Discover What’s Making Headlines in Brookings News You Can Use

Discover What’s Making Headlines in Brookings
News You Can Use
Children's Museum of South Dakota entrance featuring a vibrant, playful sign surrounded by colorful decor and greenery. The modern building and a bright blue sky provide a welcoming backdrop, with families walking toward the museum.

SD VISIT
Service is beyond sweet!

The Ruth Ziolkowski Outstanding Hospitality & Customer Service Award is given annually to four industry members, each representing one of the four tourism regions in South Dakota. This award recognizes tourism industry professionals who provide remarkable service to visitors and whose work demonstrates an outstanding spirit of hospitality. Donna Behrend of Choco Latte Coffee and Handmade Candy was awarded this in 2025.

Learn about the awards
Keloland News
How a beer can help

Downtown Brookings businesses are still recovering from a December fire. And tonight, anyone over 21 can help.

View the story
SD VISIT
Great Faces & Great Places

In 2024, Brookings took the lead across the state with Great Places recognized by Travel South Dakota.

15 organizations were designated as Great Places and 16 individuals were recognized as Great Faces.

Learn more
Three men, the Sioux Chef, and Michael Johnson and Trevor Clements from the Pheasant Restaurant and Lounge with the James Beard award.
James Beard
America’s Classics: Midwest

A colorful eight-foot bird sculpture welcomes diners to the Pheasant Restaurant and Lounge, the oldest full-service restaurant in Brookings, South Dakota. Family-run for three generations, the Pheasant was born in 1949 as a gas station café.

2024 Award Winners

Our Proud Moments

  • 100% Municipal Equity Index Score for the last 7 years
  • #2 Safest City in South Dakota (Safewise, 2024)
  • 4th Best Place to Live in South Dakota (Niche, 2024)
  • Best 4-year college in South Dakota (Schools.com, 2018)