Brookings South Dakota Accommodations

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.

What hotels can give you best discounts in Brookings, SD?

You won't find a shortage of discounts in Brookings. The Super 8 Brookings SD offers AAA/CAA, military, and government discounts. The Holiday Inn Express & Suites Brookings and the Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Brookings both offer lower rates to AAA members. Comfort Suites University offers discounts for AAA members and seniors. Travelers can save even more at the Econo Lodge Inn & Suites with special rates for seniors and AAA members.

Keep in mind that the discounts above are not a complete list. Many other hotels in the area have similar deals. Some even offer special online rates and flash sales on certain rooms. If your trip is still a few months away, you may be able to snag a deal if you check back regularly.

What are the best value hotel options in Brookings, SD?

Three mid-range hotels in Brookings stand out. My Place Hotel Brookings SD gives guests a home-away-from-home experience with in-room kitchenettes that feature full-sized refrigerators/freezers and stovetops. Some rooms even have their own recliner, where you can sit to watch the complimentary cable TV after a long day. Breakfast is available for a small surcharge, but both wired and wireless internet access are free. The hotel also has its own business center, convenience store, and snack bar/deli for guests.

The Days Inn Brookings is a great pick for families and business travelers alike. The former will love the on-site water park (available with a surcharge), while the latter will benefit from the business center and conference space. Free Wi-Fi, fitness facilities, and an on-site restaurant and bar round out the hotel's amenities.

Comfort Suites University tends to be pricier than other mid-range options, but as its name implies, it's convenient to the SDSU campus. Amenities include an indoor pool, fitness facilities, and free Wi-Fi and breakfast.

What are the local eateries in Brookings, SD?

While you're in Brookings, be sure to sample some of the local bars and restaurants. Start your day with breakfast at Cafe Coteau. Although located inside the Children's Museum of South Dakota, this cafe is open to the public and requires no admission. It serves handcrafted menu items made with as many local ingredients as possible, and opens at 8 a.m. on Tuesday through Saturday and 10 a.m. on Sunday. It stays open until 5 p.m., so you can return for a sandwich and salad at lunchtime.

Cook's Kitchen (304 Main Avenue) is another breakfast favorite. Try one of their ooey-gooey cinnamon rolls, and don't worry about dressing up. It opens at 6 a.m. on Monday through Saturday and at 7 a.m. on Sunday and serves lunch daily. On Wednesday through Saturday, the restaurant bumps its closing time to 8 p.m. from the usual 2 p.m.

For lunch, head to 1000 Degree Neapolitan Pizzeria, where you can build your own pizza and watch it bake in the 1000-degree brick oven. The best part? You'll pay the same amount no matter how many toppings you choose. There's even a gluten-free crust option. The pizzeria is located in the Eastside Commons off 22nd Avenue South and is open Sunday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Craft Italian-American Fusion (610 Medary Avenue) is another great option for lunch or dinner. This restaurant, open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Tuesday through Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sundays, combines local farm-fresh ingredients with fine dining for a delicious experience. The restaurant also hosts Sunday brunch, a Ladies Night with half-priced drinks on Wednesdays, and a daily happy hour from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m.

For dinner, take in a game at Cubby's Sports Bar & Grill (307 Main Avenue) or spend an evening at the Pheasant Restaurant and Lounge (726 Main Avenue South), where you can try the award-winning salad lettuce wraps and Trevor's Artisan Ice Cream. The restaurant also serves three kinds of burgers — beef, veggie, and bison — and has its own olive oil and balsamic tasting bar. If you have room for dessert, head to the Cherry Berry self-serve frozen yogurt bar on 6th Street or the SDSU Dairy Bar at 1225 College Avenue, open year-round on weekdays.

With so many exceptional eateries and kid-friendly attractions, Brookings has all the makings of a fun family getaway destination. The kids will love collecting stamps in their Brookings Great 8 passport, and you might even win a $25 cash card. Plus, you'll get to experience the best of Brookings along the way.