Brookings County is located in the south-eastern region of South Dakota, bordered by Deuel County to the north, Moody County to the east, and Aurora and Lake counties to the south. The western border of Brookings County is shared with Kingsbury County. With a total area of 729 square miles, it is the fourth largest county in South Dakota.
The landscape of Brookings County is characterized by rolling hills, prairies, wetlands, and woodlands. The county has two major rivers running through it – Big Sioux and Split Rock – as well as numerous tributaries that contribute to its drainage system. The eastern portion of the county consists mostly of wooded areas while the western portion is largely prairie land. Much of Brookings County’s terrain consists of grassy plains with occasional patches of trees or brushy draws.
According to gradphysics, the county seat for Brookings County is located in the town of Brookings which serves as an administrative center for government services such as courts and taxation offices. As one of South Dakota’s fastest growing cities, Brookings has a population estimated at over 25,000 people. It has a variety of businesses ranging from manufacturing to retail establishments as well as an array of cultural attractions including museums, art galleries, performing arts centers and a vibrant downtown scene featuring unique restaurants and shops.
Aside from its bustling city life, other popular attractions in Brookings County include Lake Camping at Big Stone Lake State Park; hiking along trails like Prairie Creek Trail; bird watching at various wildlife reserves; fishing on Big Sioux River; golfing at courses like Hillcrest Golf Course; hunting in several designated hunting areas; canoeing down White Swan Lake; camping at Palisades State Park; skiing down trails like Silver Star Ski Trail; boating on Split Rock Reservoir; snowmobiling along many groomed trails throughout the county’s backcountry terrain; and much more.
Overall, Brookings County offers a plethora of activities for outdoor enthusiasts looking for adventure or those simply wanting to relax amidst breathtaking scenery. With its diverse landscape full of natural beauty combined with modern amenities offered by its cities and townships alike – it’s no wonder why so many people choose to call this part home.
School districts in Brookings County, South Dakota
The school system in Brookings County, South Dakota, is made up of 13 public school districts and numerous private schools. All of the public school districts are part of the South Dakota Department of Education and are accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
The largest district in the county is Brookings School District, which serves more than 4,000 students across seven elementary schools, one middle school, one high school, and two alternative schools. The district offers a range of educational programs including Advanced Placement (AP) courses; college dual-credit courses; special education services; career/technical education options; and a variety of extracurricular activities such as athletics, clubs, student government organizations, band programs, and fine arts offerings.
The second largest district is White Lake School District with just over 500 students enrolled across two elementary schools and one high school. This district also offers AP classes as well as college dual-credit opportunities. White Lake also provides an array of extracurricular activities including sports teams such as football, basketball, track & field, volleyball; clubs such as FFA & 4-H; student government organizations; band programs; fine arts offerings like choir & drama; and much more.
Other public school districts in Brookings County include Arlington School District (Arlington); Deuel School District (Clear Lake); Estelline School District (Estelline); Florence School District (Florence); Hamlin School District (Hayti); Henry School District (Henry); Iroquois School District (Iroquois); Oldham-Ramona-Rutland School District (Oldham); Valley Springs Public Schools (Valley Springs); Wilmot High School/Wilmot Elementary Schools (Wilmot). All these districts offer a variety of educational opportunities for their students.
In addition to these public school districts there are also several private schools located in Brookings County that provide K-12 educational services to families seeking an alternative to traditional public schooling or those who wish to pursue a religious or private education for their children. These private schools include Christian Heritage Academy in Clear Lake; Faith Christian Academy in Volga; St Mary’s Catholic Elementary/High Schools in Huron; Trinity Lutheran High/Elementary Schools in Brookings; United Lutheran Middle/Elementary Schools in Volga; Valley Christian Academy in Volga among others.
Overall, there is a wide variety of educational options available for those living within the boundaries of Brookings County whether they choose traditional public schooling or an alternative option like private schooling or home schooling. With its diverse landscape full of natural beauty combined with modern amenities offered by its cities and townships alike – it’s no wonder why so many people choose to call this part home.
Major schools in Brookings County, South Dakota
Brookings County, South Dakota is home to a variety of educational options for students of all ages. From public schools to private institutions, the county has something to offer everyone.
