Explore Brookings

Explore

BROOKINGS

Bring your family to Brookings and discover a community of play, laughter, history, art, and excitement! Around every corner is a new way to experience Brookings. From festivals and bouncy houses, to nature walks and climbing clouds, Brookings offers a variety of things to do for all ages.

BROOKINGS

Anything but Ordinary

Brookings is far from ordinary. With a fresh mix of artsy attractions and outdoor activities, plus family favorites and sweet dining, this little city has much more than meets the eye. Here are a few of the must-see sites in Brookings!

Children’s Museum of South Dakota

Looking for family fun everyone can enjoy? Then this destination is the perfect place to begin. The Children’s Museum of South Dakota invigorates and inspires everyone who comes to play! With a combination of indoor and outdoor interactive exhibits comes hours of creativity, discovery, and fun

Nick’s Hamburger Shop

Nick’s Hamburger Shop has been a Brookings staple since 1929. This is by far the tastiest destination on the tour with mouthwatering sliders you can buy by the bagful. It truly feels like a blast from the past the moment you step inside the vintage style diner.

McCrory Gardens

This destination is the perfect place to slow down and stop to smell the flowers. McCrory Gardens is one of the best spots for a tranquil afternoon wandering through the 25 acres of formal display botanical gardens. Don’t forget to explore the beauty of all the trees and shrubs inhabiting the 45 acres of arboretum surrounding the garden.

South Dakota Art Museum

This stop is for those who are looking to appreciate the finer things. The South Dakota Art Museum curates, preserves, exhibits, and interprets visual art for the viewing pleasure of all its patrons. The museum has a program of changing exhibitions of contemporary and traditional works of art so there is always something new to come see!

Agricultural Heritage Museum

Immerse yourself in South Dakota’s number one industry, Agriculture. The Agricultural Heritage Museum will inspire passion for the diverse history, culture, and science of agriculture in our state. The museum aspires to connect all generations through the importance of agriculture in our everyday lives.

Brookings County Outdoor Adventure Center

With two top quality indoor ranges (firearm and archery), Brookings County Outdoor Adventure Center is the perfect destination to safely practice shooting. The BCOAC is also home to the SDSU Extension, 4-H offices, and the Game Fish & Parks office. The Game Fish & Parks office hosts several programs throughout the year including a Hunting Safe Program.

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FREE THINGS TO DO in Brookings...12 BROOKINGS, SD 2022 VISITORS GUIDE

Climb the COUGHLIN CAMPANILE

Fly a kite at the FISHBACK SOCCER COMPLEX

This destination is the very definition of a sweet treat. The SDSU Dairy bar has over 60 different flavors all curated by South Dakota State University students in the Davis Dairy Plant. And of course, a visit to the dairy bar is not complete without trying the famous Cookies ‘n Cream ice cream.

These 8 destinations make up the Brookings Great 8 Passport, a self-guided tour of some of our favorite spots to explore in Brookings! You can pick up your own passport to follow along at any of the Great 8 locations or the Visit Brookings office. Receive a stamp at each location and submit your completed passport to any of the locations and be entered to win a $25 gift card.

The Brookings Arts Council has been educating and entertaining the Brookings community with art for nearly 40 years. This destination will introduce you to juried art and photography exhibitions from a variety of regional artists. Stop into the BAC to find out all the information you need to know about the sculptures, murals, and community art collectives around the Brookings community.

SO YOU’RE HERE TO:

CATCH A FOOTBALL GAME

When entering Brookings city limits, you’ll notice we bleed blue for SDSU! Deck yourself out in college swag by visiting Jackrabbit Central in Downtown Brookings.

ATTEND AN EVENT OR FESTIVAL

Book your stay around the Brookings Summer Arts Festival, Downtown at Sundown, or the Festival of Lights parade. Our community knows how to celebrate, so take advantage of our local events and pair up your vacation.

GET ARTS AND CRAFTY

Learn, create, and have fun at the Brookings Arts Council, where new skills emerge, and mistakes are fun! No experience necessary when taking a class with these instructors.

