Hidden Gems of Brookings: A Local's Guide to South Dakota's Best-Kept Secrets

Listen up, fitness fam – McCrory Gardens isn't just a pretty place; it's 25 acres of natural workout paradise! While most visitors stroll leisurely through the formal gardens (which are stunning, by the way), I discovered it's the perfect spot for an early morning circuit training session. The wide-open spaces, varied terrain, and multiple walking paths create natural interval stations.

I woke at dawn, threw on my compression shorts (crucial for preventing chafing in the summer humidity), and hit the gardens before the crowds. The arboretum section offers perfect pull-up branches if you know where to look, and the rock garden? Natural step-ups all day long!

What makes McCrory truly special is how it transforms with the seasons. Summer brings explosion of colors with over 25 themed gardens. My favorite was the South Dakota Garden showcasing native prairie plants – talk about connecting with the local environment while getting your heart rate up!

If you've got kids with energy to burn (and let's be honest, when don't they?), Dakota Nature Park is your salvation. This 135-acre recreational area was literally transformed from a landfill into an outdoor paradise – talk about a comeback story!

The interconnected ponds are perfect for kayaking and fishing, with rental equipment available for just $5-10 per hour. My impromptu kayaking session turned into a two-hour exploration where I spotted turtles, waterfowl, and even caught a small bass! The waterproof phone pouch I always travel with was clutch for capturing those on-water moments without risking my iPhone.

What makes this place a tech-nomad's dream is the surprising connectivity. The park's main building not only offers equipment rentals but also features reliable WiFi and multiple charging stations. I managed to upload my morning workout videos and answer client emails while watching families enjoy the water through floor-to-ceiling windows. Perfect work-life balance!

The mountain biking trails range from beginner-friendly loops to more challenging terrain, and the bike rental program means you don't need to bring your own equipment. My cooling towel was essential for staying comfortable in the summer heat while exploring the trail system.

Let's talk nutrition, people! Finding clean, affordable food while traveling with family can be harder than a 5AM workout, but Brookings surprised me with options that won't wreck your macros or your budget.

Nick's Hamburger Shop downtown is a local institution since 1929, serving simple, small sliders for just over $2 each. These aren't fancy gourmet burgers – they're honest, straightforward fuel. Pro tip: order them by the bag (3-4 per person) and grab a spot at the counter to watch the grill masters work their magic.

For something healthier, Cottonwood Coffee serves incredible açai bowls alongside their coffee menu. I became addicted to their PB protein bowl topped with local honey – perfect post-workout recovery fuel. The shop offers plenty of outlets and stable WiFi, making it my morning office for three days straight. My collapsible coffee cup saved me 50 cents per refill and kept unnecessary waste out of landfills.

The real hidden gem? The SDSU Dairy Bar! South Dakota State University runs its own dairy program, and their ice cream shop offers farm-to-cone treats at student-friendly prices. The cookies and cream (made with actual SDSU-produced milk) might be the best I've had anywhere in America – and I've sampled my fair share of cheat-day treats!

As someone who balances travel with running an online business, finding reliable connectivity is always top priority. Brookings might be surrounded by farmland, but its status as a college town means surprisingly robust tech infrastructure.

The absolute best workspace I found was the Brookings Public Library. This isn't your typical quiet, stuffy library – they've created dedicated co-working spaces with fast fiber internet, plenty of outlets, and even bookable private rooms for video calls. I recorded two client sessions using my portable green screen which packs down tiny but gives me professional backgrounds anywhere.

For a more social working environment, Cottonwood Coffee downtown has the best connectivity-to-coffee ratio. Their back room features large tables perfect for spreading out equipment. I use my laptop stand everywhere to maintain proper ergonomics – neck pain doesn't take vacations, and neither should good posture!

The most unexpected tech oasis? The Children's Museum of South Dakota has a parent's workspace corner with excellent WiFi, charging stations, and a clear view of the play areas. Brilliant for parents who need to check emails while kids burn energy exploring the interactive exhibits. The museum itself is world-class with dinosaur exhibits that had kids (and this big kid) completely mesmerized.