When planning a 605 Sprinter Van Trip to Yankton last July, Brittany Wagner of Yankton Thrive wanted every stop to represent a different side of the town.
“Some locations highlighted outdoor adventure and recreation, while others focused on local flavor, history, shopping, or entertainment,” said the director of tourism. “We also wanted places that created memorable experiences for visitors, whether that was waterfront views, unique dining experiences, or hidden gems locals love.”
From all of the food and drinks, experiences, and events, check out 605’s itinerary during our quick (and entertaining) summer vacation.
THURSDAY, JULY 31
10 a.m.
605 pulled into town in our Sprinter Van, Vincent Van-Go, and arrived at Lewis & Clark Resort to check into our three bedroom, lake-side cabin. Located in the Lewis & Clark Recreation Area along the Missouri River, the relaxed getaway offers a variety of lodging, including log cabins, cottages, motel/hotel rooms, and camping. The largest option, The Lodge, is 4,000 square feet specializing in hosting larger groups and/or events.
“It’s an ideal setting for everything from family vacations and reunions to weddings and group retreats—laid-back, scenic, and designed for making memories on the water,” said Wagner.
There is on-site recreation available, including a new heated outdoor pool, a playground, sand volleyball, basketball, picnic shelters, and firepits. Rentals are also available to take advantage of the outdoors, like bicycles, volleyball, croquet, boche ball, lasso golf, bean bags, and more. Check out the full-service marina with fuel, boat service, and boat slips available. Powerboats, fishing boats, and pontoons make for a fun day.
11:30 a.m.
After unpacking and taking in the Missouri River air, we left for The Bonesetter Apothecary on West 3rd Street, located in a historic building from 1869. The brick and mortar that’s known for “wellness, naturally,” has health tonics, natural beauty and body care, herbal remedies and supplements, candles, gifts, refillable cleaning products, essential oils, and more. Owner Dr. Teri Kramer also offers Red Light in the Self-Care Suite and Halotherapy in the Salt Vault (located in an old bank vault). They’re also known for their tea, which the team got to taste at the Tea Bar.
“I have both what I call functional and dessert teas here—teas that are still good for you, but blended more for the palate,” said Kramer.
“Then there are ones blended specifically to settle your stomach or help your hormones or whatever; the more functional stuff. We have all of that.”
The apothecary hosts events and has different speakers, including her husband, Dr. TJ Stotz, who is a chiropractor and owner of The Bonesetter Chiropractic.
1:30 p.m.
After a relaxing time of tea and shopping, the crew set off for Studio Seven, a pilate reformer studio owned by Kennedy Frick. Frick and her other instructor, Stephanie Rockne, lead four classes: Move (entry class), Elevate (intermediate), Burn (floor and reformer combination), and HIIT (foundations of reformer pilates with high-intensity interval training).
Frick says she’s always been into fitness, and had broken her back in high school playing basketball.
“I spent a lot of years trying to build my strength back up, trying to do exercises that made me feel good and not set me back even further,” she recalled.
She discovered reformer pilates when she lived in Nashville later on, and immediately found it helpful with her painful areas. Frick let us watch a class, and then the whole 605 team gave it a try.
An Eventful Town
CHECK OUT THESE YANKTON EVENTS.
Inaugural RibFest & Chislicfest | June 13
Homestead Day | June 13
America’s 250th Celebration | July 4
Music at the Meridian | July 4, 9, 16, 23, & 30
Yankton Riverboat Days & Summer Arts Festival | August 21, 22 & 23
3 p.m.
Feeling loosened up and ready for more movement, we said our goodbyes and met Tom Downs at a boat launch at Lake Yankton for a Missouri National Recreational River (MNRR) Kayak Lesson. After going over safety training, we were debriefed on how to get into the kayak and the best way to paddle, including which ways to move and how to turn. The weather was beautiful and made for a calm ride.
These clinics are offered free of charge by the National Park Service to help people learn, practice, and feel confident on the water. Sessions are for all skill levels, and are typically held Wednesdays from mid-June through early September.