SMELL THE ROSES

With 25 acres of botanical garden, plus 45 acres of arboretum, McCrory Gardens stands as the prettiest quarter section in Brookings. During the fall and winter season, the gardens transform from goblins and ghouls, to Garden Glow and Santa visits.

Show your support at the VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK

Do yoga at the BROOKINGS FARMERS MARKET

Saturdays, May-October

Go ice skating at LIONS PARK

outdoor ice rink Snap a picture with the murals DOWNTOWN BROOKINGS

Take a step back in history at the CENTENNIAL PIONEER CABIN

Don’t Miss the BROOKINGS SUMMER ARTS FESTIVAL

South Dakota’s premiere juried arts festival garners over 200 artists from across the nation to fill the grassy areas of Pioneer Park. Representing 15 different disciplines of art, 38 different ethnic and gourmet food booths, historic displays, and entertainment it can seem hard to tackle; here are some pro tips to pack in as much art into two days as possible.

Wear comfortable shoes. You’ll be walking A LOT!

Be prepared for weather. July is notoriously hot and humid, with the occasional rainstorm.

Consider eating earlier or later. To beat the lines

and peak times.

Bring a large bag for carrying all of your finds.

Or plan multiple trips to the car.

Try all the kettle corn booths. It’s like a right of

passage to becoming a festival expert.

Leave your pets at home. The festival is an

overwhelming environment for animals, leave your furry friend in the A/C. Certified service animals are permitted.

Two words: Turkey Leg. You have not experienced the festival until you have had one. #turkeyleg

Shuttles are available. Take the easy way in by hitching a ride. Free shuttle buses drop you off at the main entrance.

Take and A/C Break. Grab a pint and shop local in downtown Brookings, where the cool air is always on.

Bring a smile. And enjoy the art, food, and entertainment at Pioneer Park.

SEASONAL CHECKLIST

Take an adventure in Brookings, just don’t forget to pack the essentials. A lot can happen in four seasons, here is a list of must haves for your next Brookings adventure:

SPRING

Bring your camera. The crabapple trees are reaching full peak and demand your attention. Also, dress in layers. Spring weather is unpredictable.

Don’t forget!

A light jacket, rain boots, and an umbrella

FALL

Bring your game face. Fall sports dominate our community and we wouldn’t have it any other way. From tailgating to potlucks, we will show you a good time on Jackrabbit turf.

Don’t forget!

Some blue and yellow, your best tailgate recipe, and a blanket for the bleachers.

SUMMER

Bring a bathing suit. The second the weather warms up enough for a dip in the lake, the out of office replies go on. We never know how long summer will last, so we must make sure to take advantage of every sunny day.

Don’t forget!

A beach towel, a cooler of your favorite local brew, and frisbees for disc golf.

WINTER

Bring your big, puffy coat. We know that midwestern winters can be intimidating, but if you bundle up just right you learn to embrace the chill! Don’t forget!

A good beanie, your ice skates, and anything faux fur.

Weekly

MONDAY

2022 CALENDAR OF EVENTS

JANUARY

JANUARY 6-9 East River 8-Ball Invitational Pool Tournament

JANUARY 15-16 Dakota Territory Gun Collector Show

JANUARY 22-24 Tri-Company Dart Tournament

FEBRUARY

FEBRUARY 18-21 Frost Fest

FEBRUARY 25-27 Bantam A State Hockey Tournament

MARCH

MARCH 19 Nail the Runway

MARCH 24-26 All State Band

MARCH 26-27 Rumble in the Jungle Cheer and Dance Competition

APRIL

APRIL 1-2 Willie Mac Hoops Tournament

APRIL 2-3, 9-10, 23-24, 30-1 South Dakota Youth State Bowling Tournament APRIL 17 Easter Brunch at McCrory Gardens

