Aberdeen is a beautiful city located in the heart of Brown County, South Dakota, United States. The city offers amazing recreational and entertainment facilities to the wanderers. Families, who want to spend incredible fun moments, there are lots of things to do in Aberdeen, SD. In this place, visitors can enjoy miles of multi-purpose trails while exploring this beautiful city. Kids find numerous breathtaking sports and games according to individual’s taste.
Amazing parks, gardens, museums, public libraries and many other beautiful landmarks are always ready to show their gratitude to the visitors. Here are some of these best things for you to do in Aberdeen, SD. You just need to choose your favourite ones, or, you might cover all these amazing fun-packed places with your friends and family.
1. Wylie Park
Wylie Park is one of the best outdoor places to visit in Aberdeen. In this family-friendly park, opportunities are boundless. The park is always open and free to the public. You can enjoy a great family picnic, some amazing walking and biking trails, an extensive playground, miniature golf courses and more fun activities in this 200-acre park.
Furthermore, Wylie Park is home to many entertaining houses. One of the most visited spots in Aberdeen is the The Storybook Land that is nestling in the center to this park. There are also Go-karts and a maze nearby. To spend a relaxed and peaceful afternoon, this park should be at the top of your list.
Fishing is popular among visitors in Lake Minne-Eho. Remember, above 16 years of age, anglers need to have a South Dakota fishing license. Visitors can access it in online mode. You may also take a refreshing swim in this nicely maintained lake. For lodging, rent one of the 110 campsites. Rental cabins are also available.
Address: US-281, Aberdeen, SD 57401
Phone: (605) 626-7015
Hours: Open everyday, from 10 am to 9 pm.
2. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Any visit to any religious site and having a simple prayer in front of GOD can really sooth a terribly disturbed mind. Attending the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a perfect place to visit with your family and to pray for the well-being of your near ones and for your own self as well!
Must visit the spiritual site and learn about some life lessons and make your life more beautiful. There are many spiritual ceremonies held here on a regular basis.
Address: 1101 24th Ave NE, Aberdeen, SD 57401
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3. Aberdeen Recreation & Cultural Center
Aberdeen Recreation and Cultural Center is a great spot to enjoy something special for everyone, regardless of their age. Visitors can enjoy numerous activities including visiting art galleries, experiencing indoor activities and taking part in incredible existing games!
The cultural center offers a computer lab, allowing willing visitors to do some personal work at free of cost. There are also various learning classes visitors can participate. Art classes, dance classes, martial arts classes are some of these exciting activities.
Address: 225 3rd Ave SE, Aberdeen, SD 57401
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4. Storybook Land and Land of Oz
Make sure to stop by the Storybook Land and Land of Oz. As mentioned earlier, this fine family-friendly Storybook Land is located inside Wylie Park. Visiting this illuminating venue is no doubt one of the best things to do in Aberdeen, SD. Trust me, you will not be disappointed for listing this spot in your must to visit places, after personally exploring the magical land!
This place is perfect for all ages. From kids to aged people, everyone can spend an incredible moment in Storybook Land. Make sure, you have enough time for exploring each corner of Storybook Land. This fairy tales land features over 30 animated characters and various rides.
Land Oz is another great place to have some fun. There are several fine shops and restaurants available to meet individual’s appeal!
Address: 2300 24th Ave NW, Aberdeen, SD 57401
Phone: (605) 626-7015
Hours: Open everyday, from 10 am to 9 pm.
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5. Richmond Lake Recreation Area
Richmond Lake Recreation Area is a great place to enjoy some amazing water activities. The recreation area is best known for fishing, gaming and parks. The highlight of Aberdeen is packed with year-round activities, events, trails, making this place a real gem. Naturalists also love to visit the spot.
The park is separated in three major areas. Swimming, boating, canoeing, camping all are available. Camping is permitted in the South unit of the park. For birdwatching, it’s a great spot, too. And the best thing is that there is a 200-acre Forest Drive Unit for wildlife watching.
