Dakota Nature Park

WHERE NATURE PREVAILS. And humans are guests.

As good guests, humans should tread lightly on the land. Activities at Dakota Nature Park have minimal impact on the land, waters and wildlife. Guests will experience serenity and solitude while exploring nature in the great outdoors.

Dakota Nature Park is primarily focused for programming affiliated with the Parks, Recreation & Forestry Department of the City of Brookings. Located in the southwest corner of the park, the Larson Nature Center is a focal point for education, programming, and socializing.

The 135 acre park is open year round for activities such as fishing, canoeing, paddle boarding, kayaking, bird-watching, hiking, biking, and picnics as well as snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Explore the winding trails equipped with plenty of benches, providing a perfect place to rest and enjoy the tranquil beauty of nature.

HOURS OF OPERATION

DAKOTA NATURE PARK
22nd Avenue S & 32nd Street S
Open Year Round
6:00AM-11:00PM daily

LARSON NATURE CENTER
1705 32nd Street S
605-693-2233

June - Mid-August
WEDNESDAY-FRIDAY: 12:00PM-8:00PM
SATURDAY: 9:00AM-8:00PM
SUNDAY: 12:00PM-8:00PM

Mid-August - May
SATURDAY: 9:00AM-5:00PM
SUNDAY: 12:00PM-5:00PM

Closed for all holidays including Memorial Day, Labor Day, and Hobo Day.

FACILITY RENTAL

Building and ground rentals are available for business meetings and social gatherings such as birthdays, weddings, family reunions, graduations, bridal showers, and other celebrations. Each space requires a minimum of two hours per rental.

  • $50/hr CLASSROOM (max. 35 people)
  • $50/hr ATRIUM (max. 60 people)
  • $100/hr FULL BUILDING (max. 100 people)
  • $50/hr SUNROOM (max. 15 people)
  • $200/day NATURE PARK GROUNDS (max. 100 people)

EQUIPMENT RENTAL

Equipment for enjoying the outdoors at Dakota Nature Park is available for rent by the hour. To rent, individuals must be 18 years or older, have a valid photo ID, and present a credit card. Equipment must be returned in the same condition.

  • $7/hr
    • MOUNTAIN BIKE
    • CANOE / KAYAK
    • PADDLE BOARD
    • FISHING POLE
    • SNOWSHOES
  • $7/2hrs
    • BINOCULARS
    • GPS UNIT
  • $30 PUNCH CARD (five 1hr punches)

PARK POLICIES

  • Harassment of wildlife is prohibited.
  • Dogs must be leashed at all times.
  • Clean up after pets.
  • No fires or fireworks.
  • No large animals, including horses.
  • All SDGFP fishing regulations are in effect. 
  • Practice catch and release fishing.
  • No transplanting fish into the ponds.
  • No motorized vehicles beyond parking lots or on the ponds without BPRD authorization.
  • Swimming is discouraged, due to varying water depths and clarity.
  • Pack it in, pack it out. (FYI: there are no garbage cans inside the park.)


Be a good guest.