Aberdeen, South Dakota travel guide: things to do, food & where to stay

Overview

Aberdeen is a city in South Dakota. It is home to Northern State University.

1 sights · 6 things to do · 3 places to eat · 3 places to stay

Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage

Best things about Aberdeen

Kuhnert Arboretum

Richmond Lake Recreation Area

Storybook Land Wylie Park

Recreation area and amusement park.

Aberdeen Family YMCA

Acquatic center, gyms and wellness center.

Aberdeen Aquatic Center

Water park.

Aberdeen Community Theatre

Plan your trip

Getting there

From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
ABR Aberdeen Regional Airport, Aberdeen — 3 mi away. Directions
ATY Watertown Regional Airport, Watertown — 75 mi away. Directions
MSP Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport / Wold–Chamberlain Field, Minneapolis — 260 mi away (major hub). Directions

Aberdeen is served by Jefferson Lines.

Full “Get in” guide ↓

Budget & where to stay

No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.

Sample 2-day itinerary

Day 1

Morning Kuhnert Arboretum, Aberdeen Aquatic Center, Aberdeen Family YMCA
Lunch Flame
Afternoon Aberdeen Community Theatre, Golden Ticket Cinemas Aberdeen 9
Dinner Maverick's steak house

Day 2

Morning Richmond Lake Recreation Area
Lunch Minervas
Afternoon Storybook Land Wylie Park

Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.

Food for you

The city's best restaurants include:

Cuisine (tap to filter)

What to ask about, for your diet

Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder

Map

Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.

Get in

By plane

Go Aberdeen Regional Airport (ABR)

Features several flights a day operated by Delta Air Lines. Daily flights connect to Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Maps Website

By bus

Aberdeen is served by Jefferson Lines.

Get around

There is very little public transportation available in Aberdeen, so transportation relies on cars. Rental vehicles are the best means of travel in Aberdeen, as the cab system is somewhat sketchy.