entertainment options, as well as fabulous art scattered throughout the district.
WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO MOST WHEN EVERYONE CAN GET OUT IN PUBLIC AGAIN?
I would say events and travel, and just being able to socialize again without having to think about it. I think we all took that part of our lives for granted and never thought that we were in jeopardy of losing it.
WHAT TIPS DO YOU HAVE FOR PEOPLE PLANNING A TRIP AFTER THE CRISIS HAS CALMED?
With the extra down time, you can really do some investigating to make the most of your experience in that destination. Utilize social channels and websites or register for e-newsletters to get a feel for the destination and what you can expect when you arrive (you might even receive insider tips, special discounts or coupons). If you’re more of a hard-copy type of person, you can always request a visitor guide, and most destinations will happily drop a copy in the mail for you.
WHEN YOU’RE NOT WORKING, HOW DO YOU DECOMPRESS?
Right now, my husband and I like to hit the back roads on our side-by-side. We are in the process of collecting rocks that we find along the minimum maintenance roads to spruce up our landscaping. We are super lucky to live where we do, where you can get outside and enjoy nature.
WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE PLACES TO GRAB A BITE OR DRINK?
My favorite place to grab lunch has got to be Willa B’s Bistro & Emporium. Their farm-to-table food is really top notch. If we’re talking dinner, you can’t go wrong with a craft beer and pizza from Charlie’s Pizza House. And my favorite place to grab a beer (on most days) is Ben’s Brewing Company, but when it starts to warm up, The Ice House is a super fun place to hang out with friends and smash a few bottles (ask a local if you don’t know what this means).
