South Dakota State helps shape the culture of Brookings
Home to South Dakota State University, Brookings is the fourth-largest city in the state. Its current population is about 24,000 — a number that continues to rise as college enrollment increases each year. The school also serves as Brookings’ largest employer and a cultural center on the event calendar. “It’s not a big city, but there are still a few things to do around here,” says 35-year resident Shane Andersen, team lead of the Brookings Home Team of Century 21 Krogman and Company. “South Dakota State is one of our biggest employers. They’re a Division I school, and you can’t live here without being a fan.” In football, the SDSU Jackrabbits have won two FCS national championships in the past three years.
Retro hangouts on Main Avenue, like Nick's
Main Avenue is downtown Brookings’ epicenter for shopping and dining. Boutiques and restaurants fill the century-old storefronts, and classic spots include Nick’s Hamburger Shop, which has been open since 1929. Their slider-style burgers no longer cost 5 cents, but the current price of $2 is still appealing to hungry college students. “They’re little slider burgers that are deep fried in fat,” Andersen says, pointing to the famous tagline: "Buy ’em by the bag.” Jackrabbits also make the trip from campus to downtown for watering holes like Cubby’s Sports Bar and Grill. Big-box stores include Walmart and Lowe's between I-29 and the university.
Student and community participation in Hobo Day
While residents of Brookings support the Jackrabbits year-round, the community’s college-town energy is most apparent on Hobo Day, South Dakota State’s homecoming celebration. The October event includes a parade with students dressed like vagabonds, capped off by the ceremonial “Grand Pooba” of the parade riding a 1912 Model T known as the “Bummobile.” A Jackrabbits football game follows. “The shops and everybody really get into it, as far as painting their windows and that sort of college atmosphere,” Andersen says. “The college students go all out for the parade. You see some creative floats for the theme.” Beyond athelestics and parades, residents can check out the South Dakota Art Museum or the interactive displays at the Children’s Museum of South Dakota.
Students follow one pipeline in Brookings School District
Students can attend the Brookings School District, which receives an overall B-minus grade from Niche. The district’s three elementary schools each serve kindergarten through third grade, but all students attend fourth and fifth grade at Camelot Intermediate, followed by Mickelson Middle and Brookings High. The high school offers 11 Advanced Placement courses, plus a dual-enrollment drone flight course through Lake Area Technical College. South Dakota State University enrolls over 12,000 students.
Early 20th century neighborhoods and more recent subdivisions
Residential areas near downtown Brookings are laid out in a grid. Homes can date back to the early 20th century, with bungalows, farmhouses and ranch-style homes most common. While few have come on the market recently, prices generally range from $275,000 to $300,000. South of the train tracks that bisect the city, neighborhoods look more suburban, with gently curving roads and larger plots of land. Homes there are often new traditional, though cabin-style retreats are also available. Prices here range from $750,000 to $1 million. Many houses near South Dakota State University are rented out to students, while several apartment complexes are also available.
City parks and university spaces for recreation
Between city parks and university spaces, Brookings has plenty of recreation. The Edgebrook Golf Club has an 18-hole public course and a practice facility. Other city parks include the Dakota Nature Park, with paths around several lakes that double as cross-country ski trails during winter, and the adjacent Southbrook Softball Complex. McCrory Gardens, an arboretum owned by SDSU, is best known for TuliPalooza, a springtime event when more than 25,000 tulips bloom simultaneously.
I-29 leads south to Sioux Falls
Interstate 29, the main highway to and from Brookings, runs on the east side of the city. Sioux Falls is the region’s largest city, roughly 60 miles south. While most residents drive, the Brookings Area Transit Authority serves the city with its demand-response system. Rides generally cost a nominal fee. Additionally, the Rabbit Ride system offers free transportation on Friday and Saturday nights for university students, though it is also available to the general public. Brookings Regional Airport is located within the city but does not carry commercial flights; residents generally fly in and out of Sioux Falls Regional Airport.
