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

​Brookings, South Dakota, has been ranked the No. 9 best college town in the Midwest by RentCafe in 2025, recognized for its affordability, cultural amenities, and strong community-university partnership.

Between our outstanding attractions, award-winning restaurants and access to athletic events of all kinds, Brookings welcomed thousands of visitors last year. Brookings County saw a growth in visitor spending in 2024 totaling $127.1 million, an increase of 2% from 2023.  Tourism also generated more than $10 million in local and state taxes and provided jobs for more than 1,400 employees in the county.

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.

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

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.

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.