Aberdeen, South Dakota

If you head west across the northeast corner of South Dakota on U.S. Highway 12, a large city rises from the prairie 96 miles out of Milbank, SD. That city is known as Aberdeen. Aberdeen? Why that? It came about thanks to the president of a railroad -Alexander Mitchell, head of the Milwaukee Road- having been born there. When the town was platted next to the Milwaukee's tracks, it was named after his home town. Today the magnificent Milwaukee Road depot still stands as a proud reminder of the driving force behind Aberdeen's creation.  Three other railroads soon competed with the Milwaukee for traffic originating in Aberdeen; this helped earn the town the nickname "The Hub City of the Dakotas." Today one railroad remains, the BNSF, which operates the former Milwaukee line.

There is much more to the town than railroads, of course. The creator of the Wizard of Oz, L. Frank Baum, lived in Aberdeen from 1888 to 1891. Here he published a newspaper and operated a variety store while starting his literary career. The local amusement park is named Storybook Land in his honor and comes complete with its own Land of Oz attraction. It also offers fine dining, local theater, the Dacotah Prairie Museum, as well as numerous parks and trails. For the complete rundown on what to see and do, click the link to their Convention and Visitors Bureau.

The biggest attraction of the town, in my opinion, is the atmosphere. Being Twin City born and bred, and still calling Minneapolis/St. Paul home, I found Aberdeen a refreshing change from the ever-increasing cookie-cutter feel the Cities are developing. True, there were some chain restaurants, both fast-food and sit-down, and big box retailers like Wal-Mart and Menards, but Aberdeen, SD, has a distinct character and charm residents seem to take pride in. No dreams of being the next New York City for them. I loved Aberdeen's city logo so much I just had to snap a picture of it emblazoned on a water tower.

If you are going to South Dakota, find time to visit Aberdeen for at least one night. It is worth a visit, especially if you want to ditch the big city in favor of something more cozy and unique.

A couple tips if you go: if you stay at the Best Western Ramkota in Aberdeen, be advised their swimming pool is kiddie-oriented and not fit for lap swimming. And be sure to check out the attached Minerva's restaurant or get room service from them, especially if it is for breakfast. Their menu ranges from good to great.

Photo by Richard H.