“After instruction, participants get to enjoy a fun time on the water, making it an approachable and memorable way to try something new and experience our waters up close,” said Wagner.
Registration is free, but sessions fill up fast. Reservations are encouraged.
5:15 p.m.
After working up an appetite, we were ready to dig in at Kuirk’s Bistro on Douglas Avenue. Whether guests are joining them for a meal or are taking advantage of their catering, the bistro offers a gourmet menu described as a “celebration of flavor, artistry, and seasonal ingredients.” Owner Kourtney Erickson specializes in everything from smash burgers (they notably won the Best Burger Patty in Yankton award) to veggie burgers to “chicken sandys” to salads.
“I wanted to bring as much as I could to Yankton that’s different, fresh, or as fresh as you can get,” said Kourtney. “I’ll do as much as I can from scratch.”
Her parents are her landlords, who also run a vacation rental on the south side of the building. Her mother, Lisa, says Kuirk has two meanings behind it—Kourtney’s “quirkiness,” and the second k in the name represents their late daughter, Kaitlyn, who they lost to cancer at the age of 21.
One of the most popular made-from-scratch items is Kourtney’s cheesecake and other desserts.
“She’s not afraid to try things, which is amazing,” said Lisa. “I love her carrot cake. It’s four or five layers and is fantastic.”
6:30 p.m.
Evening had arrived, and the team parked at Music at the Meridian in Riverside Park by the infamous Meridian Bridge. The free summer concert held on Thursday nights in July is a newer event, but has quickly become one of Yankton’s signature summer experiences. There is a rotating lineup of regional live music, along with food trucks, drinks, and “a relaxed atmosphere.”
“It’s designed as a true community event, with children’s activities that make it fun for families as well,” said Wagner. “What makes it special is how naturally it brings people together—locals, visitors, and families all gathering along the river to enjoy a summer evening in Yankton.”
July 31 opened up with The Brassholes with headliner IVORY. Along with food vendors, there was a community mural project and local beer by Ben’s Brewing Company.
8 p.m.
Feeling like a nightcap, 605 swung by The Ice House to break a bottle under the former loading dock (a Yankton rite of passage). We ended at The Brewery rooftop bar on Walnut Street for views of town as the sun set, with local brews in hand as we listened to live music and reflected on the day.
“Whether someone’s coming for adventure, relaxation, family time, or just a quick getaway, there’s a good chance they’ll leave wanting to come back.
BRITTANY WAGNER
Plan Your (605) Day Trip
IN ORDER OF 605’S EXPERIENCE.
facebook.com/musicatthemeridian
AUGUST 1
8 a.m.
Breakfast sounded amazing, especially when we found out we were going to Willa B’s Bistro & Emporium on Douglas Avenue. Named after owner Laurie Wright’s mother, Wilma Marie Bierle (whose author pen name was “Willa B”), the restaurant is a gathering space in the lower Meridian District. We started with coffee from the Boston area, Kahvé Koffee, and an Americano.
Willa B’s is known for handcrafted breakfast, lunch, and dinner made with fresh, local ingredients. Popular lunch items include The “Big Daddy” (hand-rolled meatballs simmered in marinara sauce topped with alfredo, ricotta, and provolone cheese, served on a hoagie) and the Tres Cheese (provolone, mozzarella, and cheddar cheese panini with tomato, fresh basil, and 18-year-old balsamic vinegar and oil) with a cup of Tomato Basil Soup.
“I would say my steak is probably my most favorite thing to make at night on Friday and Saturdays,” said chef Rikka Kostal.
Newer in the restaurant is a pasta and risotto dinner menu, featuring handmade pasta and sauces made on site. Willa B’s is also known for the bakery, including their Chamtort, which is a family recipe.
9:30 a.m.
To stretch our legs before the journey home, the team stopped by the gorgeous Meridian District to walk past local establishments, coffee shops, and bustling streets. Taking a last look at the Meridian Bridge, we hopped back into Vincent Van-Go to road trip back to 605 headquarters after a successful stay.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT VISITYANKTONSD.COM+
