Unexpected Discoveries: 10 Affordable Hidden Gems in Brookings, South Dakota

The first rule of aviation: always have a flight plan. But sometimes the best discoveries come from deviating from the charted course. Case in point: McCrory Gardens. This 25-acre botanical wonderland feels like it was teleported from a much larger city, with meticulously maintained themed gardens that change character with the seasons. The summer display is particularly magnificent, with prairie wildflowers creating a tapestry of colors that would make even the most vibrant approach lighting system look dull by comparison.

Just a short bike ride away (Brookings has an impressive bike share system that would make my Venetian neighbors proud), Dakota Nature Park offers 135 acres of reclaimed land that's been transformed into an outdoor recreation haven. The park features fishing ponds, hiking trails, and a nature center that kids find absolutely mesmerizing. I rented a kayak for $10 and spent a peaceful hour paddling around the ponds, spotting wildlife and enjoying the kind of silence you never experience in the cockpit at 36,000 feet.

For families looking to extend their outdoor adventures, I recommend packing a portable hammock. I hung mine between two trees near the fishing pond and enjoyed what might have been the most peaceful afternoon nap I've had since flight school.

When flying through turbulence, pilots rely on instruments rather than feelings. Similarly, when traveling with kids, it's wise to have indoor backup plans regardless of what the weather forecast says. The Children's Museum of South Dakota has saved many family vacations from the dreaded rain-day meltdowns, and it's worth a visit even in perfect weather.

Housed in a former elementary school, this museum is anything but elementary in its approach to interactive learning. The outdoor prairie exhibit features life-sized animatronic dinosaurs that had me as captivated as the children around me. Inside, the three-story climbing structure and water play areas provide hours of entertainment. At $6 per person, it's the kind of value proposition that makes budget travelers like me do a double-take.

Just across town, South Dakota State University offers several free attractions worth exploring. The SDSU Dairy Bar serves up homemade ice cream that rivals anything I've had in Italy (bold statement, I know). For $3, you can get a generous scoop of ice cream made from milk produced right on campus. The South Dakota Art Museum on campus houses an impressive collection of Native American art and regional masterpieces, with free admission (though donations are appreciated).

For families with young explorers, I've found that a good kids hydration backpack is invaluable. It lets little ones carry their own water and small essentials while feeling like they're geared up for a serious expedition.

Every pilot knows that airport food is rarely memorable, which is why exploring local cuisine is always high on my priority list. Brookings punches well above its weight class in the culinary department, with options that satisfy both picky eaters and adventurous palates without creating turbulence in your travel budget.

Nick's Hamburger Shop is a Brookings institution that's been serving sliders since 1929. These small, simple burgers are served on wax paper and priced at just $2.40 each. There's something beautifully authentic about a restaurant that's perfected one item and stuck with it for nearly a century. The no-frills interior hasn't changed much over the decades, making it a time capsule as much as a restaurant.

For coffee that would satisfy even my Italian neighbors' discerning tastes, Cottonwood Coffee serves locally roasted beans in a cozy atmosphere that invites lingering. Their breakfast items are equally impressive and affordable.

Craft beer enthusiasts should navigate to Wooden Legs Brewing Company, where local brews start at $5 and the wood-fired pizzas are large enough to share. The brewery often hosts family-friendly events on weekends, with live music that starts early enough for kids to enjoy before bedtime.

For picnics at Dakota Nature Park or any outdoor adventure, I recommend bringing along a insulated food container to keep snacks fresh. When traveling with kids, having access to healthy options can prevent the dreaded hunger-induced meltdowns that every parent fears.

The thing about flying is that you get a perspective most people never see. Similarly, the best travel experiences often come from seeking out viewpoints that most visitors miss. In Brookings, this means venturing beyond the obvious attractions.

The Brookings Outdoor Adventure Center offers archery lessons for just $10 per person, equipment included. My first attempt reminded me of my early flight simulator days – lots of missed targets – but by the end of the hour, I was hitting bullseyes with surprising consistency. It's an activity that levels the playing field between adults and kids, creating those rare moments where parents and children can learn something new together.

For water enthusiasts, Oak Lake, just 20 minutes outside town, offers swimming and fishing opportunities without the crowds of more popular lakes. I rented a stand-up paddleboard for $15 for half a day and explored the quiet coves while watching eagles soar overhead – a different kind of flying than I'm used to, but peaceful in its own way.

During summer weekends, the Brookings Summer Arts Festival (July) and Downtown at Sundown (Thursday evenings) offer free entertainment, local art, and activities that showcase the community's creative spirit. These events transform the downtown area into a vibrant gathering space where locals and visitors mingle freely.

For families spending time outdoors, I've found a good pop-up shade tent invaluable for creating a home base during outdoor events or lake days. It provides sun protection and a quiet retreat spot when kids need a break from stimulation.

Additionally, don't forget to bring a waterproof picnic blanket for impromptu rest stops or picnics. The South Dakota prairie can be surprisingly dewy, even on sunny days.

As someone who's calculated fuel consumption and flight costs professionally, I appreciate efficiency in travel planning. Brookings offers surprising value for budget-conscious families if you know where to look.

Lodging options in Brookings won't win design awards, but they're clean, comfortable, and affordable. The Days Inn by Wyndham often has family rooms under $100 per night and includes a decent breakfast buffet. For more adventurous travelers, the SDSU campus offers summer accommodations in dormitories when school is not in session – a no-frills option at around $35 per person that brings back memories of my college days.

For transportation, Brookings is compact enough that most attractions are within a 10-minute drive. Rather than renting a car, consider using the Brookings Area Transit Authority (BATA) buses, which charge just $2 per ride. Their on-demand service works similarly to rideshare apps but at a fraction of the cost.

The city's bike share program is another economical option, with rental stations scattered throughout downtown and near major attractions. At $2 per hour, it's both budget-friendly and environmentally conscious – something I've come to value deeply since moving to car-free Venice.

For families with small children, I recommend bringing a portable booster seat if you plan to use BATA or rideshares. It folds down to the size of a large wallet but provides proper safety for kids in vehicles without adding significant weight to your luggage.