Recreation

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 Midwest skies.

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.

Several of our hotels are pet friendly, as are many of our local businesses. Take your pet to the Bark Park for an afternoon of running, sniffing, and showing off their skills as a show dog on the agility course. The Bark Park is roughly 11,000 square feet and features three fencedin areas to let your small or large dog roam off-leash.

The Bark Park is located on 12th Street South & 7th Avenue South.

For more details, contact the Brookings Parks, Recreation, & Forestry Department at 605.692.2708.

DAKOTA NATURE PARK & LARSON NATURE CENTER

Our city turned an old landfill into a 135-acre multi-purpose park. It’s now one of the most popular attractions in our community. 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.

Located in the park is Larson Nature Center, which 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 keep a cozy fire going to welcome guests.

RECREATION & RENTAL OPPORTUNITIES

• Mountain Bike • Paddleboards • Snowshoes • Canoes/Kayaks • Fishing Poles • Binoculars

• GPS Units

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.

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

Bring your bike to Brookings!

Brookings is designated as a Bronze Bicycle Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists. The recognition reflects our commitment to improving bicycle conditions, offering educational programs, and promoting our bicycle network. The Allyn Frerichs trail system is 22 miles of off-street and onstreet bicycle facilities which connect parks, schools, and recreational centers throughout the community.

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