Places to Go in Brookings, South Dakota
Brookings combines university culture with agricultural heritage and eastern South Dakota charm, creating an educational reunion destination. The city's South Dakota State University campus adds vibrancy and cultural attractions to the prairie setting.
From the South Dakota Art Museum to McCrory Gardens and Children's Museum, Brookings offers arts, nature, and family activities in a welcoming college town atmosphere.
South Dakota Art Museum
The South Dakota Art Museum showcases regional and Native American art through comprehensive collections and rotating exhibits, providing cultural enrichment for families. The museum's permanent collection includes works by Harvey Dunn depicting pioneer life, Marghab embroidery, and contemporary Native American art. The galleries display regional artists alongside national exhibitions, and the museum's educational programs engage visitors of all ages. The museum's free admission, diverse collections, and climate-controlled comfort make it ideal for reunion groups seeking art and culture in eastern South Dakota.
McCrory Gardens
McCrory Gardens encompasses 70 acres of themed gardens, arboretum, and natural areas creating beautiful outdoor spaces for family exploration. The gardens feature formal rose gardens, perennial borders, and children's maze, while the arboretum showcases trees adapted to South Dakota's climate. The South Dakota Native Plant Garden displays regional flora, and walking paths wind through diverse landscapes. The gardens' seasonal beauty, educational focus, and free admission make them perfect for reunion groups seeking horticultural displays with prairie plant education.
Phone: (605) 688-5136
Website: sdstate.edu/mccrory-gardens
Children's Museum of South Dakota
The Children's Museum of South Dakota features hands-on exhibits exploring science, art, and culture through interactive play creating engaging experiences for young families. The museum's exhibits include a climbing structure, water play area, and pretend play spaces encouraging imagination and learning. Rotating exhibits bring new experiences, and the museum's programs offer educational entertainment. The museum's focus on early childhood learning, interactive exhibits, and family-friendly atmosphere make it ideal for reunion groups with young children seeking indoor educational play.
Oakwood Lakes State Park
Oakwood Lakes State Park features a chain of glacial lakes with swimming beaches, fishing, and camping creating water-based recreation for active families. The park's sandy beaches provide supervised swimming areas, while the lakes produce walleye, northern pike, and panfish. Boat ramps accommodate watercraft, and the campground offers modern facilities. The park's natural beauty, water activities, and family-friendly amenities make it ideal for reunion groups seeking lake recreation with prairie pothole ecosystem experiences near Brookings.
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