Looking for a weekend trip that you can fill with all kinds of entertainment, from dining to an amusement park? Head to Aberdeen, South Dakota’s third largest city, where you’ll find plenty to keep you busy.
Aberdeen is located in the northeastern portion of South Dakota. It got the nickname “Hub City” because it was once home to the intersection of four railroads.
The city of Aberdeen is home to around 28,500 residents, and it’s a beautiful place with plenty to see and do. You’ll find lots of cafes, restaurants and shops, as well as Northern State University.
Aberdeen Area Convention & Visitors Bureau/Facebook
Day One: Relax at Wylie Park.
J531/Tripadvisor Wylie Park is where you’ll find much of the action in Aberdeen - it’s home to Wylie Lake, which is stocked with fish, a beach area to play on and three miles of trails so you can explore and get some exercise. You’ll also find Storybook Land and Wylie Thunder Road. Consider spending the night at Wylie Park Campground, where you can park your RV, pitch a tent or stay in a cabin.
Take a magical trip to Storybook Land.
Storybook Land, Aberdeen South Dakota/Facebook You’ll want to block out an entire day for Storybook Land. Ride the Storybook Land Express, see the medieval castle, ride the Humpty Dumpty Roller Coaster and head down the Yellow Brick Road to the Land of Oz. Storybook Land is located at 225 SE Third Avenue, and is open from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM every day until Labor Day.
Race around at Thunder Road.
Wylie Thunder Road/Facebook There’s something for the whole family at Thunder Road. Ride the go-karts, race around on the bumper boats, test your luck at the laser maze, play a round of mini-golf and jump on the euro bungie. Thunder Road is open from noon to 10 PM.
Get a cool, tasty treat at Twist Cone.
Aberdeen Area Convention & Visitors Bureau/Facebook There’s nothing like ice cream on a hot, summer day, and Twist Cone’s gotcha covered. Get a cone, banana split, shake and more. They’re located at 503 N. 3rd Street and open Monday through Saturday 11 AM to 11 PM; Sunday Noon to 11 PM.
Day Two: Learn about the history and culture of South Dakota at the Dacotah Prairie Museum.
management/Tripadvisor The Dacotah Prairie Museum is housed in a 125-year-old building at 21 S. Main Street. You’ll find tons of exhibits, interactive displays and historic items at this interesting museum. The best part? Admission is free! Open Tuesday through Friday 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM; Saturday and Sunday 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM.
Spend some time at Richmond Lake Recreation Area
JinAbr/Tripadvisor Not only is there a gorgeous lake here, but you’ll also enjoy several trails and a disc golf course. You’ll find Richmond Lake Recreation Area at 37908 Youth Camp Road.
Cool off at Aberdeen Aquatic Center.
Aberdeen Aquatic Center/Facebook When the temperature climbs, head to Aberdeen Aquatic Center at 1029 South Dakota Street. You’ll find waterslides, a huge zero-entry leisure pool, a 50-foot lap pool with eight lanes, and a lazy river. The center is open Monday through Friday 1:00 PM to 9:00 PM; Saturday and Sunday noon to 8:00 PM.
Relax and enjoy a movie or community theater production at the historic Capitol Cinema.
Capitol Cinema/Facebook This gorgeous historic theater was built in 1926, and it’s a unique spot to relax at the end of your day. It’s also home to Aberdeen Community Theater, so depending on the time of year, you can see a live production or a Hollywood movie. It’s located at 415 S. Main Street.
Have you visited Aberdeen? Tell us your favorite thing to do there!
Aberdeen Area Convention & Visitors Bureau/Facebook
J531/Tripadvisor
Wylie Park is where you’ll find much of the action in Aberdeen - it’s home to Wylie Lake, which is stocked with fish, a beach area to play on and three miles of trails so you can explore and get some exercise. You’ll also find Storybook Land and Wylie Thunder Road. Consider spending the night at Wylie Park Campground, where you can park your RV, pitch a tent or stay in a cabin.
Storybook Land, Aberdeen South Dakota/Facebook
You’ll want to block out an entire day for Storybook Land. Ride the Storybook Land Express, see the medieval castle, ride the Humpty Dumpty Roller Coaster and head down the Yellow Brick Road to the Land of Oz. Storybook Land is located at 225 SE Third Avenue, and is open from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM every day until Labor Day.
Wylie Thunder Road/Facebook
There’s something for the whole family at Thunder Road. Ride the go-karts, race around on the bumper boats, test your luck at the laser maze, play a round of mini-golf and jump on the euro bungie. Thunder Road is open from noon to 10 PM.
There’s nothing like ice cream on a hot, summer day, and Twist Cone’s gotcha covered. Get a cone, banana split, shake and more. They’re located at 503 N. 3rd Street and open Monday through Saturday 11 AM to 11 PM; Sunday Noon to 11 PM.
management/Tripadvisor
The Dacotah Prairie Museum is housed in a 125-year-old building at 21 S. Main Street. You’ll find tons of exhibits, interactive displays and historic items at this interesting museum. The best part? Admission is free! Open Tuesday through Friday 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM; Saturday and Sunday 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM.
JinAbr/Tripadvisor
Not only is there a gorgeous lake here, but you’ll also enjoy several trails and a disc golf course. You’ll find Richmond Lake Recreation Area at 37908 Youth Camp Road.
Aberdeen Aquatic Center/Facebook
When the temperature climbs, head to Aberdeen Aquatic Center at 1029 South Dakota Street. You’ll find waterslides, a huge zero-entry leisure pool, a 50-foot lap pool with eight lanes, and a lazy river. The center is open Monday through Friday 1:00 PM to 9:00 PM; Saturday and Sunday noon to 8:00 PM.
Capitol Cinema/Facebook
This gorgeous historic theater was built in 1926, and it’s a unique spot to relax at the end of your day. It’s also home to Aberdeen Community Theater, so depending on the time of year, you can see a live production or a Hollywood movie. It’s located at 415 S. Main Street.
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