Brookings: Museums, Gardens and Outdoor Experiences

Brookings offers a varied mix of culture, gardens, regional products and outdoor activities. Those planning a trip with children or looking to combine different interests can divide their stay between museums, walks, events and hands-on outdoor experiences.

Culture from Different Perspectives

The South Dakota Art Museum is aimed at visitors who want to combine art and history. Seven galleries and a collection of more than 7,000 objects provide a range of ways to engage with the exhibits. The displays include traditional and contemporary Native American art. This makes the museum suitable for a focused cultural visit in which no single topic takes center stage.

The Brookings County History Museum offers historical insights. It houses more than 4,500 artefacts, and visitors can also explore five historic buildings. During the season from Memorial Day to Labor Day, visiting hours are offered daily from 1 to 4 p.m. The Stock Judging Pavilion was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. For an evening of live entertainment, the Oscar Larson Performing Arts Center is another option: it hosts concerts as well as theatre and dance performances.

Gardens, Exercise and Nature Experiences

McCrory Gardens encompasses more than 25 acres of formal display gardens. Hundreds of different flowers, trees, shrubs and grasses shape the grounds, making them a destination for anyone who appreciates plants and landscaped settings. The South Dakota State Arboretum covers 45 acres. Jogging and cycling are permitted and encouraged on its paths, so a visit can also be incorporated into a more active day itinerary.

At Dakota Nature Park, equipment for outdoor activities can be rented by the hour. The Brookings County Outdoor Adventure Center expands this selection with an Olympic-sized archery range and a 12-lane shooting range with automatic retrieval. During public opening hours, one of the two ranges can be used without a reservation and by simply signing up on site. You should take this specific arrangement into account when planning your day.

Family Experiences and Regional Products

For children aged 1 to 6, the Ag-Xploration Gallery at the South Dakota Agricultural Heritage Museum offers a family-friendly area where they can explore agriculture. At the same museum, visitors can also view a 65-horsepower J.I. Case Steam Traction Engine up close. This creates a visit that combines playful discovery with a striking technical exhibit.

The Brookings Farmers Market takes place every Saturday from the first week of May through the last week of October. Depending on the season, local producers sell fruit, vegetables, herbs, meat, jams, honey, bread, coffee, soap, eggs, tea, mixes and other products. The market can therefore be just as interesting for self-caterers as for travellers who want to discover regional produce.

Choosing the Right Focus for Your Accommodation

When looking for a holiday rental or holiday home in Brookings, it helps to first determine the type of travel rhythm you want. Culture enthusiasts can place museums, historic buildings and an evening event at the centre of their itinerary. Families with children aged 1 to 6 have a clearly defined activity in the Ag-Xploration Gallery. Those who prefer exercise can plan visits to gardens and the arboretum, as well as cycling, jogging or renting outdoor equipment. From the first week of May through the last week of October, the Farmers Market also adds a seasonal touch to the stay.

For further orientation in the area, you can also visit the Brookings page. Other destinations at the same level: Aurora County, Jerauld County, Walworth County, Perkins County, Stanley, Edmunds, Pennington.

For the higher-level travel overview: South Dakota.