Prarie Dog Standing At Attention

Custer State Park

Photo by E.J. Peiker, Nature Photographer

Aberdeen is located approximately 284 miles west of Minneapolis. The six hour ride takes you through prairie land, by lakes, and through small towns. Aberdeen is approximately three hours from Fargo, North Dakota and Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Omaha, Nebraska is within a day's drive.

Aberdeen is the third largest city in the State of South Dakota with a population of approximately 24,658. Tucked away in Brown County, this city will remind you of another era. Forget the traffic jams, the noise, and bright lights. Relax in a town that leaves its cars running in the winter when one needs to run into the store. Not to worry, your warm car is waiting when you return. The weather at the end of September is usually warm with cool crisp nights.

Don't be surprised if people stop and ask you where you are from. They are curious and want to know, and they will tell you wonderful tales about the area. Picture a 1950's black and white movie with an airport. When you arrive at the Aberdeen Regional Airport, that is the feel you will get: warm, friendly, and small.

The Convention Center is not in the downtown area. However, the downtown area is within a 10 minute drive of the airport and a 5 minute drive from the Convention Center. If you are flying into Aberdeen, someone will be at the Aberdeen Regional Airport to greet you when you arrive if you let us know. Otherwise, the hotel will send its shuttle. You are no more than a 15 minute ride to any of the hotels from the airport. Please call your hotel if someone is not there to greet you.

If you have registered for the Symposium, the jam packed schedule includes working lunches and breakfasts. The cost of these meals has been added to the registration fee to ensure that everyone is able to attend the breakfast and lunch sessions and everything runs on schedule. You do not want to miss the presentations of these experts. They are very pleased to be here to share their knowledge.

Downtown Aberdeen

Photo courtesy of Percy Golson

If you are a spouse or guest our town is yours to explore as you wish and to enjoy. There are places to eat and things to see and do. We will not tell you our favorites. Enjoy, and let your own adventure begin.

Don't forget to bring your shopping list and holiday gift list if you are looking for the unique and one-of-kind objects of art for yourself and others. On Friday evening in conjunction with Vinegar and Wine Tasting there is "Meet the Artists". Leisurely meander into the specially created boutique in the Ramkota, The Best of the West, The Best of the Dakotas, and behold the variety of offerings. Many of the artists will be present to resign their work for you. If you are coming to the Symposium by plane, arrangements can be made for shipping your purchases.

The Best of the West, The Best of the Dakotas

Mid-West Pain Management Symposium Retreat™, 2007

The Executive Director of the Symposium, Presentation College, the University of Nebraska Medical Center, the Registration Committee, the Spouse/ Guest Program Committee, the many volunteers, and personnel of all the hotels and Avera St. Luke's Hospital are here to make this one of the best scientific meetings you have ever attended and also one of the best experiences for a spouse or guest. Questions? Just ask. Welcome to the Seventh Annual Mid-West Pain Management Symposium Retreat™.

If you are exploring Aberdeen at a leisurely pace on your own, enjoy. After walking around the Dakotah Museum, the ArtWorks Cooperative Art Gallery, the Boston Fern, Kathleen's, and the Colonial Rose you might want to up your exercise a little by stopping off at TM Studio or the YMCA: The Northeast Regional Health & Fitness Center. A day pass rate is available and can be purchased at the "Y". At TM Studio get a personal training session.

After you have enjoyed a great workout or swim, indulge yourself further. Aberdeen has great places to get a massage and pamper yourself.

At Avera St. Luke's Therapeutic Massage, the massage therapists are trained to take care of patients with special needs and those who need massages to enhance their physical and occupational therapy. You must book early to reserve this treat: 605. 622.5556.

At the Aberdeen Natural Health Clinic find a balance with heart, body, mind, and spirit. Call 605.262.5049 for a list of their healing touch offerings.

From your head to your toe, Concepts will bring out the best of you: 605.262.8332.

These Are Sure to Please:

Taylor awaits you at the Ward Plaza Bar & Grill: downtown on South Main Street.

Stephanie is in the kitchen at Canterbury's Ltd.: downtown on South Main Street.

Camarones con Verde or something similar?

Mazatlan Mexican Restaurant: downtown on South First Street. Leo will greet you personally.