Brookings, South Dakota Travel Guide
Welcome to Brookings, South Dakota! Home to around 24,000 residents, Brookings is in eastern South Dakota. South Dakota State University, the largest university in the state, is in this college town. Brookings is within driving distance of Sioux Falls, SD (55min, 55 miles), Aberdeen, SD (2hr 20min, 150 miles), and Sioux City, IA (2hr, 140 miles). In addition to the university, Brookings has several museums, shops, a food scene, and a state park for visitors to enjoy. Come and enjoy all that Brookings has to offer!
Brookings is best known for being the home of South Dakota State University. The largest university in South Dakota, SDSU, is home to around 13,000 students. Be sure to take a walk-through campus during your visit. Interested in a prospective student tour? Click here for more information. Go jackrabbits!
Brookings has many museums covering a variety of topics. Consider seeing the Children’s Museum of South Dakota or the South Dakota Agricultural Heritage Museum. If art museums are more your thing, try the South Dakota Art Museum and Manley Art Center & Gallery. For visual and performing arts, grab tickets to a show or concert at Dacotah Bank Center or check the Prairie Repertory Theater calendar for their summer theater series.
Care to shop? Grab a new look from The Socialight Boutique or Emerald Grace Clothing Co. South Dakota is, of course, full of incredible outdoor recreation and wildlife. To appreciate nature, try a walk in the McCrory Gardens or head to Oakwood Lakes State Park. This park has a bit of everything, so there is something for everyone! Consider boating, paddling, fishing, or swimming in the lakes, or try horseback riding, disc golf, biking, hiking, or XC skiing on land. Be sure to check out their campground while you’re there!
Be sure to grab a bite to eat while visiting Brookings. Grab breakfast at Cook’s Kitchen Inc, then grab coffee from Kool Beans Coffee or Choco Latte Coffee. For lunch, get Mexican favorites from Guadalajara, a slice from George’s Pizza, or BBQ staples from Backyard BBQ. Craving a burger? Try Nick’s Hamburger Shop for the classic hamburger experience, complete with milkshakes and local favorite coconut cream pie. Another great option is burgers from Pints & Quarts, which also has plenty of beer variety and complimentary cupcakes. Speaking of beer, head to Wooden Legs Brewery for a pint (and pizza) or to Eponymous Brewery. For dinner, head to Craft Chophouse & Lounge for a classy dinner and cheesecake, or try Pheasant Restaurant & Lounge for local foods and bison.
Looking to stay in Brookings? Book a room at the Country Inn, Hampton Inn, or Quality Inn. Want a whole rental for yourself? Consider booking a Vrbo. Here are some of our favorites: Family Home for 6, Quaint House for 4, and Hot Tub Home for 10.
Want to visit Brookings but not sure when? Consider coming during the Brookings Summer Arts Festival. Whatever you’re into, Brookings, South Dakota has something worth seeing. We hope this travel guide gives you a glimpse into life in Brookings that can inspire a future visit.
Happy Travels!
The Modern Travel Guide
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