Tucked quietly into the heart of Downtown Brookings, seven metal plaques invite visitors to discover poetry and honor the poets laureate of South Dakota. Located along Main Avenue, the short walk transforms everyday sidewalks into an outdoor literary gallery. Beginning at the post office and looping back near Nick’s Hamburger Shop, every plaque invites a guest to pause and reflect with the writings.
Each display holds more than metal and ink. They feature a portrait, dates of service and a poem by the honored writer. The featured writings showcase how poetry adds meaning into ordinary moments while reflecting the character of everyday life in the Midwest. The walk is an excellent reminder to show poetry still has a place in today’s world.
Appointed by the governor and nominated by the Poetry Society Board, each poet laureate serves a four-year term dedicated to bringing poetry into everyday spaces. Projects like the Poetry Walk inspire people to find meaning in the words and moments which often go unnoticed.
The Poetry Walk is a quick stroll which invites everyone to connect with creativity, storytelling or perhaps reflection. Step by step, Brookings turns everyday sidewalks into lines of poetry.
*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.*