APRIL 23 Junk Jam: Spring Edition

APRIL 29 Arbor Day 5k

MAY

MAY 8 Mother’s Day Brunch at McCrory Gardens

MAY 13 Scotty Roberts 5k

MAY 14 Brookings Marathon, Half Marathon & Relay

JUNE

JUNE 4 Dairy Festival

JUNE 12 Brookings Car Show

JUNE 18 Longest Day 10k

JUNE 18 Brookings Kite Festival

JULY

JULY 9-10 Brookings Summer Arts Festival JULY 10 Beef & Eggs 5k

JULY 16-18 Fishback Fall Classic

JULY 29 Downtown at Sundown

JULY 29-31 Downtown Crazy Days

AUGUST

AUGUST 6 Annual Garden Party at McCrory Gardens

AUGUST 5,12,19,26 Downtown at Sundown

AUGUST 13 Camero Fun Days

AUGUST 13 Oakwood Lakes Trail Run

AUGUST TBD Max Daddy National Karting Championship

SEPTEMBER

SEPTEMBER 3 DAV Charity Poker Run

SEPTEMBER 10 Shade Vineyard Grape Stomp

SEPTEMBER 11 Insect Festival at McCrory Gardens SEPTEMBER 24 Junk Jam: Fall Edition

OCTOBER

OCTOBER 1-2 Fear Asylum Haunted House Opening Weekend

OCTOBER 9 Fall Festival at McCrory Gardens

OCTOBER 28 Trick-or-Treat Downtown Brookings

OCTOBER 31 Giggles and Ghouls at McCrory Gardens

NOVEMBER

NOVEMBER 8 Festival of Trees at the Brookings Arts Council Opens

DECEMBER

DECEMBER 2 Festival of Lights Parade

DECEMBER 2-31 Garden Glow at McCrory Gardens

DECEMBER 6-31 Let it Glow Holiday Lighting Competition

Dates and times are subject to change. Check Visitbrookingssd.com for additional information.

TRIVIA TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THIRD THURSDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY NIGHTS

TOP 12 INSTAGRAMMABLE SPOTS

COUGHLIN CAMPANILE McCRORY GARDENS DOWNTOWN MURALS

If you’re up for a workout, check out keys at the SDSU Alumni Association or the University Police Department and climb the 180 stairs of the Campanile to capture the full view of Brookings. #getclimbing #coughlincampanile #sdstate

Home of SDSU’s famous Cookies & Cream, the Dairy Bar serves a variety of homemade ice cream and sherbet flavors. Better not leave town without trying it out!

#sdstate #dairybar #eaticecream Twenty-five acres of display gardens with flowers, trees, shrubs and grasses make McCrory Gardens a must-see. While picturesque spots appear throughout the gardens, keep an eye out for a cottage that once was a gas station. The Cottage Garden is surrounded by annuals, perennials and herbs.

#mccrorygardens #takeawalk #flowers

The dress code is lumberjack chic at Woodys Axe Throwing. This fun atmosphere hosts an activity which incorporates skill and excitement. Woodys provides opportunities to have a chilled beverage, mingle and engage in some friendly competition. #woodysaxe #axethrowing #activity Seven murals provide photo ops in the alleyways of downtown Brookings. This split-style mural allows you to show off your school spirit, whether that’s blue and yellow for the Jackrabbits or black and red for the Brookings Bobcats. All of the murals are wonderful opportunities to snap a pic with friends and family and display your love for Brookings. #ilovesouthdakota #visitbrookingssd #southdakota

Grab your friends and family and head to the newly renovated bowling alley. Ten of the 26 lanes feature interactive bowling and special lighting effects called Brunswick Spark, where the lane becomes part of the game. #showyourcompetitiveside #bowling #bowlingfun

SDSU DAIRY BAR WOODY’S AXE THROWING THE LANES BOWLING ALLEY

TOP 12 INSTAGRAMMABLE SPOTS

BY KARINA WALVATNE

COTTONWOOD COFFEE SCHADE VINEYARD & WINERY NICK’S HAMBURGER SHOP

Stop by Cottonwood Coffee in downtown Brookings and be welcomed into a warm environment. Take some time to enjoy a cappuccino and conversation, or find a quiet corner perfect for your next study session. #coffeevibes #coffeelover #cottonwoodcoffee

Go Big, Go Blue, Go Jacks! Check out one of the numerous athletic events that South Dakota State University hosts. #sdstate #GoJacks #sports Head eight miles out of town to Volga and capture some unique outdoor photos. If you’re a wine lover, treat yourself to a glass of one of their many types of specialty wines. Happy hour is 5 to 8 p.m. on Thursday and Friday. #winery #vineyard #schadewinery

