Dakota Theatre

328 Walnut Street,
Yankton, SD 57078

Unfavorite No one has favorited this theater yet

Related Websites

Dakota Theatre (Official)

Additional Info

Architects: Henry A. Raapke, D.W. Rogers

Functions: Live Performances, Live Theatre

Styles: Art Deco

Previous Names: Yankton Opera House, Hess Theatre

Phone Numbers: Box Office: 605.665.1298

Nearby Theaters

DAKOTA Theatre; Yankton, South Dakota.

The Yankton Opera House opened in 1902. In 1921, it was remodeled for use as a movie house, complete with a $10,000 pipe organ, chandeliers and new seats. It was named the Hess Theatre after it new owners.

In 1929, the Hess Theatre showed its first sound motion picture, the same year the theatre received another name change, as the Dakota Theatre. It was also around this time that D.W. Rogers remodeled the theatre in spectacular Art Deco style, its facade covered in cream and brown-colored tiles, with chrome highlights. The auditorium received modernistic designs on its side walls and over the proscenium arch.

Architect Henry A. Raapke remodeled the theatre in 1946. Later, a new triangular marquee was added, with the theatre’s name in large red letters. In the mid-1960’s, the theatre’s new owners again remodeled the Dakota Theatre, including a new concession stand and updated lobby.

The Dakota Theatre closed in 1987, and three years later, was purchased by the Dakota Theatre, Inc., a non-for-profit organization. The Dakota Theatre was beautifully restored to its former appearance, a wonderful example of Art Deco architecture, and is today used for live theatre and other live performances.

Contributed by Bryan

Recent comments (view all 4 comments)

kencmcintyre
kencmcintyre on January 16, 2009 at 6:04 pm

This is from Boxoffice magazine in January 1960:

A.R. Johnson, who has the Dakota Theater at Yankton, reported six feet of snow in front of the place as a storm swept the area. For the first time, the Film Transport truck was tied up and had to wait at Yankton for the roads to be opened.

You must login before making a comment.

New Comment

Subscribe Want to be emailed when a new comment is posted about this theater?
Just login to your account and subscribe to this theater.