McCrory Gardens offers an ever-growing array of plants and flowers where one can find rest, enjoy quality time with friends or plan a dream wedding. The botanical grounds specialize in providing a garden bursting with activity and a place for all to experience life.
McCrory Gardens hosts a lineup of festivals throughout the year. TuliPalooza is the beg spring event when 13,500 tulips and other springtime flowers are in full bloom. The tulips help bring color to the Brookings community and celebrate new beginnings.
Throughout the summer, gardens open for those wishing to book their wedding venue, host a work party, celebrate an anniversary or plan a proposal. The newly refurbished Sance’s Cottage is a place to host date night or a birthday tea party.
Family fun happens during fall. McCrory Gardens offers four weekends of Party on the Porch. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy live music from various musicians. The Fall Festival brings people together with hay rides, a scavenger hunt, a floral arrangements class and local food trucks.
Garden Glow lights up the gardens underneath the winter sky. During the Christmas season and through New Year’s, visitors can walk through a snowy garden adorned in thousands of lights and decorations. There’s even a special day when dogs can join for a stroll down the wintery paths. Be sure to grab a cup of coffee or hot chocolate from the gift shop before the walk.
No matter the season, life is bursting year-round in the gardens. Walk the paths and pose for photos by the waterfall. Visit the gift shop and grab some SDSU ice cream. Go see the cottage and spot the bronze statue of Roman the cat. The gardens are growing and changing, so no matter the season, visit the “oasis on the prairie.”
Part of the Great 8 Passport
*This story has been written in collaboration with South Dakota State University‘s Public Relations class for our 2025 Visitor Guide. Read the guide here.*
