31 under 31 – 2025 edition
Mason is an HVAC Service Technician at Kaiser Heating & Cooling and an active volunteer for Yankton County Search & Rescue.
Amanda is a Social Studies Teacher at Yankton Middle School, a member of the volunteer board at the Cramer Kenyon Heritage Home and helps with programming at the Mead Museum.
Why do you love most about the Yankton community?
What is your favorite volunteer opportunity in Yankton?
Mason is an active volunteer for Yankton Search and Rescue. Amanda enjoys promoting Yankton's vibrant history through being on the volunteer board of the Cramer Kenyon Heritage Home and helping with programming at the Mead Museum.
Caroline is Community Volunteer Ambassador at Missouri National Recreational River.
Why do you love most about the Yankton community?
What is your favorite volunteer opportunity in Yankton?
Morgan is a Massage Therapist & Owner of The Massage Room.
Why do you choose to live in the Yankton area?
I have chosen to live in the Yankton area to stay close to my family and friends. I grew up in Yankton and have lived here my whole life. I knew after school at Stewart’s in Sioux Falls that I wanted to come back here and open my business. Yankton is such a supportive community that I felt comfortable coming back to.
I love South Dakota to experience all four beautiful seasons and Yankton is the perfect place for that. Small town vibes but big enough to have everything I would need without having to travel. I love being so close to the lake and walking trails during the warm weather.
Cortney is a Registered Nurse at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital.
Jace is a Certified Surgical Technologist at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital.
Why do you choose to live in the Yankton area?
We were both born and raised in Yankton. After college we decided to move back to start our careers here and be close to family. Yankton has always felt like home and is a great place to reside in. We have such a welcoming community with so many opportunities.
What are your favorite recreational options in the Yankton area?
Yankton is filled with endless activities! Our favorite places to take advantage of are the walking trails by the lake and on the bridge. We enjoy spending time out on the river and lake during the summer months. We love that it is so easy to stay active with all the outdoor activities that our town has to offer!
Austin is a Patrol Officer at the Yankton Police Department.
He is also a volunteer firefighter at the Yankton Fire Department.
What do you love most about the Yankton community?
What I love most about Yankton is it has a little bit of everything. The variance of seasons and the beauty each one brings, the wide range of events and activities throughout the year and the incredible community that is a huge support for our first responders and Police Department. Being able to work with the community as a police officer and help keep Yankton safe also plays a big part in why I love Yankton.
What is your favorite volunteer opportunity in Yankton?
I’d have to say my favorite volunteer opportunity would be being a volunteer firefighter. It’s humbling to know how much we can help someone in need and to see all of us pull together as a team to accomplice the task at hand. The Yankton Fire Department is like a second family to me, when I was deployed the chief religiously reached out to me to check in and offered to help my wife and kids if they ever needed anything. Chief Linke included my son in a few of Yankton’s events including the Walk A Mile and Yankton Riverboat Days. These are just a few things that they have done for me over the years, and I am grateful to be a part of a great organization.
Stephanie is a Graphic Designer at Shur-Co.
She is also a Freelance Designer with a brand identity focused on logo design, murals & illustration. Check out some of Stephanie's design on work on her website & Instagram.
What do you love most about the Yankton community?
What I love most about Yankton is how everything comes together with purpose and passion. There’s an undeniable pride that runs through the community that gives the town a vibrant, creative energy. Whether it’s the people, the projects, or everyday moments, you can feel the care and dedication in everything.
What is your favorite recreational option in the Yankton area?
My fiancé and I love spending our summers on the river. Whether we're fishing or soaking up the sun, it’s the perfect way to unwind. Yankton offers a mix of outdoor activities with something for everyone.
Anabel is a Dental Assistant at Ben Jensen Dental.
What do you love most about the Yankton community?
I have a deep appreciation for the city of Yankton, which has provided me and my family with numerous opportunities as immigrants in this welcoming community.
What is your favorite recreational option in the Yankton area?
The Aquatics Center has provided an amazing opportunity for my sons to enjoy summer days filled with laughter and excitement. With its vibrant water slides, lazy river, and splash pads, it’s the perfect place to keep them entertained and active during the warm months.
After a fun-filled day at the park, we love to visit the Pizza Ranch. The combination of their mouthwatering, cheesy pizzas and the welcoming atmosphere makes it a favorite spot for our family to gather and share joyful moments after a day of adventure in the city.