The available amenities are boat ramps, biking trails, fishing piers, campgrounds and camping cabins. The Boat Ramp Unit provides accessibility to more than 1,000-acre lake. Anglers must test their luck through fishing in the lake.
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6. Dacotah Prairie Museum
Must pop into Dacotah Prairie Museum if you are willing to know about the local history of Aberdeen. You may participate in exploring several historic buildings, attending exciting exhibits that are held on a regular basis. The museum is Brown County’s premier history museum. Admission to this museum is free.
Your kids will love in spending time in Hatterscheidt Wildlife Gallery Safe For Visitors. There are many other exciting places for kids. This is a must stop spot if kids are with you. Though adults also enjoy the place. Art exhibits of local artists rotate through the galleries on a regular basis. Harvest Stroll is one of the best events in Dacotah Prairie Museum.
For collecting a memorable souvenir, you might pop into the Mercantile gift shop.
Address: 21 S Main St, Aberdeen, SD 57401
Phone: (605) 626-7117
Hours: Tuesday through Friday 10 am to 5 pm; Saturday 11 am to 4 pm; closed on Sunday and Monday.
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7. NSU Art Galleries
NSU Art Galleries is a student center art gallery. The mission of the center is to increase climate awareness through the presentation of professional art exhibitions. There are several galleries that are operative in different seasons.
The President’s Gallery is located on the 2nd floor of Spafford Hall. Johnson Fine Arts Center Gallery is one of the best art galleries to explore. Here you can see artworks done by nationally and internationally recognized contemporary artists.
Address: 1200 S Jay St, Aberdeen, SD 57401
Phone: (605) 626-7766
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8. Downtown Summer Concert Series
Head to Downtown Summer Concert Series and have an incredible experience that you can cherish for your lifetime. The charming live performances with local and regional artists make this place a dream destination among extreme fun-lovers. From kids to older people, all enjoy these performances, making the concert series one of the best things to do in Aberdeen, SD.
Families can enjoy three outdoor summer concerts that are free to the public. The Aberdeen Downtown Associations hosts these family-friendly events. In this place, you will discover a collection of beers and food vendors. You may also visit the venue with your pet. But remember, pets are allowed in pet-friendly areas only.
For planning to drink in this place, visitors over 21 years of age, need to carry an ID. Visitors can’t carry outside food and beverages, and they can buy food from the inside vendors only. And no bikes and skateboards are allowed inside the ground.
9. Lake Minne-Eho (Wylie Lake)
Lake Minne-Eho is sitting in Wylie Park Recreation Trail. Also known as Wylie Lake, Lake Minne-Eho is popular for its amazing equipment including a gorgeous beach area and a playground. Spending an afternoon on the banks of this lake is a great way to enjoy your weekend gateway with near ones!
There’s also a swimming area nearby the beach. Canoes and paddle boats are available to rent. In spring, the lake is stocked with trout and it becomes more subscribed with anglers.
Address: 2300 24th Ave NW, Aberdeen, SD 57401
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10. Allevity Entertainment
Allevity Entertainment is a premier entertainment center in the Aberdeen Region. The center is popular for featuring amazing family-friendly indoor games and attractions. The entertainment center charges either per attraction or per hour.
Engaging games are arcades, mini-bowling, ax throwing, laser tag, climbing wall and many other fun things. Various events and parties are hosted in the multiple party rooms. Various group events and birthday parties are also hosted here. There is also a café inside.
Opportunities are immense here. Spending 2-3 hours in this premier entertainment zone is certainly one of the best things to do in Aberdeen, SD.
Address: 130 Centennial St S, Aberdeen, SD 57401
Phone: (605) 225-7733
Hours: Monday through Wednesday 12 to 8:30 pm; Thursday 12 to 9 pm; Friday 11:30 am to 10 pm; Saturday 11 am to 10 pm; Sunday 11:30 am to 8 pm.
