Hometown of South Dakota State University, Brookings is a small community with miles of rich farmland and sparkling lakes.
An impatient Big Sioux River rips its way through the county on its ramblings southward, feeding the region with beauty and recreation. A town charmed with history and quaint in appearance awaits. More than 150 shops, restaurants and entertainment venues tickle the varied interests and tastes of tourists and residents alike.
Nearby Watertown, fourth largest city in South Dakota, has a population of 20,000. A land of lakes, this is a haven for water sports of all kinds. Between the two cities, there are countless activities to keep one hoppin'.
Some points of interest include: The Switfel Center, McCory Garden, SDSU Agriculture Museum, South Dakota Art Museum, Redlin Art Center, Dakota Sioux Casino, and Codington County Historical Museum. The many lakes around Watertown and Brookings serve as a major draw to tourism, offering countless pleasures in a land of pristine beauty.
Oakwoods Lake State Park offers opportunities for all sorts of activities including hiking, swimming, ice fishing and cross-country skiing. Similarly, Pelican Lake offers camping, wildlife viewing, nature trails used for hiking, biking and cross-country skiing, a horse camp, boating and fishing. It also has the largest snowmobile system in the state.
Swimming, camping, boating, and fishing at spring-fed Lake Cochrane is also a favorite. Fishing for walleye, bass, and perch at Lake Poinsett provides a lesson in relaxation. And Sandy Shore Recreation Area on Lake Kampeska offers beachfront camping.
There are two 18-hole golf courses and two state parks in the Watertown area. There's also a skating rink, biking trails, an outdoor swimming pool with waterslide, tennis courts, and ball fields.
Spectator sports also have a full schedule here with the University playing an active role in entertaining the fans with their athletic prowess. Stock car racing is available at the Casino Speedway to add some spark to the spectator scene.
Watertown and Brookings are located about 100 miles north of Sioux Falls in South Dakota.
