Gavins Point
Yankton, SD 57078-6364
Plan Your Visit
You can't miss our aquarium when you're driving on Hwy. 52 to Lewis and Clark Lake. This 13,000 gallon facility has a free admission and is a nice cool place to stop on a hot summer day. We typically have 40+ mostly-local species of fish, amphibians, and reptiles on display. You'll also see fossils from the local area and lots of educational signage corresponding to the displays. The gift shop is open Friday-Monday during much of the summer too.
The aquarium parking lot offers easy access to the paved trail system that runs along Lake Yankton and Lewis and Clark Lake. Park here and launch on a long bike ride or walk with the dog along these well-maintained trails.
The road system around our fish rearing ponds are an overlooked place for a quiet walk year-round. The wildlife and pond activity will vary seasonally. Birders like to check on the area during the spring and fall migrations. Kids are entertained by frogs, dragonflies, swooping swallows and the occasional turtle in summer. There is a bald eagle nest that is fun to keep an eye on too.
Don't miss our rainbow trout raceway if you stop during the summer. Several thousand hungry adult rainbows will be waiting to meet you. Fish food can be purchased from the on-site coin-op machine or from the aquarium gift shop. The trout can typically be found in the raceway from early May until early September. Outside of that period, look for them in a nearby rearing pond.
Hatchery Tours
Small-group summer tours of our facility are occasionally available, but must be scheduled in advance (48 hours - minimum). Use the email address gavinspoint@fws.gov to inquire.
We host dozens of school field trips each year, everything from preschools to universities. Contact us as far in advance as possible for scheduling. Late April and early May tend to fill up well in advance.
Trails
Our aquarium is just 100 yards from a very popular, and very well maintained, biking/walking trail. Jump on the trail here and cruise along the north shore of Lake Yankton or connect to trails winding through nearby lakeside campgrounds. You are also welcome to walk or bike the gravel road system around our hatchery ponds.
For a nice 45-70 minute walk, park at our aquarium, and head south on the trail to Lake Yankton. Follow it along the north shore of the lake and then turn north at the gate and return to our facility via the hatchery pond roads. This is a great loop to spot wildlife in the morning or evening.
We are located just east of Gavins Point Dam on Hwy 52.
Visitors can park at our aquarium and walk the paved trail to the hatchery or drive farther down to the hatchery and park there.
Activities
Featured Species
Get Involved
If you'd like to volunteer at our facility please contact us. We typically host two sets of seasonal volunteers that live in their own campers on our grounds for the summer. We also often need volunteer help with our annual Kids' Fishing Derby. Consider joining our Friends Group to get more involved.
Services
Gavins Point National Fish Hatchery produces fish to both help recover imperiled species and to increase sportfishing opportunities. Our facility also serves as a refugia for some species (like Kendall Warm Springs Dace) and a source for scientific research fish.
About
Since 1871, the National Fish Hatchery system has worked to improve recreational fishing and restore aquatic species. Gavins Point National Fish Hatchery has produced over five billion fish since 1961, working with nearly 20 different species. The facility features a free public aquarium, five fish production buildings, and 32 fish rearing ponds used to conserve, restore, and enhance fish and other aquatic resources for future generations.