On the east side of 22nd Avenue sits a beautiful park with multiple recreational opportunities. The new musical playground provides a spectacular place to have fun with the kids. #musiciseverywhere #getcreative #parks Yum! There’s nothing like a burger from Nick’s. If you have a sweet tooth, the homemade pie is just for you. Nick’s old-school diner atmosphere will no doubt send you back in time. #burgershop #buyembythebag #eatlocal

Take your kids to the Children’s Museum of South Dakota, which features exhibits inside and outside. Explore KidStreet, Outdoor Prairie Play and the many other hands-on opportunities for kids to learn!

#childrensmuseum #familyfriendly #HifromSD

DANA J. DYKHOUSE STADIUM LARSON PARK CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF SD

When winter rolls around, there’s snow better place to spend it than right here in Brrr-ookings!

Take in Frost Fest during the third weekend in February. Families can enjoy outdoor activities throughout the community like snow fort building at the Children’s Museum of South Dakota, cross country skiing at Dakota Nature Park and plenty of frosty surprises at McCrory Gardens. Check the visitbrookingssd.com website for a full list of Frost Fest activities. Throughout the winter, residents and visitors can bundle up and make the most of the brisk weather by renting snowshoes or a fishing pole at Dakota Nature Park, or hitting the ice at Larson Ice Center or the Lions Park outdoor skating pond.

Holiday fun and excitement are also a highlight for the town during December.

Catch Santa as he leads the Festival of Lights parade through Downtown Brookings on the first Friday of the month. As the holiday spirit continues, make your way around town to check out the houses entered in the Let it Glow light competition.

To top off the season, McCrory Gardens puts on the month-long Garden Glow event which illuminates the south portion of the gardens with over 200,000 holiday lights. Attracting visitors of all ages, this is a wintertime must-see.

“My favorite part is the people,” said Lisa Marotz, director of operations at McCrory Gardens. “It’s coming out in the cold of a December night and hearing people’s voices ... it’s the generations coming together.”

While wandering through the majestic garden, sipping hot chocolate and humming your favorite Christmas tunes, you can’t help but feel that nostalgia of the holiday season set in.

From Frost Fest to Festival of Lights to Garden Glow, and everything in between, you don’t want to miss out on all of the fun that Brookings has in store for you this winter season!

Brookings Farmers Market Offers More Than Just Vegetables

BY KADI TERCA

Providing a taste of small-town living, Brookings Farmers Market offers a blissful Saturday morning. You won’t want to miss out on locally grown fruits and vegetables, beautifully curated flowers, freshly baked bread, perfectly roasted coffee, and more.

Brookings Farmers Market was designed to support the area’s farmers and businesses. A group of hard-working farmers and community members started it in 1997. The opportunity to buy and sell locally makes the market an important aspect of life in Brookings.

At least 100 people visit every weekend. New residents particularly enjoy the market because it is an excellent way to get involved.

“Brookings Farmers Market has a wide variety of things and a nice social atmosphere,” said Carol Birgen, who moved here in May 2021.

Baking danishes, cinnamon rolls, flatbreads, baguettes and buns to perfection, Cottleston Bread is one of the market’s top vendors.

“We typically sell out at the market,” co-owner Kalley Besler said. “We bake everything fresh, so we really push ourselves to maximum capacity to bring as much as we can.”

Cottleston’s bestseller is baguettes, which are the hardest to produce in large quantities. Every week, people show up early so they are guaranteed to bring home fresh-baked goodness.

The market is seeing an increase in vendors who are eager to show and sell homemade goods. With more than 50 vendors, Brookings Farmers Market is growing in other ways, too.

Manager Nick Ruskin looks to expand by including more family and kid-related activities such as yoga. He wants the market to be a space where everyone feels included and has something to do.

“My goal is to try to make the market more of a destination so everybody can stick around,” he said.

SHOP AT THE MARKET FROM 9 A.M. TO NOON EVERY SATURDAY FROM MAY THROUGH OCTOBER.

