It is finally time for Pumpkin spice, your favorite flannel, and crunchy warm colored leaves under your feet now fall has officially (as of September 23rd) hit Brookings. Fall may be a short-lived season in the Dakota’s, but you can bet we will be squeezing all our favorite fall activities into the few short weeks we do get before snowfall.
Take on Tailgate Season
Spending the evening under stadium lights is one of the things the Brookings community looks forward to most. Tailgating for the mighty blue and yellow takes place in the parking lots surrounding Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium and begins 5 hours prior to kickoff. For more information on SDSU tailgating policies click here. If you’re looking to join the Bobcat Backers to cheer on the cats, you can find them at the SW corner of the stadium before every home game waiting to welcome the team on their traditional ‘Bobcat Walk” onto the field.
Become One with Nature
One of the corner stones of the fall season is the magical transition of the vibrant greens to the muted yellow and bright auburn of the treetops at the Dakota Nature Park. The 135 acres of trails, ponds, and open spaces are free for you to explore and enjoy as the crisp autumn air rolls through town.
Pick the Perfect Pumpkin
Another beloved fall activity is a trip to the pumpkin patch. Whether you are on the hunt for the perfect pumpkin for your porch or trying to capture the perfect autumnal Instagram picture, Sanderson Gardens has you covered. Just head a few minutes east down Highway 14 to create the best fall memories.
Escape the Asylum
Looking to take the term ‘fall spirit’ a little more literally? The Fear Asylum Haunted House is South Dakota’s premiere haunted attraction ranking among the top 50 in the country and is guaranteed to leave you sufficiently spooked. Can you brave The Last Ride, a motion attraction simulating a coffin ride to the graveyard? Do you have what it takes to escape the B Block Breakout Escape Room? If that doesn’t have you shaking in you boots, the movie-quality costumes and FX will certainly leave you with a night you won’t forget.
