According to gradphysics.com, Brookings County is located in the southeastern corner of South Dakota. It has a population of approximately 30,000 people and covers an area of 996 square miles. The county seat is Volga, which was established in 1881 and is the largest city in the county. Brookings is named after Wilmot Brookings, a former governor of the territory.
The county has a rich history that dates back to the late 19th century when settlers first arrived in the area. In 1895, Brookings College was founded and is now one of the top universities in South Dakota. The city of Brookings also hosts several annual events such as the annual Corn Palace Festival, which celebrates local agriculture and culture by featuring live music, food vendors, and craft displays.
Brookings County offers plenty for visitors to enjoy including parks, lakes, trails, museums, golf courses and more. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore Lake Thompson State Park or take advantage of the many hiking trails throughout the county. History buffs can visit local museums such as the Children’s Museum of South Dakota or take a tour at one of several historical sites like Fort Sisseton State Park or De Smet Monument Park.
Famous people from Brookings County include author Laura Ingalls Wilder who wrote “Little House on The Prairie”; former U.S Senator George McGovern; author Kari Ann Larson; actor Lanny Poffo; singer/songwriter Jason Mraz; musician Steve Miller; and actor/comedian Adam Sandler among others.
Whether you are looking for outdoor activities or cultural attractions, Brookings County has something for everyone. From its unique history to its diverse population and attractions there are plenty of things to do while visiting this charming region of South Dakota.
Climate and weather in Brookings County, South Dakota
According to ehuacom.com, Brookings County is located in the southeastern corner of South Dakota and experiences a continental climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are warm and humid with average temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to low-80s Fahrenheit (15 – 28 Celsius). Winters, on the other hand, are cold and dry with temperatures ranging from the low-teens to low-30s Fahrenheit (-10 – 0 Celsius). Spring and fall are generally mild with temperatures in the mid-40s to mid-50s Fahrenheit (7 – 13 Celsius).
The county receives an average of 24 inches of precipitation annually, most of which occurs during spring and summer months. Snowfall is also common in winter months, with an average of 22 inches each year. The area is prone to thunderstorms during spring and summer months as well as tornadoes in late spring.
Brookings County is generally sunny year round. During winter months, however, cloudy days become more frequent due to colder temperatures. In general, Brookings County enjoys a pleasant climate throughout the year that makes it ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, fishing or golfing.
Transportation in Brookings County, South Dakota
Brookings County, South Dakota is served by a comprehensive transportation network that includes both public and private options. The area is served by several major highways, including US Highway 14, US Highway 81, and Interstate 29. There are also several state highways that run through the county, providing direct access to nearby cities and towns.
Public transportation in Brookings County is provided by Brookings Area Transit (BAT). This network of buses serves the entire county and provides service to local businesses, schools, medical facilities, shopping centers, and other destinations. The fare for BAT services is $2 per ride or $22 for a monthly pass. Buses run Monday through Saturday from 6:00 am to 7:00 pm.
The nearest airport to Brookings County is the Sioux Falls Regional Airport which is located about 40 miles away in Sioux Falls. This airport offers both domestic and international flights as well as car rental services. There are also several smaller airports located in nearby counties that offer private flights and charter services.
For those who prefer to travel by train there are Amtrak stations located in Sioux Falls as well as Canton which provide daily service throughout the Midwest region of the United States. Additionally, there are Greyhound bus stations located in Sioux Falls which provide daily service throughout South Dakota and beyond.
Brookings County has an extensive transportation network that provides residents with easy access to nearby cities and towns as well as major airports throughout the United States. Whether you prefer to travel by car, bus or train Brookings County has plenty of options available.
Cities and towns in Brookings County, South Dakota
According to COUNTRYAAH.COM, Brookings County, South Dakota is home to many vibrant cities and towns that provide residents with plenty of opportunities for entertainment, recreation, and education. The county seat is the city of Brookings which is the largest city in the county. It is home to South Dakota State University and provides a wide variety of cultural activities, shopping centers, restaurants and other attractions.
The city of Volga is located in the northwest corner of Brookings County and has a population of about 700 people. This small town has an historic downtown area with several shops and restaurants as well as a local museum and art gallery. There are also several parks in the area that provide plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities such as hiking, fishing, camping, and more.
The town of White is located in southwestern Brookings County along US Highway 14. This small town has a population of about 500 people and offers plenty of amenities including grocery stores, gas stations, churches, schools, banks, restaurants, and more. There are also several parks located throughout White that provide great outdoor recreation opportunities such as fishing ponds or jogging trails.
The village of Bruce is located in southeastern Brookings County near the Big Sioux River. This small community has a population of around 300 people and offers plenty of amenities including a local library branch as well as several parks that provide ample outdoor recreational activities such as canoeing or swimming in the river.
Brookings County provides residents with plenty of cities and towns to explore each with its own unique charm. Whether you are looking for an urban atmosphere or prefer a more rural setting there is something for everyone here in Brookings County.