A five-minute drive from town, the third-generation Good Roots Farm and Gardens has become a beloved spot for friends and families. Sunday evenings from June through mid-October, visitors meet at the farm to enjoy wood-fired pizzas made with local ingredients sourced from Brookings farms and markets.
The menu rotates every two weeks, offering new and exciting flavors. Its proximity to Brookings and the novelty of the pizza nights make it a favorite spot for gathering and continues to draw people back.
Guests are encouraged to bring plates, napkins, blankets and lawn chairs, setting the scene for a cozy evening. While the pizza is prepped, visitors can grab a refreshing drink at the barn, explore the 40-acre farm, take in the scenic views, feed the animals or browse through the Vintage and Veggies shop, where handmade pizza dough, antiques and jellies freshly made from the farm’s grapevines can be purchased.
“Certainly, it’s fine to get your pizza and go, but we call ourselves part of the slow food movement,” Julie Ross, the owner of Good Roots, said. “It’s more fun if you bring your stuff, sit down and enjoy the experience.”
Bill and Julie Ross took over the farm after Julie’s parents passed, turning the rundown barn into a popular spot for events. After traveling to pizza farms throughout Minnesota and Wisconsin, the two were inspired to start their own wood-fired pizza nights. The Rosses have succeeded in making their Sunday evenings a peaceful experience where families can relax and friendships can bloom.
For anyone seeking a heartwarming dining experience, pizza nights are not to be missed. Good Roots Farm and Gardens is located 3712 Medary Ave. To guarantee your order, reserve pizzas in advance online at www.GoodRootsFarmandGardens.com or call (605) 691-9291
*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.*
