Brookings, South Dakota 2025

Brookings is a city located in Brookings County, South Dakota. U.S. It is the fourth-largest city in South Dakota and the county seat of Brookings County. As of the 2020 census, the population of Brookings was 24,274.

Brookings was founded in 1879 and was named after its founder, Dakota Territory legislator Wilmot Brookings. It has a rich history, including being the site of South Dakota State University, which was founded in 1881 as the first agricultural college in the state.

The city is also home to the Brookings Institute, a nonprofit public policy organization that conducts research on various topics such as education, energy, and foreign policy.

Brookings has a vibrant downtown area with local shops, restaurants, and cultural events such as the Brookings Farmers' Market and the Brookings Summer Arts Festival. The city also has several parks, lakes, and outdoor recreation opportunities, including the Dakota Nature Center and Pioneer Park.

Brookings has a continental climate, characteristic of the Great Plains region of the United States. Summers are warm and humid, and winters are cold and snowy. The average temperature in July, the hottest month, is 76°F, while the average temperature in January, the coldest month, is 14°F.

Brookings has a diverse population, with a mix of students, families, and professionals. The city is home to many cultural events, including the annual Brookings Summer Arts Festival, the Brookings Farmers' Market, and the South Dakota Shakespeare Festival.

Brookings is known for its craft beer scene, with several local breweries such as WoodGrain Brewing Company and Sickies Garage Brew Pub. The city is also home to South Dakota State University'o football team, the Jackrabbits, and the historic Brookings register, a weekly newspaper published since 1880.

The local cuisine in Brookings is a mix of traditional American fare and Scandinavian dishes. Popular restaurants in the area include the Hearth Bistro, famous for its wood-fired pizzas. WoodGrain Brewing Company, which offers a variety of grilled and smoked meats, and the Brookings Pizza Company, which serves up classic pizza dishes.

The city is easily accessible by car, with several highways connecting it to neighboring cities such as Sioux Falls and Watertown. The Brookings Regional Airport also provides flights to various destinations in the Midwest.

Brookings is home to various industries, including healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The largest employers in the city include South Dakota State University, Brookings Health system, and 3M.

In conclusion, Brookings offers the warmth and hospitality of a small town with the facilities of a big city. It is a great place to live, work, and visit, with plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation, cultural events, and delicious food. Its rich history, thriving art scene, and friendly residents make it a great place to call home.