A is for Aberdeen, Al's Oasis & More: South Dakota's 'A' Attractions

From prairie hubs to quirky roadside stops, South Dakota offers a surprising variety of places and features starting with "A."

Cities & Towns

• Aberdeen: The state's third-largest city (pop. ~28,000), a regional healthcare, education (Northern State University), and agricultural hub in Brown County. Known for Storybook Land, Wylie Park, and the annual Brown County Fair.
• Aurora: A small town in Brookings County, near the Big Sioux River.

Roadside Americana

• Al's Oasis (Wall): A legendary 50-year-old roadside attraction on I-90. Famous for its giant fiberglass camel (visible from the interstate), home-style buffet, bakery (famous pies), and sprawling gift shop. A quintessential "Wall Drug" era survivor.

Natural Features

• Angostura Reservoir: A 4,400-acre Bureau of Reclamation reservoir on the Cheyenne River near Hot Springs. Popular for walleye, smallmouth bass, crappie fishing, boating, camping, and birding. The dam (1949) provides irrigation and flood control.

Architecture

• Art Deco Architecture (Pierre): The South Dakota State Capitol (completed 1910) is a Beaux-Arts/Neoclassical gem with Art Deco interior details—Terrazzo floors, scagliola columns, stained glass, and a stunning rotunda. Free guided tours available.

Whether you're chasing history, highway kitsch, or walleye, South Dakota's "A" list delivers.