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11. Lager’s Inn
Lager’s Inn is one of Aberdeen’s favourite sports bars. Visitors come to this entertainment spot to enjoy their favourite sporting events with their favourite beers. The inn also offers delicious food. Online delivery is available. Prices are quite fair.
There are several events that you can take part. The best thing about the place is Lager’s Inn offers Happy Hour from 3pm to 6pm daily. Their services are fast and friendly. Lots of food options are there you could explore.
The large seating area is perfect for hanging out with family and friends. Altogether, Lager’s Inn is one of the best bars in Aberdeen. Visitors enjoy watching the game on 20 HDTV’s which are spread out throughout the bar.
Address: 20 3rd Ave SW, Aberdeen, SD 57401
Phone: (605) 229-0922
Hours: Monday through Thursday 11 am to 2 am; Friday 10 am to 2 am; Saturday 11 am to 2 am; closed on Sunday.
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12. Matchbox Sport Recreation Center
Matchbox Sport Recreation Center is one of the nicest places in the town and visiting this spot with your family is one of the best ways to have ultimate family-fun in the city. The year-round programs, private lessons and tournaments are organized for athletes, and several entertaining activities and engaging games among visitors, make the recreation center a year-round popular destination.
The recreation center is a locally-owned private athlete facility center. The purpose of the center is to develop young minds in their interested fields. Various rental options are available here. Visitors can enjoy volleyball, pickleball and some other fun games.
Address: 110 Centennial St S, Aberdeen, SD 57401
Phone: (605) 725-8723
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13. Greetings From Aberdeen Mural
Greetings From Aberdeen Mural is a great place for snapping lots of Instagram worthy photos. The spot is open to the public for 24 hours. The mural features illustrations from Aberdeen’s iconic scenes. Each visitor must stop to this beautiful spot.
The purpose of designing Aberdeen Mural was to unit the town that was disturbed after COVID-19. The mural is a greeting from the town to its lovely visitors!
Address: 9 5th Ave SE, Aberdeen, SD 57401
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14. Aberdeen Aqua Addicts Ski Show
Aberdeen Aqua Addicts Ski Show is an incredible water activity done by South Dakota’s premier waterski team. The team works as a non-profit organization. Every year the performers offer amazing action packed water ski shows.
Water activities such as jumping, making a pyramid, barefooting are done upon the surface area of Lake Dahme. These activities are centered around a theme and are choreographed with music. Tickets can be purchased from the gate and it costs $3 per child/student and $5 per adult.
Any visitor can join the team and learn exhilarating water skills. People of all ages are welcome in this learning process. If you are willing to master these skills, you will have to attend summer time weekly performances and competitions.
To continue the show, the organization receive donations. Donation of $20 or more are also listed in their annual program book.
Address: 3301 S Hwy 281, Aberdeen, SD 57401
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15. SkateAway
skateAway is one of the best places in the town to take your kids. This family-friendly place is packed with breathtaking fun-activities. Birthday parties, private party services, nice events make this spot the highlight of the town.
Friendly staffs, amazing music and fun games, all you can enjoy by paying a minimum price. Skate rental and inline rental are available. Kids of all ages enjoy the place immensely.
There are many events you can enjoy with your whole family. For attending these events, you may visit their website for getting the information.
Address: 721 Circle Dr, Aberdeen, SD 57401
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16. Slackers
Slackers is a nice pub in Aberdeen. Local visitors come to this place to enjoy amazing wines and foods with their close ones. The pub is open from 12am-2am. It is a decent place among adults. Both local and regional beers are available for visitors’ enjoyment.
Reach to the pub, order your favourite drink and enjoy with live music and dreamy ambience. You may also burn your time playing chess, 8-ball pool, Darts and some other games.
