About Us:
The Dakota Territorial Museum, located in West Side Park, Yankton, SD, is owned and operated by the Yankton County Historical Society. The Society was formed in 1961 and the current museum built in 1971. The Yankton County Historical Society, through the Dakota Territorial Museum, exists to preserve, protect, interpret, and educate the public about the heritage and development of the city and county of Yankton, and the surrounding area. Housing memorabilia of early Yankton and Dakota Territory days, including Native American Sioux (Lakota) Indian and Pioneer artifacts, the Museum offers visitors a glimpse into Yankton's rich pioneer history provided through period room exhibits, unique displays and a variety of outbuildings. In addition to the main museum building, outbuildings include the restored Gunderson Rural School House, the Great Northern Railway Depot and a retired Burlington Northern Caboose.