Two ice cream cones are featured in the bottom left of the image with a cow painted onto the wall in the background. Image is at the SDSU Dairy Bar in Brookings, SD
Your Passport to Fun
Brookings Great 8
Great Times at Great Places

You’re guaranteed to have a good time when you fill out the Great 8 passport. This passport is your must do list for things to do in Brookings.

A group of children and adults admire a large, lifelike T. rex dinosaur sculpture in an outdoor exhibit at the Children's Museum of South Dakota in Brookings. The display is set against the backdrop of a brick building with large windows on a sunny day.
Location 1
Children’s Museum of South Dakota

Experience the first children’s museum in South Dakota with hands-on, interactive exhibits that spark imagination and creative play for all ages.

A family walks under a wooden structure at McCrory Gardens surrounded by trees changing colors
Location 2
McCrory Gardens

Walk and breathe in the beauty of the 25 tranquil acres of formal display gardens and 45 acres of arboretum at the McCrory Gardens Education & Visitors Center.

A family sits in front of three paintings at the South Dakota Art Museum.
Location 3
South Dakota Art Museum

Seven spacious galleries housing more than 7,000 pieces of regional, national and international artists make this one of the top museums in South Dakota.

A young boy rides a small red toy tractor inside a hands-on exhibit at a museum. Behind him, there is a yellow funnel, blue pipes, and educational displays, creating an interactive agricultural-themed environment.
Location 4
Agricultural Heritage Museum

Explore the fascinating history, culture and science of agriculture at the South Dakota Agricultural Heritage Museum.

Exterior view of Nick's Hamburgers, a white stucco building with red accents and a striped awning, located in downtown Brookings. A tree and outdoor seating area are visible nearby on a sunny day with a bright blue sky
Location 5
Nick’s Hamburger Shop

Taste a piece of history at Nick’s, an original staple since 1929, slinging bite-size burgers with a friendly atmosphere, retro look and homemade pies.

Image of four colorful bows in front of a man shooting bow and arrow at the Brookings County Outdoor Adventure Center
Location 6
Brookings County Outdoor Adventure Center

Test your aim at this Olympic-length archery range and state-of-the-art shooting range.

A student is handed ice cream by an employee at the SDSU Dairy Bar. In the background there are students in line waiting amidst blue painted walls.
Location 7
SDSU Dairy Bar

Make the trip to campus for more than 60 flavors of homemade ice cream, including the famed Cookies ‘n Cream.

A bronze and silver sculpture of the head of a horse in front of green grass, blue sky and the Brookings Arts Council
Location 8
Brookings Art Council

For more than 40 years, the Brookings Art Council has been inspiring artists young and old through specialized classes, art exhibits and opportunities to gain recognition.

More to Explore

Featured Itineraries

No one knows Brookings like the locals. Get insider information on where to eat, where to stay and where to play. All served in bite-sized itineraries.

Move to Brookings

Thinking about settling down here? Get a taste of our town and be in-the-know on our latest relocation resources to get you ready.