18 Best Things to Do in Aberdeen, South Dakota
We take pride in providing authentic travel recommendations based on our own experiences such as unique images and perspectives. We may earn a commission when you purchase a product or book a reservation. Learn more ›
Written by Kyle Kroeger
Aberdeen, South Dakota, is known for its beautiful scenery and rolling hills. The city is home to Northern State University and many lovely parks. These are our favorite things to do in Aberdeen.
Several excellent fishing areas throughout the state contain some of the largest fish in South Dakota. Whether it is summer or winter, there always seems to be a festival to celebrate a special event. The region has history museums, amusement parks, and top attractions that guarantee family fun.
Things to Do in Aberdeen, South Dakota
1. Dacotah Prairie Museum
Address: 21 S Main St, Aberdeen, SD 57401, United States
The Dacotah Prairie Museum is a great place to take your kids. Explore the past of this part of South Dakota by going through the museum and experiencing the area’s early days.
Kids can get hands-on experience learning about pioneer life, Native American bison hunts, early farming, prairie history, and ranching days that made Aberdeen what it is today.
The museum’s mission is to preserve the region’s history, highlight the wonderful artistic community, and present the area’s rich cultural heritage. This includes the early Native American history and the recent history of Aberdeen and surrounding areas.
The museum’s website has a drop-down menu for upcoming offerings. The museum opens at 10 a.m. every morning, making it a good option for the first thing on your list when you visit Aberdeen. If you like history museums, check out the Johnson Fine Arts Center.
2. Aberdeen Community Theatre
Address: 417 S Main St, Aberdeen, SD 57401, United States
Aberdeen Community Theatre is an excellent way to entertain the family. They offer plays, musical shows, and many other productions throughout the season.
This unique theater features top-notch entertainment and amazing sets that will take you right into the action of each performance. Favorite shows like “Shrek the Musical,” “Mamma Mia!,” and Roald Dahl’s “James and the Giant Peach” are always a hit with audiences of all ages.
The Aberdeen Community Theatre Production is among the best things to do in Aberdeen and the perfect way to get closer to the city’s wonderful artistic community.
3. Aberdeen Aquatic Center
Address: 1029 S Dakota St, Aberdeen, SD 57401, United States
The Aberdeen Aquatic Center is a great place to take a swim, enjoy a workout, and partake in outdoor activities. This center has options to suit various interests, with its indoor and outdoor pools, diving boards, bumper boats, and slides.
The aquatic center is open from June to August and has a number of exciting activities, such as drop slides and diving boards.
4. Sand Lake National Wildlife Refuge
Address: 39650 Sand Lake Dr, Columbia, SD 57433, United States
The Sand Lake National Wildlife Refuge is a beautiful place to bird-watch, walk, or enjoy the natural scenery. The refuge is open year-round and has many trails to explore.
Sand Lake National Wildlife Refuge is home to a wide variety of plant and animal life, including over 230 different types of birds. If you’re interested in birds, you can pick up pamphlets at the national park’s office that tell you what bird species are in the area.
While you’re there, stay at the Best Western Ramkota Hotel Aberdeen, especially if you’re traveling with your significant other. The hotel is near the refuge and other attractions, such as Brown County Speedway.
See Related: Ways to Book the Cheapest First Class Flights
5. Wylie Park
Address: US-281, Aberdeen, SD 57401, United States
If you’re hunting for what to do in Aberdeen, don’t miss out on Wylie Park. This park is an excellent place for a family picnic, a walk, or to enjoy the outdoors. The park has an extensive playground, a duck pond, basketball courts, and more.
One of the best things about Wylie Park is that it’s always open and free to the public. The park also has bike trails, go-karts, and miniature golf courses.
See Related: Where to Travel for Your Birthday
6. Richmond Lake Recreation Area
Address: 12800 379th Ave, Aberdeen, SD 57401, United States
The Richmond Lake Recreation Area is great for fishing, canoeing, or walking. This area is open year-round and has several trails for hikers and bikers. The recreation area is also home to the Richmond Lake Campground, which has several campsites.
If you’re looking for an outdoor camping adventure, you can’t go wrong with the Richmond Lake Recreation Area. If you want to live near the lake, book a room at the AmericInn by Wyndham Aberdeen Event Center. The hotel is near the regional airport, only 2.4 kilometers from Richmond Lake.
7. Downtown Summer Concert Series
If you’re in Aberdeen during the summer, you can’t miss out on this summer concert series. The weekly event features a different artist every Thursday evening from May until August.
During warmer seasons, you can enjoy live music at local restaurants, bars, and breweries. If you’re looking for free things to do, you’ll find that this concert series is one of the best activities in Aberdeen.
Stay at the Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Aberdeen if you plan to catch several concerts on your trip to Aberdeen. The hotel is close to the airport and has an indoor pool and other amenities.
8. Aberdeen Recreation & Cultural Center
Address: 225 3rd Ave SE, Aberdeen, SD 57401, United States
The Aberdeen Recreation & Cultural Center is a great place to enjoy indoor activities, visit art galleries, or just have fun with your family. This facility has something for everyone, regardless of their age and interests.
It’s one of those unknown places that become gems once you visit. The recreation center offers dance, art, and martial arts classes. The cultural center also has a computer lab, perfect for anyone wanting to do some work.
9. The Village Bowl
Address: 1314 8th Ave NW, Aberdeen, SD 57401, United States
The Village Bowl in Aberdeen is a great place to go for a fun night out with friends. They have a wide variety of bowling lanes, as well as arcade games and pool tables. The Village Bowl is also home to the best pizza in town.
The staff at the Village Bowl are always friendly and welcoming and always willing to help you with whatever you need. The prices are very reasonable, and the food is delicious. Since it’s not a full-day activity, you may want to hit some other places after the Bowl. In that case, you can book a vehicle from Kayak to visit multiple attractions daily.
