Have you ever enjoyed an ice-cold beer with friends and followed it up by smashing the empty bottle on the side of a brick building (not in a fit of anger but for tradition’s sake)? If so, you probably know which South Dakota dive bar we are about to introduce and, if not, you will want to read on as we tell all about the most fun dive bar in not only South Dakota, but the country:

Welcome to the iconic Ice House!

Google/Sun Flower

First built in 1928, the Ice House originally served as the region’s first artificial icehouse before making history again by selling beer post-Prohibition, which it has continued to do for the last 100 years. 

Google/Cynthia Ware

When you visit today, you will have the opportunity to have a drink inside, have a case brought to your car (as the Ice House is also one of the only bars in the country with a carhop service), or sit on the dock, the latter of which we highly recommend.

Google/Cynthia Ware

In keeping with tradition, patrons who sit on the dock are encouraged to break their empty bottles against the brick wall, making for an all-around fun experience.

Google/LadyKing Cole If you do break your bottle, be sure to dispose of all of your glass!

Can you see why the Ice House was named one of the “Best Dive Bars in America” by Thrillist?

Google/Mitchell St Clair

To learn more about this epic dive bar, be sure to like the Ice House on Facebook.

Google Street View

Guess what? We learned about the iconic Ice House from one of our awesome readers! Do you have a favorite attraction, restaurant, or event that you would like to see featured on Only in South Dakota? Nominate it here! For even more to see and do around Yankton, check out Named The Most Beautiful Small Town In South Dakota, Take A Closer Look At Yankton.

Google/Sun Flower

Google/Cynthia Ware

Google/LadyKing Cole

If you do break your bottle, be sure to dispose of all of your glass!

Google/Mitchell St Clair

Google Street View

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Address: The Ice House, 101 Capital St, Yankton, SD 57078, USA