Brookings welcomes explorers with a variety of hometown charm and hidden gems. This commitment to discovery is part of the South Dakota Department of Tourism’s Forever 605 campaign, which encourages visitors to look beyond the familiar while supporting local industry and preserving historical and natural attractions.
Forever 605 encourages visitors to enjoy a scenic walk around McCrory Gardens or the Dakota Nature Park, taking in the smells and sounds with respect. Being stewards of sustainability means taking a little extra time to pick up trash along the way. Even a little more awareness when visiting historical and cultural locations in Brookings can make a difference.
Hungry visitors can support the Forever 605 spirit by heading to Downtown Brookings where they can enjoy many locally owned establishments serving up their specialties, many of which use locally sourced products. After lunch, a stroll through neighborhood shops supports small business owners while adding to the local economy.
By focusing on sustainability, visitors can help preserve the community for future generations. They can go one step further by taking the Forever 605 pledge at the Visit Brookings office and picking up some Forever 605 swag to help spread awareness of the campaign.
*This story has been written in collaboration with South Dakota State University‘s Public Relations class for our 2026 Visitor Guide. Read the guide here.*
