10 Easy Road Trips From Brookings, South Dakota: Fun Things To Do Just Outside the County
If you live in or around
Brookings, South Dakota, you know it’s a great place to call home. But sometimes you just want to hop in the car, roll the windows down, and explore somewhere new for the day.
The good news? Within about an hour or so of Brookings, there are plenty of small towns, lakes, parks, and quirky attractions waiting for you—just outside Brookings County.
Below are
10 short road trips from Brookings that take you into nearby counties like Deuel, Hamlin, Kingsbury, Lake, Moody, and even across the border into Lincoln and Pipestone Counties in Minnesota.
1. Pipestone National Monument – Pipestone County, Minnesota
Approx. drive from Brookings: about 55–60 minutes (east into Minnesota)
If you’re looking for a day trip that feels a little bit magical, head over to
Pipestone National Monument in Pipestone, Minnesota.
Here, red stone cliffs and tall grass prairie come together with deep Native American history. For centuries, tribal nations have quarried the soft red stone—called “pipestone”—to carve ceremonial pipes.
- Walk the paved circle trail (about 3/4 mile) past waterfalls and rock formations.
- Visit the visitor center to learn about the cultural and spiritual importance of the area.
- Watch Native American artisans demonstrate stone carving.
The trail is fairly easy, so it’s great for kids or anyone who doesn’t want a tough hike. Bring a light jacket—winds on the prairie can feel cooler than you expect.
2. Lake Cochrane Recreation Area – Deuel County, South Dakota
Approx. drive from Brookings: about 45–50 minutes northeast
Looking for a relaxing lakeside escape?
Lake Cochrane Recreation Area in Deuel County is a solid pick for a sunny day.
This clear, spring-fed lake is a favorite for:
- Swimming at the sandy beach
- Picnics under the trees
- Kayaking, paddleboarding, or boating
- Fishing for bluegill, perch, and walleye
The campground is popular, but you don’t have to stay overnight to enjoy it. Pack a cooler, toss in some lawn chairs, and make it a low-key day trip from Brookings.
3. Lake Herman State Park – Lake County, South Dakota
Approx. drive from Brookings: about 45–50 minutes southwest, near Madison
Just outside Madison,
Lake Herman State Park offers a peaceful stretch of shoreline, rolling hills, and big skies. If you like simple, classic South Dakota scenery, this is your spot.
What you can do:
- Hike short trails through grasslands and wooded areas.
- Launch a boat or kayak and explore coves along the shoreline.
- Fish for walleye and other species.
- Spread a blanket for a sunset picnic.
On a calm evening, the lake turns into a giant mirror. It’s one of those places where you suddenly realize how quiet the world can be just a short drive from town.
4. Madison, SD & Lake County Courthouse Square – Lake County
Approx. drive from Brookings: about 35–40 minutes southwest
If you’re in the mood for a small-town day trip close to Brookings,
Madison makes a nice change of scenery.
Around the historic Lake County Courthouse square you’ll find:
- Local shops and boutiques
- Casual cafés and diners for burgers, coffee, or a slice of pie
- Seasonal events and fairs depending on the time of year
You can pair a walk around downtown with a quick stop at nearby
Lake Madison or
Lake Herman to turn it into a full mini-adventure.
5. Lake Poinsett Recreation Area – Hamlin County, South Dakota
Approx. drive from Brookings: about 30–40 minutes northwest
Just a short drive from Brookings,
Lake Poinsett is one of the largest lakes in eastern South Dakota and a classic weekend hangout for locals.
At
Lake Poinsett Recreation Area, you can:
- Swim at the beach or just relax by the water.
- Launch your boat for tubing, skiing, or cruising.
- Fish for walleye, northern pike, and perch.
- Walk nature trails and look for birds and wildlife.
On warm summer Saturdays it can feel like half the region is here, so if you prefer a quieter vibe, try a weekday evening trip from Brookings instead.
6. Oldham & the Wide-Open Prairie – Kingsbury County, South Dakota
Approx. drive from Brookings: about 35–45 minutes west
If you’re the kind of traveler who enjoys seeing real farm country and quiet main streets, point your car toward
Oldham in Kingsbury County.
