Brookings, SD

Since the founding of our communities, organizations, businesses and citizens have stepped forward to build and serve their community. Click on any of the logos below to learn about those who made this website possible! If you would like to learn about becoming a sponsor CLICK HERE!

Bring Your Dreams

Brookings, South Dakota is the fourth largest city in the Mount Rushmore state with a population of about 22,000. Named after Wilmot W. Brookings—a spirited pioneer promoter—Brookings was originally surveyed and platted in 1879 in preparation for the railroad. After the railroad had bypassed other area settlements of Fountain, Oakwood and Medary, many merchants from those towns packed up their businesses and moved to Brookings, immediately boosting the town’s growth.

Today, Brookings is the envy of many communities. Serving as the county seat for Brookings County, the downtown has beautifully kept historic buildings with great shops, restaurants, and entertainment spots. Brookings also is home to South Dakota State University, the largest institution of higher learning in the state. Each summer during July, Brookings’ beautiful Pioneer Park is used for South Dakota’s premier two-day juried art festival. Over 200 artists from across the nation exhibit their skilled and handcrafted works of art. The festival also features music performed in the park’s historic band shell, and on side stages throughout the park. Nearly 75,000 people attend the Brookings Summer Arts Festival while enjoying the many other incredible features the city offers to visitors from throughout the Midwest.