Brookings brings South Dakota’s state symbols to life through its food, landscapes and local character. Each stop offers a taste, sight or experience of the state’s culture.
1. Kuchen
A traditional German dessert made from a sweet dough crust. Kuchen is filled with custard and topped with fresh fruit. Visitors can find this dessert on the SDSU campus at the Agricultural Heritage Museum.
2. Milk
The state drink appears in milkshakes, cheese, ice cream, and at the SDSU Dairy Bar. Dedicated to crafting a wide assortment of ice cream flavors, this iconic spot is also where Cookies and Cream was first created.
3. Ring-neck Pheasant
This bird can be spotted in its natural habitat at the Dakota Nature Park. Those looking to taste pheasant can enjoy the signature Pheasant on the Green salad at Pheasant Restaurant and Lounge.
4. Pasque
South Dakota’s state flower blooms in early spring at McCrory Gardens. Pasque is also the name of a home decor shop in Downtown Brookings.
5. Walleye
Anglers can head to Lake Campbell, just outside of Brookings, where windy days provide the perfect conditions for reeling in South Dakota’s state fish.
