For eight years, 605 has hit the highway (and interstate) to explore South Dakota in all its glory for the team’s annual road trip.
In July of 2025, the 605 Sprinter Van (Vincent Van-Go) pulled into Brookings—the state’s fourth largest city with a population of over 24,000. Known for its low crime rate, tree-lined streets, and blend of college-town energy with a small-town feel, we were eager to get out and explore during our three-day vacay.
14.97 million visitors traveled to and within South Dakota in 2025.
Source: Travel South Dakota
THURSDAY, JULY 10
11 a.m.
605 arrived and drove straight to the First Bank & Trust Arena to receive a private tour of the newer facility that hosts South Dakota State University’s men’s/women’s volleyball, basketball, and wrestling. The new and approved venue also kept Frost Arena nostalgia, with both visitors’, students’, and athletes’ experiences in mind during the renovation.
12 p.m.
Our private tours continued with an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium. The home of Jackrabbits Football has hosted everything from ESPN’s College GameDay to Jacks Bash with acts like Blake Shelton and Thomas Rhett.
1 p.m.
Needing a sugar fix after hearing about all of the arena and stadium concessions, 605 headed to the SDSU Dairy Bar located in the David Dairy Plant on campus. Along with getting a scoop of Mint Chocolate Chip and sampling other ice cream flavors made by students, we tried a Root Beer Float and Dragon Fruit Strawberry Bobachiller™.
2 p.m.
Though the sweet drinks and dessert were extremely satisfying, the 605 crew was ready for lunch. What better way to order a little bit of everything than going to Cubby’s Sports Bar & Grill downtown? We all ordered their famous Bloody Mary with our preferred sidecars, and started with some Chislic and Stadium Nachos. After ordering a bunch of other items to share, we ventured up to the rooftop patio to take in the views of Main Avenue.
3:30 p.m.
Hightailing it out of the restaurant with full bellies, we headed across the street to Kool Beans Coffee and Roasterie to meet local artist Chuck Bennis of Bennis Art Studios, where he was enjoying a beverage. After a brief chat, we ventured around downtown to see a few of his large-scale murals, including works of art in alleyways and inside of the Brookings Public Library.
4:30 p.m.
Wishing we had more time, our rooms were ready at the Garner Hotel Brookings by IHG. Formerly the Holiday Inn Express & Suites, the rebrand also came with upgraded accommodations, amenities, and décor.
6 p.m.
With just enough time to get settled in and unpack, 605 hopped back into Vincent Van-Go to The Oscar Larson Performing Arts Center to catch Prairie Repertory Theatre’s performance of Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. All of the actors were working the entire event in costume, from handing out programs to seating guests, ready to hit the stage.
Did You Know?
Brookings’ namesake is after Judge Wilmot Wood Brookings, an influential 19th-century pioneer, land developer, and politician who helped settle the Dakota Territory. The city and county honor his role as a promoter of the area, having founded the community in 1879.
While traveling in the winter of 1858 to establish a town site, Brookings fell into freezing water and suffered severe frostbite, requiring both his legs to be amputated. He was affectionately known as “ol’ wooden legs” and continued his pioneering work. Wooden Legs Brewing Co. is a nod to the historic figure.
8 p.m.
Jealous we didn’t get to relax on Cubby’s rooftop patio earlier, we stopped “for one” to recap our day and to gaze at the stars.
FRIDAY, JULY 11
8 a.m.
We quickly ate complimentary breakfast at the hotel (the snooze button was calling) and filled up much-needed coffees to-go to take to Sanderson Gardens nearby in Aurora. Jan Sanderson and his family greeted us, taking the team around the “U-pick” style operation. It was strawberry season, and people were coming out in droves to fill up their containers with fresh produce. Sanderson offered us a bite of fresh rhubarb straight from the garden, which was on brand since he’s dubbed the Rhubarb King.
11 a.m.
One bite of rhubarb wasn’t quite enough, so we were looking forward to lunch at Wooden Legs Brewing Company. The craft beer and pub food hit the spot, and we inhaled their Crab Rangoon pizza. Taking a few minutes to play some games, we realized it was time to head out.
1:30 p.m.
The team was back at Kool Beans, but this time we were there for the coffee and ambiance. After spending way too much on merch, co-owner Kurt Osborne took us back into the roasting room. There were new signs around stating the company was eliminating single-use cups for drinks in-house to cut down on waste. Guests can either use a house mug or bring in their own for $.50 off their purchase. Color us impressed!
2:30 p.m.