Hands on Heritage and History BY LEXIE IGNASZEWSKI

Travel back in time to see what farming once was like in South Dakota. The Brookings County Museum and South Dakota Agricultural Heritage Museum show how agriculture worked before modern innovations. Brookings County Museum in Volga, just west of Brookings, offers visitors six buildings full of artifacts to learn about South Dakota’s early days. Step into the schoolhouse and homes from the 1800s and 1900s. Check out all things horse-drawn, including farm equipment, carriages, bobsleds and more, along with everyday appliances and tools used by families in their homes and on the farm.

To learn about farming 100 years ago, explore the South Dakota Agricultural Heritage Museum. The museum is filled with equipment, appliances, tools and other artifacts from South Dakota homes and farms. Through hands-on activities, children can experience what it was like to keep a farm running.

“Our mission here at the museum is to inspire a passion about history, culture and science around agriculture in South Dakota,” said Sarah Jacobs, education coordinator.

Hands-on activities, informational lectures and community-partnered events are ways the museum practices its mission. The museum connects with South Dakota State University and the community by offering agriculture craft classes every second Monday of the month, professor lectures on a variety of topics, and an indoor farmers’ market in winter.

Both museums are exceptional ways to experience South Dakota’s agricultural past through artifacts, events and hands-on activities. These museums offer exciting ways to discover the history that surrounds the area. Brookings County Museum and South Dakota Agriculture Museum make the past feel like reality.

4 THINGS TO DO

Within 45 Minutes of Brookings BY SYDNEE WINTER

Brookings offers plenty of things to see and do in the city and within a short drive. When you’re ready to explore a little more, take a morning or an afternoon to revisit the life of Laura Ingalls Wilder and her “Little House on the Prairie,” eat a fresh wood-fired pizza on a South Dakota farm, taste local wines or visit an antique town with up to 40 buildings from the 1900s.

When you’re done, Brookings awaits your return with a place to rest your head after a fun-filled day. Just 11 minutes from downtown Brookings, Good Roots Farm and Garden, a lovingly restored farm gives you an authentic South Dakota experience. Co-owners Bill and Julie Ross fixed up a 95-year-old barn for people of all ages to come and learn. They have 40 acres for visitors to walk around and enjoy the beautiful scenery. The barn is used for special events, weddings and a weekly family pizza night from June to October. Almost everything on these pizzas is made from scratch or picked from the garden. Forty minutes from Brookings sits a little town called De Smet. The Ingalls Homestead gives you a glimpse of what life was like in the late 1800s. Inspired by the books written by Laura Ingalls Wilder, the Ingalls Homestead provides numerous prairie traditions such as covered wagon rides, hay twisting, wheat grinding, driving a pony cart, washing clothes, making jump ropes and corn cob dolls, and visiting a one-room schoolhouse.

The Laura Ingalls Wilder Pageant, held weekends in July, draws visitors from around the world. The story unfolds on the beautiful South Dakota prairie and takes all ages on a journey into the days Laura and her family spent in this little town.

“Visitors often comment on how pleasantly surprised they are by how well each business and organization complements each other,” said Ann Lesch, operations manager of Ingalls Homestead. “The experiences are all different and enjoyable on their own, but become richer and more meaningful the more sites one visits and time one spends in De Smet.” Schadé Vineyard and Winery is located in Volga about 10 minutes outside of Brookings and produces diverse types of wine. Named for the original owners, Jim and Nancy Schadé took their passion for making delectable wines and turned it into one of the most distinguished wineries in South Dakota. This venue offers wine for purchase, scenic vineyards, tastings and other events. It has been used the last 20 years as a place for weddings, anniversaries, work occasions and family gatherings. Historic Prairie Village is a replica of a turn-of-the-century main street located 40 miles south of Brookings just outside Madison. Here, you can experience what it was like to walk down main street in the 1900s. Prairie Village offers 35 to 40 antique buildings filled with original artifacts.

Originally, Prairie Village started out as an annual threshing show to depict how grain was harvested before combines. This event still attracts around 20,000 people. Other events include a consignment auction, a pageant, bull riding, car shows, a full-size railroad with rides and live concerts at the historic opera house.

“We offer more things here than many people realize, even the people who do visit regularly,” manager Faron Wahl said. “There is way more here for people to experience. We encourage people to come here and visit.”