The White Lake School District is the largest public school district in the county and serves students from kindergarten through twelfth grade. The district consists of two elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school. White Lake offers a variety of educational opportunities including advanced placement courses as well as college dual-credit opportunities. In addition to its academic offerings, White Lake also provides an array of extracurricular activities including sports teams such as football, basketball, track & field, volleyball; clubs such as FFA & 4-H; student government organizations; band programs; fine arts offerings like choir & drama; and much more.
Other public school districts in Brookings County include Arlington School District (Arlington); Deuel School District (Clear Lake); Estelline School District (Estelline); Florence School District (Florence); Hamlin School District (Hayti); Henry School District (Henry); Iroquois School District (Iroquois); Oldham-Ramona-Rutland School District (Oldham); Valley Springs Public Schools (Valley Springs); Wilmot High School/Wilmot Elementary Schools (Wilmot). All these districts offer a variety of educational opportunities for their students.
In addition to these public school districts there are also several private schools located in Brookings County that provide K-12 educational services to families seeking an alternative to traditional public schooling or those who wish to pursue a religious or private education for their children. These private schools include Christian Heritage Academy in Clear Lake which offers a strong academic program focused on developing Christian values in its students. Faith Christian Academy in Volga is another option offering PreK through 12th grade instruction with a focus on biblical teachings and preparing students for college and life beyond graduation. St Mary’s Catholic Elementary/High Schools in Huron provides faith based education with an emphasis on integrating Catholic values into the curriculum while Trinity Lutheran High/Elementary Schools in Brookings promotes spiritual growth through Bible study and daily prayer times among other activities. United Lutheran Middle/Elementary Schools in Volga focuses on developing leadership skills among its student body while Valley Christian Academy in Volga provides an academically rigorous curriculum with an emphasis on character building and service learning experiences for its students.
Overall, there is a wide variety of educational options available for those living within the boundaries of Brookings County whether they choose traditional public schooling or an alternative option like private schooling or home schooling. With its diverse landscape full of natural beauty combined with modern amenities offered by its cities and townships alike – it’s no wonder why so many people choose to call this part home.
Notable people of Brookings County, South Dakota
According to cheeroutdoor, Brookings County, South Dakota is home to many notable people from a variety of backgrounds. From politicians to athletes to actors and more, the area has produced some of the most influential and successful individuals in the world.
One of the most famous people from Brookings County is professional basketball player Mike Miller. Born in Mitchell, Miller attended Mitchell High School and went on to play college basketball at Florida before being drafted by the Orlando Magic in 2000. During his NBA career, he won two NBA championships with the Miami Heat and was named NBA Sixth Man of the Year in 2006. He also played for several other teams including Memphis Grizzlies, Minnesota Timberwolves, Washington Wizards and Denver Nuggets before retiring in 2016.
Another noteworthy figure from Brookings County is United States Senator Mike Rounds who was born in Huron. He graduated from Huron High School before attending South Dakota State University where he earned a degree in political science and business administration. Rounds served as Governor of South Dakota from 2003-2011 before winning election to the U.S Senate where he currently serves as chairman of the Senate Committee on Environment & Public Works.
Actor Tom Bower is another native son of Brookings County who has made his mark on Hollywood over the years. Born in White Lake, Bower attended White Lake High School before moving to Los Angeles to pursue his acting career. He has appeared in numerous films including The Rocketeer (1991), Tombstone (1993) and The Magnificent Seven (2016). He also had a recurring role on TV show “The West Wing” as well as guest appearances on “NCIS”, “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” and “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” among others.
Other notable people from Brookings County include professional golfer Jeff Sluman who grew up in Volga; actor Eric Stoltz who was born in Huron; former NFL quarterback Mark Rypien who grew up near De Smet; longtime NFL offensive lineman Bob Kratch who attended White Lake High School; Olympic gold medalist Kayla Harrison who trained at SDSU; professional mixed martial artist Josh Neer who hails from Volga; actress Kelli Williams who was born near Bruce; author Jodi Picoult whose family lived near Estelline; musician Gary Hoey whose family resided near Bruce; singer/songwriter Dan Seals whose family lived near Estelline; Major League Baseball pitcher Pat Neshek whose family lived near Estelline; former US Secretary Of Agriculture Ann Veneman whose family resided near Bruce; former US Senator George McGovern whose parents lived near Bruce; and race car driver Brad Sweet whose family lives near De Smet just to name a few.
No matter what field they are involved in or where their careers have taken them – these individuals all have one thing that unites them – their roots are firmly planted within Brookings County.