Address: 319 S Main St, Aberdeen, SD 57401
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17. ArcadeAway
ArcadeAway is another family-friendly place to visit. The spot offers endless possibilities for budget-friendly family fun. Located in the Uptown Aberdeen Mall, ArcadeAway has more than 15 games and toy dispensers, perfect for making a big smile in your child’s face.
The arcade is open Monday through Friday from 10am-9pm, on Saturday from 10am-7pm, and on Sunday from 12-6pm. For experiencing one of the best things in Aberdeen, don’t miss this spot.
Address: 3315 6th Ave SE, Aberdeen, SD 57401
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18. Wylie Thunder Road
Wylie Thunder Road is also located inside Wylie Park. Opened in 1994, Wylie Thunder Road is a family-owned and operated business and offers amazing summer entertainment facilities for families along with kiddos. In 2019, Wylie Thunder Road celebrated its 25th year in business in Wylie Park.
Here visitors can enjoy 800-foot go-kart track, a boat pool, a miniature golf course and many other fine attractions. Due to its popularity, the entertainment center is expanding and growing rapidly.
Numerous attractions including waterfalls, fountains, rippling streams and a fire shooting volcano were added to the center. Visitors can also enjoy the breathtaking Euro Bungy activity in this entertainment center.
Address: Wylie Park, Aberdeen, SD 57401
19. Melgaard Park Disc Golfing
Playing disk golf at Melgaard Park is a great fun. The game is very simple. You just need to throw a flying disk at a targeted place. People of all age groups get incredible fun after participating in this easy but alluring fun game.
If you are a nascent, start playing with a driver or mid range or putter disk. You can purchase them at Boho Closet or Walmart in Aberdeen. There are numerous events held in this place. If you don’t want to participate in any of these activities, you can simply enjoy the park by taking a stroll.
Address: Aberdeen, SD 57401
20. Next Generation Performance Center
Next Generation Performance Center is always ready to providing next level entertainment facilities to its visitors, regardless of their age.
The purpose of the center is offering gymnastic trainings to the aspirants under the age group of 3-18. For learning great gymnastics, this is a great spot to visit.
Address: 3315 6th Ave SE #6th, Aberdeen, SD 57401
21. Capitol Cinema
Located in downtown Aberdeen, South Dakota, Capitol Cinema, a unique theater and the city’s only non-profit movie theater, featuring latest Hollywood movies, is a worth checking out venue if you’re around the area.
The comfortable and enjoyable environment brings the night one of the best experiences for all movie lovers. Equipped with modern technology, Capitol Theater also has free-will donation concessions.
For hosting several film festivals, Capitol Cinema, has grown to become one of Aberdeen’s most cultural institutions for promoting a love for film and bringing people together through the power of storytelling.
Address: 415 S Main St, Aberdeen, SD 57401
Phone: (605) 226-5494
22. Village Bowl
Complete with a number of family fun games, Village Bowl is a dedicated bowling alley, featuring 32 lanes with bumpers, and is a pretty decent place to burn a few hours in town with friends and family.
packed with parties and special events, Village Bowl is Aberdeen’s Best Bowling Alley! There’s always something fun happening here. The modern bowling center also has kid-friendly bumper bowling lanes available.
Whether it’s about joining a bowling league, or enjoying a favourable outing with friends and family, look no further than Village Bowl! The entertainment center will not disappoint you!
Address: 1314 8th Ave NW, Aberdeen, SD 57401
Phone: (605) 229-4800
Hours: Monday and Tuesday 5 to 10 pm; Wednesday and Thursday 12 to 11 pm; Friday and Saturday 12 pm to 12 am; Sunday 3 to 10 pm.
23. Heartland Casino
To feel a little bit of Las Vegas in Aberdeen, Heartland Casino, boasting 40 machines in four game rooms, is a perfect place to have unlimited fun with friends. The casino’s offering includes the Hub City Station Event Center, renowned for showcasing music, comedy and private events.
The great atmosphere with its friendly staffs, Heartland Casino is a worth visiting spot in the area to meet friends, have a tasty beer and build an epic memory!
