Enjoy Midwestern hospitality in Aberdeen, South Dakota
From a history of railroads to a thriving agricultural city, Aberdeen, South Dakota is a beautiful town that's located in Brown County. Aberdeen is near the cities of Barnard, Mansfield, Northville, Warner, Bath, Stratford, and Westport. It is called "Hub City" because of its past railroad connections.
Aberdeen history
Aberdeen was founded in 1881 as a major railroad stopping point. The town was named after a railroad president's Scottish hometown. Business people, land speculators and other people started to show interest in the town, seeing it as potentially having a great future because of the railroad. Plans were underway for the city to become a capital city for a new state of Dakota, but things didn't go as planned. Aberdeen did, however, become the third largest town in the state of South Dakota. Its population today is around 25,000.
Today, Aberdeen serves as a diverse city and a center for regional trade. Its business and industry sectors consist of manufacturing, retail shops, convention facilities, a state university, a private college, wonderful schools, and two medical centers.
Things to do in Aberdeen
Aberdeen offers a number of things to do for local residents and visitors alike. There are two golf courses, many parks with picnic areas, nine movie screens, a bowling alley, a roller skating rink as well as outdoor and indoor ice-skating rinks, horse trails, mini-golf, and more. The kids are sure to love all the recreation in Aberdeen so it's a great place to enjoy a family vacation.
For those who enjoy the water in warm weather, there are canoes, paddle boats, a waterslide, abundant fishing, water skiing, and other water activities. For the outdoor adventurer, there are plenty of hiking and biking trails to explore Aberdeen nature.
Shoppers will love the many shops and specialty stores as well as the Lakewood Mall. For those who enjoy the performing arts, Aberdeen offers many theatrical productions, shows, and concerts. There's the historic Capitol Theatre as well as Northern State University, which hosts a number of concerts and recitals year round.
Dacotah Prairie Museum
At the Dacotah Prairie Museum (www.dacotahprairiemuseum.com/), visitors can enjoy Indian artifacts toys, centennial quilts, and more. There are several interesting galleries such as the Hatterscheidt Wildlife Gallery, the Dacotah Gallery, and the Lamont Gallery. The museum also hosts holiday events and special celebrations throughout the year.
Yellowstone Trail
The famous Yellowstone Trail runs through South Dakota from the Big Stone Lake to Lemmon, east to west. It offers travelers a variety of attractions such as glacial lakes, a petrified wood park in Lemmon, and beautiful scenery. The trail started with only 26 miles of road and became an amazing 1200-mile stretch.
Aberdeen hosts the Brown County Fair
A big event hosted in Aberdeen each year is the Brown County Fair (www.thebrowncountyfair.com/). This event features live music, home arts demonstrations, a kid's picnic, a military appreciation breakfast, tent entertainment, a kiddie barn, livestock and shows, dog and cat shows, great food, rodeos, and races. There's something for everyone to enjoy from the youngest to the oldest.
Other events held in Aberdeen include the Downtown Art Walk, the Aberdeen Exchange BMX Bike Race, Sertoma Festival of Lights, Concert in the Park, South Dakota Jazz Festival, and many others.
Storybook Land
Aberdeen's amazing theme park, Storybook Land (www.dupontcastle.com/castles/storybo1.htm), gives kids of all ages a chance to explore their favorite stories and life exhibits of their favorite storybook characters. They can meet animals at Old McDonald's Farm or follow the yellow brick road of Oz. They can climb aboard the ship of Captain Hook, try their sense of direction in a maze, and much more.
Wylie Park is located beside Storybook Land and offers about 200 acres of park with a zoo, picnic areas, recreation areas, a campground, pavilion, and swimming areas.
Fishing and hunting in Aberdeen
Aberdeen is known for its spectacular wildlife, especially the well-sought-after Chinese Ring Neck Pheasant. There are also many blue, snow, and Canadian geese in the area during their southern migration. Hunters can obtain a list of residents who allow hunting on their property. Fishing in Aberdeen is abundant at the Glacial Lakes Region. Just 15 minutes from Aberdeen are the Mina and Richmond Lakes. Some of the fish include northern pike, walleye, largemouth bass, perch, bullheads, channel catfish, and crappie.
Dining in Aberdeen
Aberdeen is a great place for recreation, but when meal time comes, the town also offers a number of dining experiences for individuals, couples, and families. There are romantic restaurants, fast food restaurants, and family restaurants. Some of the popular foods include prime beef, walleye, tender buffalo, pheasant, and succulent pork. There are also pizza places, ice cream shops, delis, coffee shops, and cafeterias.
Lodging in Aberdeen
There are many great hotels in Aberdeen such as the Best Western Ramkota Hotel, AmericInn, Comfort Inn, Holiday Inn Express & Suites, Ward Hotel, Sundown Motel, Hotel Rogers, Ramada Inn, Super 8 Motel, and White House Inn. There's also the Foote Creek Bed & Breakfast. For campers, there are facilities available at Richmond and Mina State Park campgrounds. These offer weekend camping, annual camping, and one-day camping.
For a small town, Aberdeen has much to offer those who are just traveling through or those who are thinking of moving there. The friendly atmosphere welcomes everyone to Aberdeen, South Dakota.