Dog-Friendly Brookings, South Dakota
From off-leash play and prairie trails to pet-friendly stays and patios, Brookings makes an easy Midwest getaway with your dog.
Brookings, SD
Best for Off-Leash Time
Brookings' dedicated off-leash dog park has separate fenced areas for small dogs, large dogs, and agility play.
Best Scenic Walks
A 135-acre nature park with paved and primitive trails, ponds, and on-leash dog access.
The arboretum portion welcomes pets, while the formal gardens do not.
Easy Dog-Friendly Dining
Patio welcomes dogs and even offers a dedicated dog menu.
Leashed dogs are welcome on the fenced patio.
Dog-Friendly Hotels in Brookings
My Place Hotel-Brookings, SD
A practical extended-stay option near I-29 with in-room kitchenettes and one of the clearest published pet fee structures in town.
711 32nd Avenue, Brookings, SD 57006
Visit WebsiteGarner by IHG
Formerly Holiday Inn Express & Suites, this Brookings stay adds a waterslide and easy highway access for road-tripping dog owners.
3020 LeFevre Drive, Brookings, SD 57006
Visit WebsiteSuper 8 by Wyndham Brookings
A budget-friendly overnight stop with pet-friendly rooms, outdoor patio space, and a convenient location near I-29.
3034 LeFevre Drive, Brookings, SD 57006
Visit WebsiteHampton Inn & Suites Brookings
A reliable chain stay close to SDSU with larger rooms, free breakfast, and confirmed pet-friendly availability through Hilton's Brookings listings.
3017 LeFevre Drive, Brookings, SD 57006
Visit WebsiteEcono Lodge Inn & Suites
A simple value-oriented option on East 6th Street that is listed locally as pet friendly and works well for short stays.
2515 East 6th Street, Brookings, SD 57006
Visit WebsiteQuality Inn Brookings-University
A convenient stay near the interstate and campus area, suitable for travelers who want a straightforward overnight with pet-friendly room options.
514 Sunrise Ridge Road, Brookings, SD 57006
Visit WebsiteDog-Friendly Restaurants in Brookings
15th Street Pizza & Pub
One of the best dog-friendly dining picks in Brookings thanks to a patio-specific dog policy and a dedicated dog menu with items like a pub patty and pup cup.
1628 15th Street South, Brookings, SD 57006
Visit WebsiteLa Cantina Mexican Restaurant
A casual Mexican spot where well-behaved, leashed dogs can join you on the small fenced patio.
2500 6th Street, #557, Brookings, SD 57006
Visit WebsiteBrookings Zesto
A classic fast-casual stop for burgers, fries, and ice cream with a dog-friendly front patio.
1010 22nd Avenue South, Brookings, SD 57006
Visit WebsiteCraft Chophouse & Lounge
An upscale Italian-American option with a seasonal patio that works well for a nicer meal after a long walk.
610 Medary Avenue, Brookings, SD 57006
Visit WebsiteCubby's Sports Bar & Grill
A lively downtown sports bar with Brookings' only rooftop patio, making it a good warm-weather stop with your pup.
307 Main Avenue, Brookings, SD 57006
Visit WebsitePheasant Restaurant & Lounge
A Brookings classic and James Beard America's Classic winner known for South Dakota staples and a strong local following.
726 Main Avenue South, Brookings, SD 57006
Visit WebsiteWooden Legs Brewing Company
A downtown brewery serving pizza, sandwiches, and local beer; Visit Brookings specifically notes the taproom is welcoming to well-behaved dogs on leash.
309 5th Street, Suite 100, Brookings, SD 57006
Visit WebsiteDog-Friendly Parks & Activities in Brookings
Bark Park
Brookings' main off-leash dog park with separate fenced spaces for small dogs, large dogs, and an agility area.
520 3rd Street, Suite 230, Brookings, SD 57006
Visit WebsiteDakota Nature Park
A 135-acre park with ponds, birdwatching, paved and primitive trails, and plenty of room for an on-leash walk.
22nd Avenue South and 32nd Street, Brookings, SD 57006
Visit WebsiteMcCrory Gardens Education & Visitor Center
A beautiful Brookings stop for a stroll; pets are allowed in the arboretum, though not in the formal gardens.
631 22nd Avenue, Brookings, SD 57007
Visit WebsitePioneer Park
A central green space with open lawn, playgrounds, and a bandshell; dogs are welcome on leash like other Brookings city parks.
6th Street and First Avenue, Brookings, SD 57006
Visit WebsiteBrookings Farmers Market
A fun Saturday-morning outing from May through October where Visit Brookings notes the market is dog-friendly.
300 6th Avenue, Brookings, SD 57006
Visit WebsiteOakwood Lakes State Park
A worthwhile side trip in Brookings County for hiking, camping, and lakeside scenery; dogs are welcome in the park but not in designated swimming areas.
A Dog-Friendly Weekend in Brookings
This two-day plan mixes easy walks, patio meals, and local favorites without requiring long drives across town.
Day 1: Arrival and Downtown Brookings
Check into a pet-friendly hotel like My Place, Garner, or Hampton Inn & Suites. If you arrive early, let your dog stretch at Bark Park.
Head to Dakota Nature Park for an on-leash walk around the ponds and trails. Stop by Brookings Zesto afterward for a casual patio treat.
Spend the evening downtown at Wooden Legs Brewing Company or Cubby's Sports Bar & Grill, then take a relaxed neighborhood walk before bed.
Day 2: Gardens, Market, and Patio Dining
If you're visiting on a Saturday in season, browse the dog-friendly Brookings Farmers Market. Otherwise, start with coffee and a walk through the McCrory Gardens arboretum.
Enjoy lunch on a dog-friendly patio at La Cantina or 15th Street Pizza & Pub, where pups can join you outside.
Wrap up with dinner at Pheasant Restaurant & Lounge or Craft Chophouse & Lounge, then head to Pioneer Park for one last leashed stroll.
Nearby Dog-Friendly Destinations
Sioux Falls
About 1 hour southA larger city with more pet-friendly hotels, breweries, and urban parks.
Watertown
About 1 hour northA practical lakes-area stop with parks and road-trip-friendly lodging.
Madison
About 45 minutes southwestA smaller college town near Lake Madison that works well for a quiet overnight with your dog.
Yankton
About 2.5 hours southA longer but worthwhile drive for riverfront recreation and state park access.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Brookings, South Dakota good for traveling with dogs?
Yes. Brookings is especially convenient for dog owners because it has a dedicated off-leash dog park, a large on-leash nature park, several pet-friendly hotels, and a handful of patios that welcome dogs.
Are dogs allowed in Brookings parks?
Yes, but city rules require dogs to be leashed in Brookings parks unless you are in the designated off-leash Bark Park. Owners are also expected to clean up after pets.
What is the best dog park in Brookings?
Bark Park is the main off-leash option in Brookings. It includes separate fenced areas for small dogs, large dogs, and an agility section.
Can dogs go to Dakota Nature Park?
Yes. Dogs are welcome at Dakota Nature Park as long as they stay leashed and owners clean up after them.
Are there dog-friendly restaurants in Brookings?
Yes. Good options include 15th Street Pizza & Pub, La Cantina Mexican Restaurant, Brookings Zesto, and seasonal patio seating at several downtown spots.
Do Brookings hotels usually charge pet fees?
Usually, yes. In Brookings, published pet fees commonly start around $25 per night, though some hotels use different weekly or monthly pricing or ask guests to call for current policy details.
Planning more dog-friendly Midwest trips?
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