A Secret Underground World Is Tucked Under This South Dakota Town

Every town has its secrets, but one community in Northeastern South Dakota might just have the most intriguing mystery in the entire state. For years, locals whispered of a vast network of tunnels hidden deep beneath the downtown district, leaving many to wonder if the tales are true or an urban legend.

At well over 100 years old, these tunnels had a wide variety of uses. Some were used for commercial purposes, allowing local shoppers to stroll from one business to another, while others were used for storage purposes, or even emergency escape routes.

These tunnels were largely closed off years ago, but remain a mysterious part of the local folklore for this small South Dakota town.

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Established in 1879, the town of Aberdeen almost immediately became known as the "Hub City" of South Dakota, thanks to the extensive Ralilorad routes that crossed through that part of the state. The tunnels were constructed a few decades later, largely due to the high train traffic in town. Many area residents found the tunnels especially useful to walk from business to business in the tunnels; much easier than dodging all the trains that ran through the town day and night.

The tunnels underneath Aberdeen served as a commercial and utility network. Businesses, local government entities, and even some residents used the tunnels for storage purposes. They were also used as "safe houses" for coal furnaces in the early 1900s. As for the utility side of things, several tunnels were used for pipes and steam heating, including Presentation College in town.

According to local legend, the tunnels also had a very specific use during the prohibition era of the United States in the 1920s and early 1930s. Some claim that a few of the tunnels led to underground establishments known as "Speakeasies". These secret hideaways were said to be the perfect spot to grab a drink, without having to worry about prying eyes.

The Aberdeen tunnels essentially lost their purpose beginning in the 1950s when most businesses in town switched from coal to electric and natural gas for heat. Then, in the 70s, many of the tunnels were covered when the town moved to one-way streets in its downtown, as crews worked on new sewer and pipe replacements.

By May 2004, the city removed sections of sidewalk and filled in the remaining parts of the tunnel system with gravel and concrete. These days, nearly all evidence of the tunnels has been wiped from existence, except for the basements of buildings like the Ward Hotel, though this is blocked off to the public.

Story Sources: Aberdeen Live Website, City of Aberdeen Website