Welcome to Yankton By KELLY HERTZ The Press & Dakotan It’s no secret that 2011 was a treacherous year on the Missouri River. Historic flooding caused millions of dollars in damages up and down the system and severely impacted lives. However, it may have been somewhat of a secret — at least to those from outside this vicinity — that the Yankton area saw a relatively isolated impact along the river from the flooding. There was high water just downstream from Gavins Point Dam that did cause some damage — walls of sandbags could attest to the concerns. But for the most part, the region was hampered more by the inconveniences of flooding as opposed to the damage. For instance, there were no boats allowed on the Missouri River below Gavins Point for several months; and above Gavins Point, boats were kept a certain distance away from the dam. There was some debris in the lake itself, but nothing that prevented Lewis and Clark Lake from being used. Nevertheless, the specter of flooding lingered. Rumors were rampant. Media coverage focused on those places that were hit hard and gave only passing mention to how much wasn’t affected. The truth is, life went on despite the high waters, the rumors and the worries. Yankton’s annual Riverboat Days celebration was held as usual in August down by Riverside Park — it was not moved elsewhere, as was rumored, because of flood threat. The Lewis and Clark Recreation Area still attracted a lot of visitors, although numbers were down in 2011 — the first drop in 20 years — primarily due to worries about flooding. Yankton’s 150th anniversary celebration went on as scheduled last June. The annual Fourth of July fireworks display was held as usual along the river. And eventually, the waters receded, the boats returned, and by autumn, most of the area looked as if nothing at all had happened during a memorable summer. And that brings us to 2012. The area looks to the new year as a year for rebounding and for getting the word out all over again. And the word is: We’re open for business. The Lewis and Clark Recreation Area is certainly looking to get back on track after 2011’s rare downturn. The area was plagued by two things in 2011: minor river debris and major misconceptions. It sustained no real flood damage; in fact, it wasn’t even hampered by water out of its banks (or shores). But that wasn’t really the perception that went out across the region and, indeed, the nation. This year, officials are working to get back on a positive course again. One plus that occurred in 2011 was the increase of visitors to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ facilities at and below the dam. Spillway releases hitting a record 160,000 cubic feet per second created an awesome experience that attracted thousands to the viewing area near the north gates to see the incredible, churning action (get sprayed by the water). Those who came also showed up at the Lewis and Clark Visitor Center and took tours of the dam; both places saw record numbers of visitors in 2011. So now more people know what those venues have to offer sightseers. Yankton itself is gearing up, not only for the first summer after the flooding but also for its second 150 years. The community celebrated its sesquicentennial in 2011 with some great concerts that attracted thousands to the city. Now, the city looks to move forward armed with a great new addition: the Meridian Bridge pedestrian walkway, which connects the South Dakota and Nebraska sides of the river. Conversion of the 88-year-old structure was generally completed late last fall and quickly became a popular recreation spot, despite the chilly weather. When things warm up in 2012, the Meridian should establish itself as an outstanding attraction for the city. The things that make the Yankton area the place to be for many people will again be evident. Riverboat Days. Weekly concerts in Riverside Park. Swimming. Boating. Golf. And more recently, archery — an area in which Yankton is becoming one of the premier venues in the entire Midwest thanks to the city being home to the National Field Archery Headquarters. There will also be great festivals and events around the region: Czech Days in Tabor; Kolache Days in Verdigre, Neb.; Danish Days in Viborg; the Menno Pioneer Power Show; the Vermillion Bullarama; the Wagner Labor Day Celebration and so very much more. With all that (and so much more) in mind, I welcome you to the Yankton area and hope you have a great visit. As you will see, there is more here than flooding can conquer, and those opportunities eagerly await you ... VISITORS GUIDE • YANKTON, SOUTH DAKOTA – 3