Brookings is located in the state of South Dakota and has a lot of culture to offer as well as great sights and interesting destinations. So if you’re planning a trip to Brookings (South Dakota), you’ve come to the right place!
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Vacation in Brookings (South Dakota)
Brookings, South Dakota is a beautiful Midwestern city with plenty of vacation possibilities. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway or an actionpacked adventure, Brookings has something to offer.
The city is home to a variety of parks and trails, perfect for a day of exploring the outdoors. Visit Elmwood Park for a picnic lunch or go fishing in the lagoon. For a more strenuous hike, head to Teen Town Nature Area or McCrory Gardens and Nature Center.
If you’re interested in history, Brookings is the perfect place to learn about the area’s rich past. Start at the Pioneer Monument, then explore the Brookings County Heritage Museum and the Children’s Museum of South Dakota. Don’t forget to take a stroll down Main Avenue, where you’ll find a variety of historic buildings.
For an afternoon of shopping and dining, head to downtown Brookings. Browse the boutiques, grab a bite to eat, and people watch from one of the many outdoor patios. For even more shopping, head to the Brookings Mall or one of the city’s many Strip Malls.
No matter what you’re looking for, you’re sure to find it in Brookings, South Dakota.
Sights in Brookings (South Dakota)
The thriving city of Brookings is located in the beautiful state of South Dakota. The city offers a wealth of things to see and do for visitors of all ages, making it the perfect place to enjoy a family vacation or a romantic getaway.
The city is home to many historical landmarks, including the impressive Brookings Courthouse and the beautiful Brookings Opera House. There are also plenty of museums to explore, such as the Brookings County Museum and the Children’s Museum of South Dakota.
Nature lovers will be in their element in Brookings, with ample opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors. Visit McCrory Gardens to admire the vibrant flowers and lush greenery, or take a walk or bike ride through the beautiful SDSU Campus. For a more adventurous experience, head to the Adrenaline Climbing Gym to scale the indoor rock walls.
When it comes to dining, Brookings has something to suit all tastes. From casual cafes and diners to fine dining restaurants, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Be sure to try some of the local specialties, such as Chislic (cubes of grilled lamb) and Knoephla soup (a creamy potato and chicken soup).
If you’re looking for a funfilled city to explore, Brookings is the perfect place to visit. With its rich history, beautiful scenery, and abundance of things to do, you’re sure to have a memorable time.
History of Brookings (South Dakota)
South Dakota’s Brookings is the state’s fourth largest city with a population of 22,056 (2010 census). The city is home to South Dakota State University and is adjacent to one of the state’s largest lakes, Brookings Reservoir. The city was established in 1879 on the banks of the Big Sioux River and became known as a prominent agriculture, manufacturing, and education center in South Dakota.
In 1857, the first permanent settler, GeorgeMarshall, arrived in the Brookings area. A few years later, in 1863, the town of Medary was platted by William H.H. Beadle, the “Father of South Dakota State University”. The town was located where Big Sioux River and Oakwood Lake now intersect. In March 1879, the name of the town was changed to Brookings in honor of WilburF. Brookings, a Railroad tycoon from Michigan who donated $5000 to start a library in the town. The first library in Brookings was housed in the front room of the city’s first schoolhouse. Soon after, a nthe city was incorporated in 1880.
The early years of Brookings were marked by growth and prosperity. In 1883, the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad (Milwaukee Road) reached Brookings, which helped the town to grow as an agricultural center. The first largescale farming operation in the county was started by Alphonse and Sarah Deibert, who emigrated from AlsaceLorraine in 1887. The Deiberts specialized in wheat and other grains, and their farmstead eventually included 3600 acres (15 km2) of land.
In the 1890s, three colleges were established in Brookings: South Dakota Agricultural College (now South Dakota State University), the private Women’s College (later becoming part of SDSU), and Brookings College, a small Baptist institution. The arrival of these institutions meant an influx of new residents and a more cultured city. In 1892, the Minneapolis, St. Paul and Sault Ste. Marie Railroad (Soo Line) intersected the Milwaukee Road, making Brookings a major railroad junction.
During World War I, Camp Cheyenne, a training facility for the U.S. Army Signal Corps, was built just north of Brookings. In 1925, the camp was renamed Camp Robert Smalls and its purpose was changed to training black soldiers. The soup kitchens and barracks of Camp Smalls were the beginning of what would later become the South Dakota Training School, a juvenile correctional facility.
In 1929, the city of Brookings annexed Brooksdale Township, increasing the city’s size by nearly 50%. The early 1930s saw the effects of the Great Depression in Brookings, with several businesses shutting down and many residents becoming unemployed. However, the city’s three colleges continued to grow and thrive.
In 1940, the U.S. Army built Camp Dakota, a military training facility, south of Brookings. The camp was used to train troops for World War II. In 1942, the South Dakota Training School was relocated to the east side of Brookings, near Camp Dakota. The school continued to operate there until 1974, when it was moved to Custer, South Dakota.
After World War II, the economy of Brookings rebounded and the city once again became a thriving center of agriculture, industry, and education. The Milwaukee Road railroad ceased operations in Brookings in 1980, but the city’s three colleges remained strong. In the 21st century, Brookings has continued to grow as a hub of education and research, with numerous hightech companies choosing to locate in the city.
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