Dakota Nature Park

05/20/2026

05/02/2026

We have babies! Please remember to give parents a wide berth as they are protective! Do not feed or harass the wildlife.
Dogs need to be on leash throughout our parks as we have ground nesting sites and dens. We know dogs love to use their noses and often find a ground nest.
A reminder of a 15 mph bike speed limit through our DNP trails and bike courtesy for walkers. Bikes need to stay on paved trails unless on the bike jump course.
Thank you.
We love and respect Mother Nature. Do what you can to help keep our park clean and pack out your litter.

04/28/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DAqW4CGBy/

Don't miss out on the exciting new program offered at the Larson Nature Center this summer! Register now! https://brookingsrec.activityreg.com/

04/22/2026

Ornithology lab Day 2 is on the grounds. Hoping for another 35 species and catching a glimpse of our great horned owlets branching. Owlets jump from branch to branch strengthening their wings...hence branching. True youngsters that often are clumsy in their antics.

04/21/2026

Prairie pasque flowers are in bloom on south side of Larson Nature Center and in various locations throughout the park. This is our state flower and thrives as one of our early blooming flowers offering nectar and pollen for various animals.

04/21/2026

We welcome SDSU Ornithology Labs this week. After the wonderful fallout of warblers yesterday, the students were able to identify over 35 species of birds in the western side of the park. Tomorrow a second lab will embark on their discoveries and field notes.

04/14/2026

This didn't make the book, but it's going to be a great program! Open to register on Wednesday, April 15, at 7am!

04/13/2026

Sharing an update on Sunday's fire near the Dakota Nature Park: The Brookings Fire Department responded to a grass fire on the south side of Dakota Nature Park along 32nd Street South at approximately 12:53 p.m. Sunday, April 12.

The fire burned an estimated 6.6 acres and caused damage to a portion of the fence running along 32nd Street South. Fire personnel worked quickly to contain the blaze, which spread rapidly due to strong winds and dry grass conditions.

Crews were able to bring the fire under control and prevent further spread into surrounding areas. No injuries have been reported.

The cause of the fire remains undetermined, and damage estimates are not available at this time.

As a precaution, the Dakota Nature Park was evacuated during the incident, and 32nd Street South was temporarily closed to allow emergency responders to safely manage the situation. The fire also extended to the west ditch of 22nd Avenue South, resulting in a brief closure of that roadway.

The Brookings Fire Department was assisted by the Brookings Police Department, the Brookings County Sheriff’s Office, and the Brookings Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department.

Read full news release at https://www.cityofbrookings-sd.gov/m/newsflash/home/detail/5535

10/17/2025

In an effort to minimize bird window collisions, we have applied clings to the windows, but collisions still occur. This morning, a white-throated sparrow was involved in a collision. We provided assistance, relocating the bird to a nearby Douglas fir, distant from the windows. Later, it flew away successfully!
He looks slightly upset in the fir!
Photo credits:
Dan Kemp
Terry Spitzenberger