Our feet rejoiced as the next location was inside of the same space! Mosaic Wine Bar & Small Plates was steps away, with both Kool Beans and Mosaic customers hanging out at tables. Owners Katelyn and Nathaniel Condelli shared their story and poured us some wine to pair with an assortment of small plates (the Charcuterie was perfecto).
4 p.m.
After reminiscing about the trip thus far (and Jan Sanderson’s incredible overalls), we caught the time and drove close by to Eponymous Brewing Company. The nano-brewery also had some great merch, and we grabbed a sticker as we looked around. Finding a spot, we left one of our stickers on a pillar to trade and to show we were there.
6 p.m.
Dusk was getting close, so we made the trek over to McCrory Gardens, which is home to over 41,000 flowers, trees, and shrubs. Lisa Marotz walked us around a portion of the 25 acres, giving us insight on the horticultural education, events, and happenings that occur on site. Save the date for the Garden Discovery Festival on May 31, 2026 from 1-4 p.m. at the McCrory Gardens Education and Visitor Center. Admission is free, and guests can peruse educational booths, plant sales, hands-on experiences, presentations, and a garden tour.
McCrory Gardens Fun Facts
- McCrory Gardens has been awarded a Level 1 accreditation by the ArbNet Arboretum Accreditation Program and The Morton Arboretum for achieving particular standards of professional practices deemed important for arboreta and botanic gardens.
- There are 1.6 miles of trails that are open and accessible to the public from dawn until dusk.
- Stroll through the 25 acre garden and 45 acres of arboretum featuring hundreds of varieties of flowers, trees, shrubs and grasses in harmonious settings.
- The Great Hall is one of many event rental options, with 3,000 square feet and private access to the terrace gardens.
- Unique events take place year-round, like the Garden Glow every December. The staff puts up 350,000 lights throughout the gardens. They had around 11,000 visitors for the holiday experience last year.
SATURDAY, JULY 12
10 a.m.
Jazzed we were able to sleep in, 605 was even more excited to arrive at the Pheasant Restaurant & Lounge to gaze upon the eight-foot-tall pheasant statue sitting atop the building. The best part, though, was when assistant general manager Trevor Clements brought out their James Beard Foundation America’s Classics Award. As he told us stories about the prestigious experience, their talented team brought out a plethora of Norwegian waffles for us to sample, and we carbed up just enough before the trip finale.
11 a.m.
As we’re media, we were lucky board and committee member Shari Avery saved us a parking spot at the Brookings Summer Arts Festival. The event that draws nearly 75,000 people over the weekend was packed with attendees purchasing local art, jamming out to music, and snarfing their favorite summer nosh (we had to get mini donuts). Taking photos, we stopped in artist Eileen Binkley’s tent, who just so happened to win the BSAF Media Award Winner later that afternoon. Shopping for some goodies ourselves, we packed up the van and headed back home after another successful road trip.
“There are activities and interests for all ages—from meeting Mama and Max at the Children’s Museum of South Dakota to examining the intricacies of the Marghab Linens collection at the South Dakota Art Museum, there’s no shortage of things to explore.”
Laura Schoen Carbonneau, BROOKINGS REGIONAL GROWTH ALLIANCE
PLAN YOUR (605) ROAD TRIP
In order of 605’s experience.
First Bank & Trust Arena
sdstate.edu/buildings/first-bank-trust-arena
(605) 688-5422
Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium
sdstate.edu/buildings/dana-j-dykhouse-stadium
(605) 688-5422
SDSU Dairy Bar
sdstate.edu/dairy-food-science/sdsu-dairy-bar
(605) 688-5555
Cubby’s Sports Bar & Grill
cubbyssportsbarandgrill.com
(605) 696-7978
Bennis Art Studios
facebook.com/bennisARTstudios
(605) 222-0444
Garner Hotel Brookings by IHG
ihg.com/garner-hotels
(605) 692-9060
Prairie Repertory Theatre
prairierep.org
(605) 688-5188
Sanderson Gardens
sandersongardens.com
(605) 693-4871
Wooden Legs Brewing Co.
woodenlegsbrewing.com
(605) 692-2337
Kool Beans Coffee and Roasterie
koolbeanscoffee.net
(605) 620-1728
Mosaic Wine Bar & Small Plates
mosaicwinebar.net
(605) 697-2675
Eponymous Brewing Company
eponymousbrewing.com
(605) 692-2739
McCrory Gardens
sdstate.edu/mccrory-gardens
(605) 688-6707
Pheasant Restaurant & Lounge
pheasantrestaurant.com
(844) 432-2473
Brookings Summer Arts Festival
bsaf.com
(605) 692-2787
FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT GROWTHALLIANCE.ORG OR VISITBROOKINGSSD.COM+