While it’s a small town, the drive itself is part of the charm:
- Roll past endless fields of corn, soybeans, and hay bales.
- Stop for photos of old barns, windmills, and big prairie skies.
- Walk through town and check out local grain elevators and classic small-town scenes.
This isn’t a “theme park” type trip. It’s more about enjoying rural South Dakota at a slower pace. Bring a thermos of coffee, a good playlist, and see what you find.
7. De Smet, “Little Town on the Prairie” – Kingsbury County
Approx. drive from Brookings: about 45–55 minutes west
History buffs and book lovers should not skip
De Smet, known as the “Little Town on the Prairie” from Laura Ingalls Wilder’s famous books.
Highlights include:
- Guided tours of Laura Ingalls Wilder historic sites (seasonal)
- Replica buildings from the Ingalls family’s time in De Smet
- Open prairie views that look straight out of the books
If you grew up reading about Laura and her family, standing on the same prairie she once walked can feel a little surreal. It’s a great family road trip from Brookings, especially in summer.
8. Flandreau & the Big Sioux River – Moody County, South Dakota
Approx. drive from Brookings: about 25–30 minutes southeast
Looking for a quick road trip that doesn’t eat up the entire day? Head to
Flandreau in Moody County.
Around Flandreau and the
Big Sioux River you can:
- Enjoy riverside views and short walks along the water.
- Check out local parks for picnics or a casual stroll.
- Explore town and grab lunch at a local spot.
It’s close enough that you can go after work or on a Sunday afternoon when you just want to get out of the house without driving too far.
9. Hendricks, MN & Lake Hendricks – Lincoln County, Minnesota
Approx. drive from Brookings: about 35–45 minutes northeast
Cross the border into Minnesota and visit
Hendricks, a small town perched on the shore of
Lake Hendricks in Lincoln County.
Why go?
- Walk along the lakefront and enjoy peaceful water views.
- Try fishing from shore or by boat if you have one.
- Grab a bite in town and chat with locals—small-town Midwestern friendliness is real here.
On a calm day, the water and sky blend together, and it’s hard to believe you’re less than an hour from Brookings.
10. Fort Pipestone & Historic Downtown Pipestone – Pipestone County, Minnesota
Approx. drive from Brookings: about 55–60 minutes east
If you’re already planning a trip to Pipestone National Monument, add a little extra time to explore
historic downtown Pipestone and
Fort Pipestone.
Things to check out:
- Unique red Sioux quartzite buildings that give downtown a one-of-a-kind look.
- Local gift shops and galleries selling pipestone art and regional crafts.
- Fort Pipestone, a privately owned attraction with frontier-style buildings and a trading post feel.
Strolling through downtown, you’ll notice how different the stone buildings look compared to most Midwest towns. It’s a nice mix of history, culture, and small-town charm.
Tips for Planning Your Brookings-Area Road Trips
To make the most of these short drives from Brookings, South Dakota, keep a few simple tips in mind:
- Check hours and seasons: Some museums, tours, and visitor centers are open only in warmer months or on certain days.
- Pack for the prairie: Bring layers, sunscreen, hats, and plenty of water. The wind and sun can be stronger than they look.
- Fill up your gas tank: In rural areas, gas stations can be spaced pretty far apart.
- Bring snacks: Not every back road has a fast-food stop, and that’s part of the charm—but only if you’re not starving.
Which Road Trip From Brookings Will You Try First?
From quiet lakes in Deuel County to historic sites in Kingsbury County and rocky cliffs in Pipestone County, there’s a surprising amount to explore within about an hour of Brookings—without staying in Brookings County itself.
Whether you want:
- A quick after-work drive to Flandreau
- A lake day at Poinsett or Cochrane
- A history-filled adventure in De Smet or Pipestone
you don’t have to go far to feel like you got away.
Now it’s your turn:
Which of these road trips near Brookings, SD sounds best to you? Have you already visited any of these spots? Did I miss one of your favorite little hidden gems in Deuel, Hamlin, Kingsbury, Lake, Moody, Lincoln, or Pipestone Counties?
Please share your experiences and tips in the comments—and if you found this helpful, send it to a friend or share it on social media to help more folks discover easy day trips from Brookings!
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