Recreation

from Brookings Visitors Guide 2023

Shopping

Our glacial lakes and wide open landscapes are the perfect combo for ultimate relaxation and exploration. Bring your sunglasses for epic sunrises and sunsets across our Midwestern skies.

DAKOTA NATURE PARK & LARSON NATURE CENTER

What was once an old landfill is now a 135-acre multi-purpose park and one of our community’s most popular attractions. Dakota Nature Park is designed as a destination, featuring a string of ponds, fishing dock, and bike trails. Its philosophy is a place where nature prevails and all humans are guests.

The Larson Nature Center is located in the park and serves as the rental hub for outdoor gear. It’s also a gathering place for special events and educational programming. In the winter months, staff keeps a cozy fire going to welcome guests.

RECREATION & RENTAL OPPORTUNITIES

• Mountain Bike • Canoes/Kayaks

• Paddleboards • Fishing Poles

• Snowshoes • Binoculars

• GPS Units

BROOKINGS COUNTY OUTDOOR ADVENTURE CENTER

Known around the country for its Olympic-length archery range, the Brookings County Outdoor Adventure Center (BCOAC) is a hunter’s haven. It’s also an educational facility to teach proper gun safety. The archery range is great for family reunions and casual get togethers. Anyone can learn how to use a bow and arrow! The BCOAC is also home to SDSU Extension, 4H, and South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks.

BIKE FRIENDLY

SINGLE TRACK TRAIL

& PUMP PARK

The Single Track Trail and Pump Park were designed by BMX crews and the Brookings Mountain Biking Association. The trail itself features different textures, elevations, quick turns, switchbacks, and jumps. The whole system allows riders of all ages to give it a shot and sharpen their skills. The trail is single direction and has two entrance points, one from the Pump Park and one from the Southbrook Softball Complex southwest corner parking lot.

The Pump Park is a continuous loop of dirt berms and rollers, designed for you to ride without pedaling. It features three different loops, suited for all ages and abilities. It’s a great place for beginners to learn and experts to expand their skills

For trail maps, visit cityofbrookings-sd.gov and explore our community on two wheels.

DOG FRIENDLY

The Brookings community is always looking to accommodate our four-legged friends!

We’re an animal loving community and we want you to be able to bring along your furry friends on all your Brookings adventures. We have more places for Fido to run free with a brand-new dog park located at Sexauer Park & Campground.