Introduction to Brookings, South Dakota
Brookings, South Dakota, in Brookings county, is 52 miles N of Sioux Falls, South Dakota and 180 miles W of Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Brookings History
Brookings was named in honor of Wilmot Wood Brookings, a frontier judge and the first provisional governor of the Dakota Territory. The area was surveyed and platted in 1879. The first railroad reached the city on October 18, 1879. In the same year, it was named the seat of Brookings County, which was established on July 3, 1871. Prior to that, Medary was the county seat.
Brookings and nearby Attractions
- Brookings Mall
- South Dakota Art Museum
- State Agricultural Heritage Museum
- Oakwood Lakes State Park
- Pipestone National Monument
- Lake Poinsett Recreation Area
Things To Do In Brookings
There are several parks in Brookings. These include the Pioneer Park, Sexauer Park and Hillcrest Park. The Brookings Mall and University Mall are the local shopping destinations. The South Dakota Art Museum and the State Agricultural Heritage Museum are popular local destinations as well. One can also plan a family day trip to the Lake Poinsett Recreation Area or the Oakwood Lakes State Park. Local festivals include the Harvest Festival, the Summer Arts Festival and Hobo Days.
Brookings Transportation
Flights are available from Joe Foss Field Airport.
Brookings Higher Education
South Dakota State University is the local institution of higher education. Others in the neighborhood include Southwest State University, North Dakota State College of Science and the University of South Dakota.