Brookings, South Dakota

Brookings City

 

About Brookings

Brookings is a growing, thriving town-and-gown community where residents, visitors and students enjoy a healthy mix of one-of-a-kind eateries, local boutiques, and numerous outdoor activities. There’s no shortage of entertainment, no matter your age. Brookings offers a wide variety of attractions and things to do. The Children’s Museum of South Dakota is a must-see for any kid or big kid at heart. Dakota Nature Park and the Outdoor Adventure Center of South Dakota truly bring out the best of our South Dakota selves with kayaking, bird watching, archery and more. The Splash Zone Waterpark brings the fun inside when the weather turns cold, with the largest indoor waterpark in Brookings. South Dakota souvenirs and locally handcrafted items can be found at the South Dakota Art Museum and the South Dakota Agricultural Heritage Museum, located on the campus of South Dakota State University. A visit to Brookings must also include a trip through 25 acres of unique flowers and 45 acres of arboretum at McCrory Gardens. This gorgeous, growing attraction is constantly changing with the seasons.

Bring your appetite to Brookings’ numerous national chains, locally-owned restaurants and delightful eateries. The family business runs deep at the Pheasant Restaurant and Lounge, which has been owned and operated by the same family for nearly half a century, and is one of the oldest full-service restaurants in Brookings. Taste a bit of history at Nick’s Hamburger Shop and be sure to request their secret relish sauce. This world famous burger joint has been a staple of the community since 1929, where customers can buy ‘em by the bag or take a seat at the old fashioned bar stools. Brookings continues to grow its foodie culture with local restaurants featuring farm-to-table concepts and locally sourced products. As a college town, Brookings wouldn’t be complete without plenty of pizza options. A total of nine pizza joints supplies the community with whatever toppings they desire. Enjoy the many flavors Brookings has to offer.

The Brookings Commercial Historic District in downtown Brookings offers nightlife, local shopping, dining and art. After the meeting, enjoy our dynamic nightlife scene featuring live music, weekly drink specials and a unique blend of bars and clubs. Spend the afternoon browsing the racks at our local boutiques, numerous antique stores and consignment shops. Visitors can also take in the growing Urban Canvas, bringing art to the walls of downtown. Adventure and excitement are just around the corner.

Attractions

Near Sioux Falls and Brookings:

  •  Sertoma Butterfly House and Marine Cove
  •  Old Courthouse Museum
  •  Pettigrew Home and Museum – Sioux Falls
  •  Children’s Museum of South Dakota

Further destinations:

  •  Mount Rushmore National Monument
  •  Badlands National Park
  •  Custer State Park
  •  Mammoth Site

Explore more at Visitbrookingssd.com.