10. Capitol Cinema
Address: 415 S Main St, Aberdeen, SD 57401, United States
If you’re looking for good entertainment, head to the historic Capitol Cinema on Aberdeen’s main street, where you will find an interesting and eclectic mix of movies playing at any given time.
This cinema is a great place to catch a movie with friends or to take the family for an afternoon or evening out. If you plan to stay in the city for a month or longer, you can get a subscriber card that offers discounts and deals on admission prices.
See Related: Things to Do in Fargo
11. SkateAway
Address: 721 Circle Dr, Aberdeen, SD 57401, United States
SkateAway is a popular venue for kids’ birthday parties, family celebrations, school holiday activities, and more. This skating rink has fun entertainment all year round, so you can rollerblade (or skate) to your heart’s content.
If you want to take a break from skating, there are plenty of other things to do at SkateAway, including an arcade and gift shop. SkateAway is a great place to take the kids for an afternoon or evening out and is sure to keep them entertained for hours on end. The prices are very reasonable, and you can have a lot of fun on a budget.
See Related: Things to Do in Deadwood
12. Allevity Entertainment
Address: 130 Centennial St S, Aberdeen, SD 57401, United States
Allevity Entertainment is a great place to hang out in the city. This is where people of all ages can come and play pool, air hockey, foosball, and other fun table games.
Allevity Entertainment is also home to several arcade games that will keep anyone entertained. You can even rent their large party room for your next big celebration.
13. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Address: N Anderson Dr, Aberdeen AB15 6DD, United Kingdom
If you want to get closer to Aberdeen’s cultural and religious side, head to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. You can visit the church to learn more about the Mormon faith and meet others who share your beliefs.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints also offers various activities for people of all ages, including youth groups, family history classes, and more. The church is a great place to come if you want a sense of community and belonging.
14. Fort Sisseton Historic State Park
Address: 11907 434th Ave, Lake City, SD 57247, United States
If you’re looking for a weekend getaway or an activity nearby, a day trip to Fort Sisseton Historic State Park is a great idea. Located about an hour and a half outside Aberdeen, this historical site offers an interesting look at South Dakota’s past, and it’s sure to keep you entertained for hours on end.
Fort Sisseton Historic State Park offers guided tours of the fort, reenactments, cannon-firing demonstrations, and more. The park is known for its abundance of wildlife, so you can be sure to see some wonderful animals if you visit.
15. Bramble Park Zoo
Address: 800 10th St NW, Watertown, SD 57201, United States
The Bramble Park Zoo represents 130 species and 500 animals. It’s a family-friendly zoo with plenty of opportunities to interact with the animals. Lots of cuddly creatures, too!
It’s a small zoo but has a great variety. Thanks to the wide-open spaces where the animals live, you can get close to many. Since it’s a distance from Aberdeen, you can book a vehicle from Kayak to take the kids out for the day.
A standard vehicle accommodating five adults and three bags will cost you between $50 and $60, which is quite a steal. Make a road trip out of it!
See Related: Famous Historic Landmarks in North Dakota
16. Revive Day Spa
Address: 301 S Main St, Aberdeen, SD 57401, United States
If you’re exhausted after doing all Aberdeen activities, it’s time to book a spa treatment at Revive Day Spa. Specializing in massage, the Revive Day Spa is the best place to relax and rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul.
You can get an hour massage and spend the day unwinding and pampering. Reflexology treatments also cleanse your body of toxins, leaving you looking refreshed and healthy.
See Related: Things to Do in Yankton
17. Aberdeen Murals
Murals are common in Aberdeen. From historical scenes to modern artwork, they adorn the sides of buildings throughout the city. Some murals are interactive, and you can even pose for a picture in front of them. If you’re looking for something interesting to do in Aberdeen, take a walk around town and admire all of the beautiful murals in the city.
Speaking of photographs, the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Aberdeen is one of the most picturesque hotels in the city. It is also close to the airport and offers many amenities.
See Related: Top-Rated Attractions in Sioux Falls
18. Storybook Land and Land Oz
Address: 2300 24th Ave NW, Aberdeen, SD 57401, United States
A visit to Storybook Land, an ode to fairy tales, is a great attraction to visit with kids. With over 30 animated characters and various rides, this is the perfect place for kids and adults of all ages.
Land Oz is also a great place to visit, with its various shops and restaurants. You can even meet Dorothy and her friends from the Wizard of Oz while you’re there. Storybook Land and Land Oz are great places to spend the day, and you’ll surely have a blast there.
Places to Stay in Aberdeen
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Aberdeen is ideally located for business and leisure travelers alike, offering a convenient base for exploring everything that Aberdeen has to offer. The hotel features a restaurant, fitness center, bar and shared lounge, as well as an indoor pool, hot tub and 24-hour front desk. Each rooms comes complete with a wardrobe, flat-screen TV, private bathroom and bed linen and towels.
Introducing the Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Aberdeen, SD! The hotel is conveniently located just 1.8 km from Melrose Addition and 3.1 km from Aberdeen Regional Airport. It offers sa variety of rooms and suites to fit your needs, all of which are equipped with free WiFi, air conditioning, and flat-screen TVs. Fairfield's on-site amenities include an indoor pool, fitness center, and 24-hour front desk.
Looking for a place to stay in Aberdeen that won't break the bank? Look no further than My Place Hotel! The hotel's clean and comfortable guest rooms are equipped with all the amenities you need for a relaxing stay, including air conditioning, cable TV, a microwave, a coffee machine, and more. And its location can't be beat - just minutes from Melrose Addition and Aberdeen Regional Airport.
Related Resources
Please sign in to leave a comment.