South Dakota State University Campus Map Travel Guide
Introduction
South Dakota State University is located in Brookings, South Dakota, and is home to over 12,000 students. The campus is spread over 400 acres and has a unique blend of modern facilities and historic buildings. Whether you are a student, a parent, or a visitor, this comprehensive travel guide will help you explore the top attractions, hidden gems, food scene, budget-friendly tips, outdoor adventures, historical landmarks, family-friendly activities, off-the-beaten-path experiences, natural wonders, vibrant nightlife, local markets, beaches and mountains, cultural immersion, art and music scene, walking tours, architectural marvels, historical sites, biking routes, wellness retreats, and adventure sports.
Top Attractions
A visit to South Dakota State University is incomplete without exploring some of the top attractions on campus. The South Dakota State Agricultural Heritage Museum showcases the state’s rich agricultural history and has interactive exhibits that are fun for all ages. The South Dakota Art Museum has a collection of over 7,000 works of art and is a must-visit for art lovers. The Coughlin Campanile is a 165-foot tower that offers stunning views of the campus and the surrounding area.
Hidden Gems
If you are looking for something off the beaten path, check out some of the hidden gems on campus. The Oscar Larson Performing Arts Center has a beautiful theater that hosts concerts, plays, and other performances throughout the year. The South Dakota State University Dairy Bar is a student-run ice cream shop that serves delicious ice cream made from the milk produced by the university’s own dairy cows. The McCrory Gardens are a hidden oasis on campus and have over 25 acres of gardens, arboretum, and walking trails.
Food Scene
South Dakota State University has a diverse food scene that caters to all tastes and budgets. The Union Food Court has a variety of fast-food options, including Subway, Chick-fil-A, and Starbucks. The SDSU Farmers Market is a great place to try local produce and artisanal food products. The Pheasant Restaurant & Lounge is a popular spot for burgers, sandwiches, and drinks.
Budget-Friendly Tips
South Dakota State University is an affordable destination, and there are plenty of ways to save money while exploring the campus. Most of the museums and galleries on campus offer free admission. The McCrory Gardens and the South Dakota State University Dairy Bar are also free to visit. If you are a student, make sure to take advantage of student discounts and deals.
Outdoor Adventures
South Dakota State University is surrounded by natural beauty, and there are plenty of outdoor adventures to be had. The Brookings Bike Trail is a 6-mile trail that winds through the city and offers beautiful views of the surrounding area. The Oakwood Lakes State Park is a short drive from campus and has hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and picnic areas. The Frost Arena has an indoor rock climbing wall and is a great place to stay active indoors.
Historical Landmarks
South Dakota State University has a rich history, and there are several historical landmarks on campus that are worth exploring. The South Dakota State Agricultural Heritage Museum has exhibits that showcase the state’s agricultural past. The Campanile is a historic tower that was built in 1929 and is a symbol of the university. The South Dakota Art Museum is housed in a historic building that was once a dairy plant.
Family-Friendly Activities
South Dakota State University is a great destination for families, and there are plenty of activities that kids of all ages will enjoy. The Children’s Museum of South Dakota is a short drive from campus and has interactive exhibits that are fun and educational. The South Dakota State University Ice Arena offers public skating sessions, and the Frost Arena hosts basketball and volleyball games throughout the year.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences
If you are looking for something unique and off the beaten path, South Dakota State University has plenty to offer. The South Dakota State University Dairy Research and Training Facility offers tours that showcase the university’s research and training programs. The South Dakota State University Meat Lab offers meat products that are made on campus and are available for purchase. The Brookings Arts Council hosts art exhibits and events throughout the year.
Natural Wonders
South Dakota State University is surrounded by natural beauty, and there are several natural wonders that are worth exploring. The Oakwood Lakes State Park has hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and picnic areas. The McCrory Gardens have over 25 acres of gardens, arboretum, and walking trails. The Brookings Bike Trail offers beautiful views of the surrounding area.
