Gavins Point National Fish Hatchery

Facility · South Dakota ·

Managed by the Fish and Wildlife Service

Hatchery Unit (3102) · Restricted Access

1,205 ft
Elevation
Gavins Point National Fish Hatchery was built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, following construction of Gavins Point Dam. The purpose of the hatchery is to help maintain fisheries in the Missouri River Basin, following impacts to natural river flows and loss of habitat due to development and channelization of the Missouri River Basin. Hatchery staff rear threatened and endangered fish species, including the Pallid sturgeon and American paddlefish; and rear and stock many game fish species including walleye and yellow perch throughout the Missouri River Region. Proximity to a Corps of Engineers recreation site make this an attractive point of interest including trails and self-guided tours of the hatchery. A large-scale aquarium includes thirteen indoor tanks which display many of the fish, reptile, and amphibian species found in the Missouri River basin, along with informational displays on endangered, threatened, and unusual species.

Getting there

Gavins Point National Fish Hatchery (NFH) and Aquarium is located near Yankton, South Dakota.

42.87530, -97.47630 · 42°52'31.1"N 97°28'34.7"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

Typically 87°F in Jul, down to 30°F in Jan.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F303547607282878578634734
Low °F101425354859646252392515
Precip in0.70.91.63.43.74.03.53.32.92.61.31.0

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 5.7 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

Fees and stay limits

A visit to a National Fish Hatchery and participating in provided activities or programs are open and free to visitors unless noted otherwise.

From Recreation.gov, which is not always current. The operator's own page is the authority on what you will be charged.

Member photos

Common questions about Gavins Point National Fish Hatchery

Can you reserve a site at Gavins Point National Fish Hatchery?
No. Gavins Point National Fish Hatchery is not reservable through Recreation.gov, so sites are first-come, first-served or booked elsewhere.

Camping near Gavins Point National Fish Hatchery

Comments

Contact

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-02-25.

Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.