Brookings, South Dakota 2025

**Brookings, South Dakota**

**Population:** 25,162 (2023 est.)

**Culture:**

* Brookings is a vibrant college town, home to South Dakota State University (SDSU).

* It has a strong arts and culture scene, with the Brookings Arts Council hosting various events and exhibitions.

* The city celebrates its Norwegian heritage with the annual Brookings Summer Arts Festival.

**Special Events:**

* **Brookings Summer Arts Festival:** A month-long celebration of the arts, featuring concerts, plays, and art exhibitions.

* **SDSU Jackrabbits Football Games:** The university's football team draws large crowds to Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium.

* **Brookings County Fair:** An annual agricultural fair with livestock shows, carnival rides, and live music.

**Local Attractions:**

* **South Dakota Art Museum:** Home to a collection of over 8,000 works of art, including paintings, sculptures, and ceramics.

* **McCrory Gardens:** A botanical garden with over 25 acres of gardens, greenhouses, and walking trails.

* **Brookings Zoo:** A small zoo featuring a variety of animals, including lions, tigers, and bears.

**Food:**

* Brookings has a diverse culinary scene, with restaurants offering everything from American comfort food to international cuisine.

* Local favorites include the Prairie Berry Winery, known for its fruit wines, and the Brookings Coffee Company, serving specialty coffee and pastries.

**People:**

* Brookings is a friendly and welcoming community.

* The population is predominantly white, with a growing Hispanic and Asian population.

* The city has a strong sense of community and supports local businesses and organizations.

**History:**

* Brookings was founded in 1879 and named after Wilmot W. Brookings, a prominent banker and railroad executive.

* It grew rapidly as a railroad hub and agricultural center.

* South Dakota State University was established in Brookings in 1881.

**Other Notable Information:**

* Brookings is located in the eastern part of South Dakota, near the Minnesota border.

* It has a humid continental climate with hot summers and cold winters.

* The city is served by the Brookings Regional Airport (BKX).

* Brookings is known as the "Pheasant Capital of the World" due to its abundance of pheasants.