Vibrant Nightlife
South Dakota State University has a vibrant nightlife scene, and there are plenty of bars and clubs to choose from. The Wooden Legs Brewing Company is a popular spot for craft beer and live music. The Cubby’s Sports Bar & Grill is a great place to catch a game and enjoy some drinks. The McCrory Gardens hosts outdoor concerts and events throughout the summer.
Local Markets
South Dakota State University is home to several local markets that offer fresh produce, artisanal food products, and handmade crafts. The SDSU Farmers Market is held every Saturday from May through October and features local vendors and live music. The Brookings Farmers Market is held every Tuesday and Saturday from May through October and offers a variety of fresh produce and handmade crafts.
Beaches and Mountains
South Dakota State University is not located near any beaches or mountains, but there are several nearby destinations that are worth exploring. The Black Hills are a short drive from campus and offer stunning views, hiking trails, and outdoor adventures. The Lake Thompson State Recreation Area is a popular destination for boating, fishing, and swimming.
Cultural Immersion
South Dakota State University is a melting pot of cultures, and there are several ways to immerse yourself in the local culture. The South Dakota Art Museum has a collection of over 7,000 works of art that showcase the state’s artistic heritage. The SDSU American Indian Student Center hosts cultural events and workshops throughout the year. The Brookings Multicultural Center hosts events and activities that celebrate diversity and inclusion.
Art and Music Scene
South Dakota State University has a vibrant art and music scene, and there are several venues that showcase local and national talent. The Performing Arts Center has a beautiful theater that hosts concerts, plays, and other performances throughout the year. The Brookings Arts Council hosts art exhibits and events throughout the year. The McCrory Gardens hosts outdoor concerts and events throughout the summer.
Walking Tours
South Dakota State University is a pedestrian-friendly campus, and there are several walking tours that are worth exploring. The Historic Campus Tour takes you through the university’s historic buildings and landmarks. The Public Art Tour showcases the university’s collection of public art and sculptures. The Oakwood Lakes State Park has hiking trails that offer beautiful views of the surrounding area.
Architectural Marvels
South Dakota State University has a unique blend of modern facilities and historic buildings, and there are several architectural marvels that are worth exploring. The Campanile is a historic tower that was built in 1929 and is a symbol of the university. The South Dakota State University Dairy Plant is a historic building that now houses the South Dakota Art Museum. The Stanley J. Marshall Center is a modern facility that houses the university’s athletic department.
Historical Sites
South Dakota State University has a rich history, and there are several historical sites on campus that are worth exploring. The South Dakota State Agricultural Heritage Museum has exhibits that showcase the state’s agricultural past. The Campanile is a historic tower that was built in 1929 and is a symbol of the university. The South Dakota State University Dairy Plant is a historic building that now houses the South Dakota Art Museum.
Biking Routes
South Dakota State University is a bike-friendly campus, and there are several biking routes that are worth exploring. The Brookings Bike Trail is a 6-mile trail that winds through the city and offers beautiful views of the surrounding area. The Oakwood Lakes State Park has biking trails that offer stunning views of the surrounding area. The Frost Arena has an indoor bike room that is open to students and the public.
Wellness Retreats
South Dakota State University is a great destination for wellness retreats, and there are several options to choose from. The Oakwood Lakes State Park has hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and picnic areas. The McCrory Gardens have over 25 acres of gardens, arboretum, and walking trails. The Wellness Center offers fitness classes, a climbing wall, and a pool.
Adventure Sports
South Dakota State University is a great destination for adventure sports, and there are several opportunities to get your adrenaline pumping. The Frost Arena has an indoor rock climbing wall that is open to students and the public. The Oakwood Lakes State Park offers hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and wildlife watching. The Lake Thompson State Recreation Area is a popular destination for boating, fishing, and swimming.
Conclusion
South Dakota State University is a unique destination that offers