Start your stay right at Whiskey Creek the heartiest restaurant on the east side of town. Exceptionally prepared food, cooked over full sized logs of oak and ash makes eating here a memorable experience. The Smokin’ Pig is a legendary favorite made with slow smoked pulled pork, paired with a spicy, locally sourced jalapeño and cheddar stuffed sausage, topped with bacon, pepper jack cheese, flash – fried onion rings, and their legendary homemade sauce.

Just cross over I-29 and you will find Tee’d Off, the sports simulator in town. Reserve a bay for 1-6 players and pick your sport. With over 14 different games that can be easily switched throughout your session this establishment will keep the good times rolling. There are also TVs set up to let you watch the real games you do not want to miss.

Start your second day at the Dakota Nature Park. The Nature Park has great fishing amenities for leisure fishermen. Get a jump start on the day by getting there at sunrise and scope out the best place to set up. Look for crappies, trout, walleye, perch and others while on your endeavor, you never know what you could catch.

After you have had your morning in the sun, head to the Brookings County Outdoor Adventure Center where you will find both an archery and a gun range open to the public. You can rent bows, arrows, ammunition, guns, or anything else you might need while testing it out. With lots of open hours fitting this into your schedule will not be a problem. The staff are happy to share their facility and sport with everyone.

Have lunch at the legendary Nick’s Hamburger Shop, where you can buy delicious sliders by the bag and get a cold glass of fountain pop to go with them. No plates or silverware are required at this local hub. Go right on in and get a taste of Brookings History.

Dads need to be pampered too, right? The newest addition to downtown is The Man Cave, located at 314 Main Ave. This is a full-service barbershop perfect for fathers who need a little extra pampering. Whether you need a quick haircut or a full shave the Man Cave will have you looking your best.

After the barber, spend a relaxing afternoon at Skinner’s Pub in Downtown Brookings. Skinners is a laid-back bar which all the locals love. Have a beer while looking out the massive windows in the front and take some time to appreciate all the decor on the walls.

As the sun goes down and you are getting hungry, your next stop should be Pints and Quarts. Get a Juicy Lucy burger and you will be full for the rest of the night. Other mentionable items include South Dakota’s very own chislic, the loaded fries and the jacked-up cheese curds.

You can’t leave a dad’s weekend without utilizing the cities golf course. Edgebrook is an 18-hole course and driving range. Rates at this course range from $20 – $35. Golf Carts and range balls are available to rent by request. There is also the Brookings Country Club which is a private course with a fancier flare to the game. Non-members are able to schedule a tee time for a rate between $51-$84.

Next up, brunch at Cook’s Kitchen. This Brookings staple will feed you wherever you fit. If you cannot find a spot right away due to everyone wanting a piece of their “Really Big Cakes” (pancakes that is), hang outside and their speedy service will find you ordering in no time. They may be known for the best breakfast in Brookings, but they also serve great lunch items like the HOBO Club and Roast Beef Dinner.

End your dad’s weekend by taking them to The Lanes. Fun for all ages, this newly remodeled bowling alley brings an energy unlike any other in the Midwest. Bowling is not the only fun to find here. Check out the arcade full of vintage and new games next to the full-service bar and grill, Strikerz.