Brookings: Outdoor Fun in Northeastern South Dakota
Travel to northeastern South Dakota and take in all of the outdoor recreation possibilities in Brookings. Experience 70 acres of nature at McCrory Gardens. Located on the campus of South Dakota State University, you can wander the botanical garden and arboretum as well as an education & visitor center. Dakota Nature Park, a city landfill-turned-multipurpose park, features bike trails, fishing ponds, kayaking, canoeing, bird-watching and picnic areas. Inside the park, you’ll find Larson Nature Center, which offers recreational programs and rentals. From kayaks to snowshoes, the center has everything you need for your Dakota Nature Park adventure.
Mountain bikers and cyclists will love Single Track & Pump Park. With three tracks of varying skill levels and terrain, the park is perfect for riders of all ages. Explore the two-acre Veteran’s Memorial Park, which features walking trails and a monument to our nation’s veterans. Discover the region's pioneer heritage at the Brookings County History Museum. Spot the incredible artwork of the Downtown Urban Canvas by exploring the alleyways of downtown Brookings.
Children's Museum of South Dakota
Located in downtown Brookings, the Children's Museum of South Dakota offers hands-on exhibits and interactive displays to promote creativity and learning for its visitors. This popular attraction is full of fun for the whole family.
South Dakota Agricultural Heritage Museum
Discover the state's agricultural and rural history at the South Dakota Agricultural Heritage Museum. Located on the campus of South Dakota State University, the museum features exhibits on agricultural science and culture.
McCrory Gardens
With 25 acres of open-air gardens and a 45-acre arboretum, you can find harmony amongst this collection of flowers, trees, shrubs and grasses on the South Dakota State University campus.
South Dakota Art Museum
Featuring amazing works by South Dakota artists spread throughout six galleries, this free museum is located beside the iconic Coughlin Campanile on the South Dakota State University campus. The museum is perhaps known best for its collection of work by Harvey Dunn, a former SDSU student and one of South Dakota's most celebrated artists.
Bike tracks, kayaking, hiking trails and more give outdoors-lovers plenty of reasons to visit Brookings.
1321 6th Street
Brookings, SD57006
United States
Where to Stay
Whether you’re looking for the perfect camping spot for your RV or a hotel that has all the amenities, you’ll find it here.
Where to Eat and Drink
From handmade candy and micro doughnuts to creative pub fare and globally inspired menus, Brookings features a variety of cuisines for visitors to try.
What to See and Do Nearby
With parks, gardens, fishing ponds and trails, Brookings adds to South Dakota’s reputation as an outdoor paradise. Stroll through an urban arboretum, see a replica of a pioneer cabin, tee off on a round of golf or go paddling on a serene lake while you’re here.
Check Out These Brookings Businesses
A Great Place is a community or business that has completed the customer service training criteria required by the South Dakota Department of Tourism. This symbol is not a rating nor endorsement, but is a recognition of those entities who are committed to providing quality service.
