Brookings Great 8 Passport
The Great 8 Passport serves as your guided tour to some of our favorite spots to explore in Brookings! Visit them all in one day or take a few days to explore each destination in depth, however you decide to complete the passport you can totally personalize your adventure! You can pick up your own passport to follow along at any of the Great 8 locations or the Visit Brookings office. Share the fun on social media with us by tagging @visitbrookingssd or using #brookingsgreat8.
Location One Children’s Museum
Looking for family fun everyone can enjoy? Then the first destination is the perfect place to begin. The Children’s Museum of South Dakota invigorates and inspires everyone who comes to play! With a combination of indoor and outdoor interactive exhibits comes hours of creativity, discovery, and fun.
Location Two McCrory Gardens
Our second destination is the perfect place to slow down and stop to smell the flowers. McCrory Gardens is one of the best spots for a tranquil afternoon wandering through the 25 acres of formal display botanical gardens. Don’t forget to explore the beauty of all the trees and shrubs inhabiting the 45 acres of arboretum surrounding the garden.
Location Three South Dakota Art Museum
The third stop is for those who are looking to appreciate the finer things. The South Dakota Art Museum curates, preserves, exhibits, and interprets visual art for the viewing pleasure of all its patrons. The museum has a program of changing exhibitions of contemporary and traditional works of art so there is always something new to come see!
Location Four Agricultural Heritage Museum
Immerse yourself in South Dakota’s number one industry, Agriculture. The Agricultural Heritage Museum will inspire passion for the diverse history, culture, and science of agriculture in our state. The museum aspires to connect all generations through the importance of agriculture in our everyday lives.
Location Five Nick’s Hamburger Shop
Nick’s Hamburger Shop has been a Brookings staple since 1929. This is by far the tastiest destination on the tour with mouthwatering sliders you can buy by the bagful. It truly feels like a blast from the past the moment you step inside the vintage style diner.
Location Six Brookings County Outdoor Adventure Center
With two top quality indoor ranges (firearm and archery), Brookings County Outdoor Adventure Center is the perfect destination to safely practice shooting. The BCOAC is also home to the SDSU Extension, 4-H offices, and the Game Fish & Parks office. The Game Fish & Parks office hosts several programs throughout the year including a Hunting Safe Program.
Location Seven SDSU Dairy Bar
This destination is the very definition of a sweet treat. The SDSU Dairy bar has over 60 different flavors all curated by South Dakota State University students in the Davis Dairy Plant. And of course, a visit to the dairy bar is not complete without trying the famous Cookies ‘n Cream ice cream.
Location Eight Brookings Arts Council
The Brookings Arts Council has been educating and entertaining the Brookings community with art for nearly 40 years. This destination will introduce you to juried art and photography exhibitions from a variety of regional artists. Stop into the BAC to find out all the information you need to know about the sculptures, murals, and community art collectives around the Brookings community.
