Aberdeen, SD

Quick City Facts

County: Brown
Population (2019): 28,257
Population (2010): 26,091

Data provided by US Census Bureau (2019)

Located in Brown County, the city of Aberdeen is a thriving hub of shopping centers, service industries, manufacturing plants, professional facilities, and high-quality school systems. It’s perhaps most widely known for its fine retail establishments, eclectic shops, and friendly local merchants. More than 80,000 people flock to Aberdeen from Northeastern South Dakota and southern North Dakota to shop at the sprawling Lakewood Mall and the outlying shopping opportunities. Historic downtown Aberdeen”6th Avenue, in particular”offers a variety of eclectic shops, distinctive landmarks, casual cafes, and fine cuisine.

History

Originally inhabited by the Sioux Indians, the city now known as Aberdeen became a site of fur trading posts in the 1820s, which attracted the first Caucasian settlers to the area. Constructed around newly developing railroad systems in 1881, Aberdeen was dubbed the Hub City of the Dakotas due to the trio of railroad depots intersecting in the town. These very railroads contributed to the city’s quick growth and prosperity. Aberdeen took over Columbia’s designation as county seat of Brown County in 1889.

Recreation

Visitors and locals enjoy abundant outdoor recreational activities in Aberdeen. Sports enthusiasts have ample access to hunting, skiing, boating, snowmobiling, and golfing, as well as the fast-paced action at the Brown County Speedway. College sporting events and youth sports programs also draw large crowds. Nature lovers appreciate the picturesque park systems, including Wylie Park and the Sand Lake National Wildlife Refuge. The characters and scenes of nearby Storybook Land cater to children’s’ imaginations. A network of substantial lakes provides plentiful fishing and plenty of scenic beauty. The annual Brown County Fair, held just outside Aberdeen, draws thousands of South Dakotan’s each year.

Arts & Culture

Those with discriminating aesthetic tastes won’t be disappointed by Aberdeen. A surprisingly large number of art galleries showcase the masterpieces of local and international artists. Outdoor festivals, such as the weekend-long event Arts-in-the-Park, provide creators with many opportunities to set up booths and sell their wares. The Granary brings together an eclectic mix of cultural exhibits in a scenic, park-like setting, while the Aberdeen Community Theater performs an array of dramatic productions throughout the year. For music lovers, Aberdeen’s Community Concert Association schedules local appearances by renowned musicians.

Popular Attractions

Prairie Village

Prairie Village

Madison

Verendrye Museum

Verendrye Museum

Fort Pierre

Winner Drive-In

Winner Drive-In

Winner

Blue Bell Lodge

Blue Bell Lodge

Custer

Pheasant Drive-In

Pheasant Drive-In

Mobridge

Skyline Wilderness Area

Skyline Wilderness Area

Rapid City

EyeTime Promotions

EyeTime Promotions

Mellette

Black Hills Glass Blowers

Black Hills Glass Blowers

Keystone

Hansen Wheel & Wagon Shop

Hansen Wheel & Wagon Shop

Letcher

Dakota Sunset Museum

Dakota Sunset Museum

Gettysburg

Stensland Family Farms Ice Cream + Country Store

Stensland Family Farms Ice Cream + Country Store

Sioux Falls

Mazing Acres Pumpkin Patch

Mazing Acres Pumpkin Patch

Yankton

The Mill Iron Coffee House

The Mill Iron Coffee House

Whitewood

The Cave Collective

The Cave Collective

Rapid City

Springs Inn Cafe and Lounge

Springs Inn Cafe and Lounge

Wessington Springs

The Boat House

The Boat House

Yankton

Dakota Discovery Museum

Dakota Discovery Museum

Mitchell

Harriet & Oak

Harriet & Oak

Rapid City

Great Faces. Great Places.

South Dakota is an incredibly unique state in that each region offers a completely different experience then the others. Check out each of the regions to see what each has to offer!

Badlands

Western South Dakota

Featuring the Black Hills, Badlands, the Sturgis Rally. This region tends to be the most popular.

CENTRAL REGION

This region of South Dakota offers some of the best hunting and fishing in the entire central US. 

Eastern Region

The eastern region is home to the largest city in the state and provides visitors with a true "prairie" experience.