Jesse is the Tier 2 Program Manager at Pathways Shelter for the Homeless.
What do you love most about the Yankton community?
Janae is In-Home Service Yankton Support Specialist at Kore Cares.
What do you love most about the Yankton community?
I love the Yankton community because it has a charming small-town feel while offering plenty of opportunities and activities for all ages. The welcoming community, and the natural beauty makes it a great place to raise my family.
What are your favorite recreational options in the Yankton area?
I love spending time at the beaches, kayaking, walking the trails and of course fishing. Ultimately, just making the most of all the recreational options Yankton has to offer. I am especially excited to kick off a full season of camping at Lewis and Clark Lake!
Charlie is an Ag Banking Officer at First Dakota National Bank. He is also a volunteer firefighter at the Yankton Volunteer Fire Department.
Megan is Retail Manager at 9th Street Clothing.
What is your favorite volunteer opportunity in Yankton?
Charlie recently joined the Yankton Volunteer Fire Department and enjoys giving back that way. He also enjoys volunteering with youth through the Big Friend Little Friend Program and Junior Achievement.
What is your favorite recreational option in the Yankton area?
Without a doubt our favorite recreational option in the Yankton area is being on or near the water. Charlie loves to hunt and fish on the Missouri River and as a family we enjoy boating on both the Missouri River and Lewis and Clark Lake. We also enjoy taking walks on the numerous walking paths and trails available near the water.
Hannah is Advertising & Marketing Director at South Dakota Magazine.
Why do you choose to live in the Yankton area?
I chose to live in the Yankton area because most of my immediate family is here and it’s nice to have a support system as a single parent.
What are your favorite recreational options in the Yankton area?
In the summer, I like to walk the Meridian Bridge, take my son to the playground and go on boat rides on the river.
Brandon is Recreation Facilities and Events Maintenance Coordinator for the City of Yankton.
Allyson is the Business Manager's Administrative Assistant at the Yankton School District.
What are your favorite recreational options in the Yankton area?
We enjoy all of the activities and events the City puts on and the opportunities there are in Yankton for raising a family. We love spending time out at the campgrounds and fishing and boating at the lake.
Lauryn is a Graphic Designer at Mayer Signs.
What do you love most about the Yankton community?
What I love most about the Yankton community is the people, businesses, and the strong sense of support they have on each other. The people are so friendly and hardworking, I have gotten the opportunity to meet so many of them firsthand working at Mayer Signs. This has allowed me to keep learning about the community as it keeps growing. There are limitless opportunities/businesses in Yankton and I love seeing how much each of them play a role in keeping Yankton the great community it is!
What are your favorite recreational options in the Yankton area?
Yankton has so many recreational options for everyone. One of my favorites along with many others is the lake and river access Yankton has. From boating, fishing, or even just relaxing on the beach, you can never go wrong. Along with the water access, Yankton has some of the best walking paths and hiking trails year round. From late spring, summer, and early fall it is always enjoyable to see the scenery from many different areas in Yankton.
Landon is a Manufacturing Engineer at Manitou Group.
Why do you choose to live in the Yankton area?
I chose to live in Yankton because of the job opportunity directly after college and because I have family who live close by. I have met and made many new friends since joining the Yankton community.
What are your favorite recreational options in the Yankton area?
My favorite recreational activities in the Yankton area are golfing and boating with friends.
What do you love most about the Yankton community?
I initially moved to Yankton because my husband’s family is from here but I couldn’t imagine being anywhere else.
What I love most about the Yankton community is how everybody shows up for each other. Small businesses are thriving in Yankton and it’s because members of our community recognize the importance of supporting local and investing back into our community. I feel lucky to be one of those small businesses that Yankton has so graciously welcomed and supported.
What are your favorite recreational options in the Yankton area?
Our favorite recreational activities are being on the river, boating in the summer and “hiking” in the spring and fall, or being on the golf course. We love being outdoors and are excited to make new memories with our daughter!
Tanner is an Occupational Therapist at Avera Sister James at Majestic Bluffs.
He is also a Bartender at the Yankton Elks Lodge.
Why do you choose to live in the Yankton area?
I chose to live in the Yankton area due to the small town feel in a bigger sized city. Everyone is so friendly here! I had also gotten to know the area during college and felt like it was a good fit.
What are your favorite recreational options in the Yankton area?
