Lewis and Clark Lake

Lewis and Clark Lake is a big Missouri River reservoir just west of Yankton, South Dakota, on the border with Nebraska. It runs about 25 miles upstream from Gavins Point Dam, covers roughly 31,000 acres and has about 90 miles of shoreline, with tall chalk bluffs along much of the Nebraska side. We offer the best boats, jet skis and water toys at Lewis and Clark Lake, making it easy to rent a boat in Yankton and spend the day on the water.

Yankton Boat Rentals on Lewis and Clark Lake

With wide open water near the dam and quieter coves farther up the lake, Lewis and Clark is a great lake for skiing, wakeboarding, wakesurfing and tubing. Our Lewis and Clark Lake rentals include:

• MasterCraft wakesurf and wakeboard boats for family and friends
• Ski boats for water skiing, slalom and tubing
• Tubes, wakeboards and wakesurf boards for every age
• Paddle boards and water trampolines for a beach day

Rather have someone else drive? Book a private boat charter and our captain will handle the boat. Damage waiver coverage is available on every rental.

Jet Ski Rentals in Yankton, SD

Jet skis are one of the most popular ways to ride Lewis and Clark Lake, and they're just minutes from town. Most of our jet ski rentals can pull a tube, depending on the model, and guided rides are available. See our jet ski models to pick your ride.

Marinas, Ramps and Where to Meet

On the South Dakota side, Lewis and Clark Recreation Area stretches along the north shore off Highway 52, with the Yankton, Midway and Gavins Point sections, several boat ramps, campgrounds and the Lewis and Clark Resort and Marina. On the Nebraska side, Lewis and Clark State Recreation Area has a marina at the Weigand-Burbach area plus ramps at South Shore, Bloomfield and Miller Creek. We'll confirm your meeting spot when you book.

The Upper Lake and Sandbars

The lower part of the lake, closest to the dam and Yankton, has the deepest and widest water, up to about 45 feet deep. Farther upstream toward Springfield and Niobrara, years of river sediment have made the lake shallow, with sandbars, marsh and islands. Many boaters stay on the lower lake, and a few head up for the sandbars on calm days. Ask us before you book and we'll suggest the best water for your plans.

Getting to Lewis and Clark Lake

From Yankton, take Highway 52 west about 5 miles to the lake. It's about an hour and a half from Sioux Falls, about an hour and 15 minutes from Sioux City and about 40 minutes from Vermillion. From Nebraska, Highway 81 crosses the Missouri River into Yankton, and Highway 121 leads to the Nebraska shore near Crofton. See all of our South Dakota lakes and Nebraska boat rentals.

Tips for a Great Day on Lewis and Clark Lake

• Watch the wind: the lake is wide, and an afternoon wind can kick up big waves. Mornings are usually calmest.
• Stay in the channel up the lake: the upper lake is shallow, with sandbars that move from year to year.
• Visit the dam: stop at the Gavins Point overlook or the Lewis and Clark Visitor Center on the Nebraska bluffs for a great view of the lake.
• Bring sun protection: there's little shade on the water on a summer day.

Good to Know Before You Go

• Two states, two sets of rules: Lewis and Clark Lake crosses the South Dakota and Nebraska state line. In South Dakota, anyone under 14 needs an adult 18 or older on board to drive a jet ski. In Nebraska, no one under 14 may drive a motorboat or jet ski, drivers born after December 31, 1985 need a Nebraska boating safety certificate, and jet skis can't be ridden between sunset and sunrise. Our rental drivers must be 18 or older. Ask us before you book and we'll walk you through what you need.
• Life jackets: everyone on a jet ski must wear a life jacket, and so should anyone being towed.
• Clean, drain and dry: Lewis and Clark Lake has zebra mussels, so if you bring your own boat or toys, clean, drain and dry everything before you leave.
• Book early: summer weekends and holidays fill up fast.

Lakes Near Lewis and Clark Lake

Upstream on the Missouri River, we serve Lake Sharpe and Lake Oahe near Pierre. To the east in Iowa, try West Okoboji Lake and Storm Lake. Farther north in South Dakota, there's Lake Thompson and Lake Kampeska, and out west in Nebraska is Lake McConaughy.

Lewis and Clark Lake Map