Address: 1923 6th Ave SE #101, Aberdeen, SD 57401
Phone: (605) 229-2855
24. Moccasin Creek Country Club
Located northeast of Aberdeen in the residential community of Prairiewood Village, Moccasin Creek Country Club, founded in 1971 by a group of local business leaders, is the place renowned for offering one of the best golf courses and a club in the region. Their offerings of food and beverages are also considered as the finest in the area.
Open to the members and their guests, the year-round destination offers most enjoyable facilities, including a personal tour and hosts many tournaments, leagues, junior golf programs for the members and community, throughout the year.
Designed by the prominent architect Charles Maddox, the golf course is favourite among golf enthusiasts as the course is considered one of the best in the state, and the huge facilities and variety of activities make Moccasin Creek Country Club a fantastic gathering spot for friends, families, and business associates.
Address: 39084 130th St, Aberdeen, SD 57401
Phone: (605) 226-0900
Hours: Open everyday, from 7 am to 10 pm.
25. Kuhnert Arboretum
Located at the corner of Melgaard Road and Dakota Street South, in Brown County, South Dakota, and home to the beautiful 9-hole disc golf course, the 19-acre Kuhnert Arboretum, featuring the panoramic views and enriching attractions, contains ornamental, deciduous and coniferous trees.
The Aberdeen Park and Recreation Board hired Wyss Associates Inc. in 1999 to develop a master plan for the arboretum. The arboretum is open year-round and is beautiful to visit any time for a great family outing.
Filled with landscapes, many gardens such as the rose gardens, native plant gardens, children’s play garden and an interpretive center, all these eye-catching attractions make Kuhnert Arboretum a must-to-visit place for everyone to find something to their liking!
The nearby Kuhnert Arboretum Loop, the 1.3-km pleasant loop trail with an easy route, takes the visitors through the arboretum. Definitely check out the loop to enjoy stunning views and a fantastic experience!
Address: 2110 S Dakota St, Aberdeen, SD 57401
Phone: (605) 626-7015
26. Manor Park
Located in Avera Mother Joseph Manor Retirement Community, Manor Park, featuring picnic tables, playground slides and 3 outdoor hard courts, is one of the area’s best pickleball destinations.
Complete with permanent lines and nets, the courts are free and is regarded as some of the best free places to play pickleball in Aberdeen. Popular with a well-maintained dog park, many visitors are seen to stroll around the park with their off-leash pets.
Though it’s a year-round open park and offers a number of fun activities to partake, in cold seasons, Manor Park offers the opportunity to come out and play some ice-hockey on the park’s rink.
The park’s unique bond with natural surroundings, and ample opportunity for pickleball fun, the outdoor attraction could be anyone’s destination to spend a whole day with friends and family while enjoying either a scenic stroll, or the fun game, or simply, some relaxed moments under the soothing nature!
Address: 1115 N Jay St, Aberdeen, SD 57401
Phone: (605) 626-7015
Hours: Open everyday, from 6 am to 10 pm.
Final Thoughts
From family-fun to romantic escape, packed with all types of different travel personalities, Aberdeen, SD, is the place where you’ll find plenty of treasures! The city enjoys the vibrant art and culture, featuring a large number of museums, art centers and the booming downtown. Must plan your trip to the city to enjoy all the fine attractions regarding history, culture and scenic beauty, making it a great destination for a short-term escape!
FAQs
1. What are top five things to do in Aberdeen SD?
The charming city Aberdeen in South Dakota, United States, is a wonderful place to plan your next vacation! From toddlers to teenagers, there are multiple affordable fun and adventure await to bewilder the city explorers. And the top five attractions, you must visit in Aberdeen include Storybook Land, Wylie Park, Dacotah Prairie Museum, Aberdeen Aquatic Center and Wylie Thunder Road Go-Karts and Mini-Golf.