I absolutely love that there are so many recreational activities to do in and around the Yankton area. I am a big sports nut and love attending Mount Marty and USD athletics events. I also enjoy being outdoors and the multiple camping areas, disc golf, and golf courses provide ample opportunity. As an added bonus, the dog park allows great space for my dog to get exercise!
Cody works for Steve Zimmerman Construction.
Haleigh is a Special Education Teacher at Yankton Middle School & an Assistant Gymnastics Coach at Yankton High School.
Why do you choose to live in the Yankton area?
We were both born and raised in Yankton, and we chose to remain here because of its friendly community, outdoor opportunities, exceptional school district, and proximity to family
What are your favorite recreational options in the Yankton area?
Some of our favorite outdoor activities are fishing, hunting, four-wheeling, boating, and walking our dogs. We love supporting the local shops and eateries in the area too. There's always something to do here in Yankton and we are grateful to call it home.
Parker is the Operations Manager for Your Ag Network.
Why do you choose to live in the Yankton area?
I chose to move my family back to Yankton because of the great sense of community, and the school system. As soon as I found out I was going to be a dad, I knew I wanted my son to grow up here!
What do you love most about the Yankton community?
Easy, the people! I've lived in several towns and cities in FL, IA, and SD. Yankton is the only one I've ever lived in where there's a neighborly feeling when talking to just about anyone in town. I hope that never changes!
Blake is a Social Studies Teacher at Yankton High School.
He is also the Head Coach for the Yankton Gazelles Girls Basketball Team.
Why do you choose to live in the Yankton area?
The Yankton community provided me with so many opportunities and support as I was growing up. As a teacher and coach, it was always a dream of mine to come back to Yankton because it is truly special how the community rallies around the School District and Bucks & Gazelles Athletics. It's also been special to be back around family and friends and celebrate milestones and life events with them.
What are your favorite recreational options in the Yankton area?
Summer is always a great time to be in Yankton with the opportunities the lake offers. I love the new Music at the Meridian events. The outdoors is something that I've always enjoyed and the hiking trails around Yankton offer a lot of opportunities to get outdoors with my dog, Callie.
Claudia is the Office Manager at Olson’s Pest Technicians.
What are your favorite recreational options in the Yankton area?
I love all the recreational options we have in Yankton. Walking/running on the trails is my favorite thing to do. Not to mention, the sunsets are unbeatable and there’s always something to do in the Summer. It’s a great town to live in!
Jeremiah is an Equipment Operator for the Street Department for the City of Yankton.
Sarah is a Children’s Therapist with Meridian Counseling & Family Services.
Why do you choose to live in the Yankton area?
Jeremiah has resided here his entire life and when it came time to make a move after Sarah graduated from college we just knew Yankton was the right spot to be. We enjoy the area and being close to family and friends, and the lake/river view is the best bonus!
What do you love most about the Yankton community?
We cherish the welcoming friendliness we have seen in our time here. From employment to buying our first house, everyone along the way has been supportive and always willing to lend a helping hand. We have really great friends, coworkers, and neighbors and we can’t imagine being anywhere else!
Luke is the Park Manager at Lewis & Clark Recreation Area.
Why do you choose to live in the Yankton area?
Yankton strikes the perfect balance – large enough to provide all the essentials, yet small enough to foster meaningful connections within the community. What draws me to Yankton most is my workplace. Lewis & Clark Recreation Area offers all my favorite activities, including boating, fishing, and hunting. It's an ideal spot for those who appreciate peace and quiet, but still want easy access to essential amenities and a strong connection to nature.
Kim is Grants and Finance Director at River City Domestic Violence Center & River City Family Connections.
Why do you choose to live in the Yankton area?
I was born and raised here, just west of city limits. I've always loved the size of Yankton, not too small and not a big city either. I wasn't always sure I wanted to live here, but made that decision after I studied abroad in Spain. It made me realize how much I enjoyed the smaller community as well as being close to family.
What are your favorite recreational options in the Yankton area?
Savannah is Owner of Redeeming Roots Montessori.
Why do you choose to live in the Yankton area?
I moved to Yankton in 2015 to attend Mount Marty. I met my husband there & together we fell in love with the community of Yankton. Yankton fosters a sense of belonging to all and has allowed me to thrive in opportunities that would not be possible elsewhere!
What do you love most about the Yankton community?