While you're in Brookings, be sure to visit the "Great 8," which includes the Children's Museum of South Dakota, the McCrory Gardens, the South Dakota Art Museum, the South Dakota Agricultural Heritage Museum, Nick's Hamburger Shop, the Brookings County Outdoor Adventure Center, the SDSU Dairy Bar, and the Brookings Arts Council. After picking up a Great 8 passport, you can receive a stamp at each location. Once you've earned at least six stamps, you can turn in your passport for a chance at a $25 cash card via the monthly drawing.
When is the best time to visit Brookings, SD?
If your main concern is the weather, the best time to visit Brookings is during the summer, when you'll experience mild or comfortably warm temperatures in the high 50s to low 80s. Summer is also the best time to visit if you want to enjoy some of the annual events hosted in Brookings.
The Brookings Kite and Bike Festival in June features huge show kites, a bike obstacle course, face painting, food vendors, and more. Downtown Brookings hosts the family-friendly Crazy Days in late July and Downtown at Sundown on Thursday nights in July and August, with live music, cold drinks, and family fun. Summer also brings the Brookings Summer Arts Festival, the Wing and Brew Festival, and the Uncle Sam Jam on the Fourth of July.
Winter has its share of events, too, such as Frost Fest and the Festival of Lights. Just keep in mind that Brookings averages 33 inches of snow each year, and winter temperatures tend to stay below 30 degrees.
Spring and summer are the busiest tourist seasons in Brookings, with fall and winter being much slower. Hotel rates will likely reflect that, with better deals available during slower months.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Brookings, SD:
Brookings by Star Rating
Below are 3 charts demonstrating mean price trends by star rating class in Brookings, SD. You can use these illustrations to determine the cheapest time period to book a room in Brookings throughout the year.
What are the luxury hotel options in Brookings, SD?
You won't find any true luxury hotels in Brookings. However, the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Brookings and the Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Brookings are both on the higher end of the price spectrum and offer excellent quality and amenities. As their names suggest, both hotels also have suite options.
The Holiday Inn Express & Suites offers several complimentary services, including tea and coffee in the common areas, Wi-Fi, self-parking, and breakfast. The hotel boasts its own fitness center and an indoor pool, and the daily Express Start Breakfast Bar serves eggs, omelets, bacon, sausage, and its signature cinnamon rolls, plus its own 100 percent Arabica Smart Roast coffee.
The Fairfield Inn & Suites offers similar amenities, including free Wi-Fi, breakfast, coffee and tea in the common areas, newspapers in the lobby, and self-parking. Guests also have access to fitness facilities, a 24-hour business center, computer stations, an indoor pool, barbecue grills, a picnic area, and a snack bar/deli.
What are the affordable hotel options in Brookings, SD?
3 Star Average Prices: $136.39
For many travelers, a great vacation starts with finding a budget-friendly hotel. Whether you're traveling to Brookings for a wedding, a business trip, or to drop off your new college student at South Dakota State University, you can find several affordable hotel options in the area.
Within Brookings itself, the Super 8 Brookings SD is a great option. It's located in the business district on Lefevre Drive and has earned high marks from past guests. You can choose rooms with one queen bed, two queen beds, or one king bed. There are also accessible rooms and suite options available. The hotel has its own indoor pool, allows pets, and offers free breakfast.
The Econo Lodge Inn & Suites is another budget-friendly option in Brookings. Here you'll find amenities such as an on-site restaurant and bar, a pool table, an indoor pool and children's wading pool, free Wi-Fi, and free newspapers in the lobby. Business travelers will appreciate the 24-hour business center, while families can save money with the free continental breakfast. Pets are allowed, and you can take advantage of an area shuttle for a small surcharge. This hotel is located close to McCrory Gardens.
You may be able to find even better rates if you're willing to stay 25 to 30 miles outside of Brookings. The Super 8 Madison and Americas Best Value Inn & Suites Clear Lake both offer affordable accommodations within a 45-minute drive of Brookings.
