We love Storybook Land, it’s no secret.

The park is the perfect blend of adventure, whimsy, kitsch and nostalgia. But what many people don’t realize is Aberdeen is so much more than just Storybook Land! In fact, Storybook Land itself is roughly 10% of Wylie Park!

While you should absolutely carve out time to spend at Storybook Land when you come to Aberdeen, here are a few other things to do while you’re here!

Wylie Park

• Bike Rental: Roll-Out Bike Rentals can outfit you with a recumbant bike, a surrey or even a bicycle built for two.
• Camping: Wylie Park is home to two campgrounds featuring everything from tent sites to full electric hook-ups for campers to full-service cabins.
• Swimming: Lake Minne-Eho, also known as Wylie Lake, features a great swimming beach!*
• Thunder Road & Thunder Mountain: Go-Karts, Bumper Boats, Laser Mazes, Mini Golf? Say less!
• Trails: Wylie Park is home to more than three miles of paved trails that connect to the city’s 30-plus miles of paved trails.*
• Watercraft: There are watercraft rentals available at Wylie Park, including kayaks and paddleboats!
• Zoo: The Wylie Park Zoo features animals native to South Dakota, including bison and whitetale deer.*

In town

• Aberdeen Aqua Addicts waterski show: Get into town in time for their 7 p.m. Thursday show and you won’t be sorry.
• Aberdeen Aquatic Center: Waterslides, zero-entry child area and lap pool make summer dreams come true.
• Allevity Entertainment: mini bowling, laser tag, full-service restaurant and bar.
• Brown County Speedway: car racing all summer long on Friday nights (and some Saturdays too!)
• Capitol Cinema: a blend of classic films and indie hits. Movies every Friday, Saturday & Sunday!
• Dacotah Prairie Museum: Learn a little bit more about Brown County history, check out art by local artists and see traveling exhibits.*
• Golden Ticket Cinema: Catch the latest blockbuster.
• K.O. Lee Aberdeen Public Library: More than just books, the library features a great children’s section that’s perfect for reading or play.*
• Village Bowl: Knocking them down ten pins at a time.

The great outdoors

In the Aberdeen area there are some great state parks and other places to enjoy nature!

• Sand Lake National Wildlife Refuge: 32 miles from Aberdeen.
• Richmond Lake State Recreation Area: 12 miles from Aberdeen.**
• Mina Lake State Recreation Area: 15 miles from Aberdeen.**
• Fort Sisseton Historic State Park: 61 miles from Aberdeen.**
• Pickerel Lake State Recreation Area: 63 miles from Aberdeen.**
• Roy Lake State Park: 71 miles from Aberdeen.**
• Sica Hollow State Park: 80 miles from Aberdeen.**

*Free attraction

**Requires State Park Permit

Now it’s time to get planning! Are you staying in a hotel or camping? Will you go swimming at the Aquatic Center or opt for a beach day at a state park? Once you’ve sought your thrills at Storybook Land, will you seek out thrills on the trail system throughout town?

Aberdeen is the perfect place for a low-key family vacation — whether you want to come for a weekend or come for a week. We’re about a three-hour drive from Sioux Falls, Fargo and Bismarck and about five hours or less from Minot, Grand Forks, Marshall and the Twin Cities.

Aberdeen provides unmatched opportunities for family fun. From parks that capture the imagination to interactive museum exhibits that transport you into another time and place, your kids will have some bragging rights when they return to school.

Your trip may only last a few days, but the family memories will last a lifetime. Don’t plan a budget-busting, stress-inducing vacation. Turn up the calm and turn down the costs with a trip to Aberdeen.

Request a free visitor guide to get your planning started today!