Points of Interest between Brookings, South Dakota to Medford, Minnesota

picture of Brookings, South Dakota

Road Trip from Brookings, South Dakota to Medford, Minnesota

Are you traveling cross country and looking for some unique stops to make along the way? Look no further than a road trip from Brookings, South Dakota to Medford, Minnesota. This route offers beautiful scenery, interesting landmarks, and plenty of opportunities for some great photo ops.

Did you know that the distance between Brookings, South Dakota and Medford, Minnesota is approximately 270 miles? The route takes approximately 4.5 hours, and makes for a perfect day trip or weekend getaway.

About halfway through the trip lies the town of Mountain Lake, MN. This small town boasts the unique claim of being the birthplace of the Mennonite religion in the United States. The town is also home to a beautiful lake and many scenic outdoor recreational areas.

The length of this trip is perfect for those looking for a short excursion. Starting in Brookings, South Dakota, it's just a little over two hours to the first stop on our list.

Top 5 Places to Visit

  1. Pipestone National Monument - Located near the South Dakota and Minnesota border, this national monument is a must-visit for those interested in Native American history. It's home to a quarry where Native Americans have been sourcing pipestone – a soft, reddish rock – for centuries. Visitors can walk along trails, view the quarries, and learn about the traditions of the Native American tribes that still work the quarries.

Point of Interest Recommendation: Be sure to purchase a handmade pipestone item from the gift shop on the premises. You may even get to meet some of the Native American artists who crafted them.

  1. Flandrau State Park - Located in New Ulm, Minnesota, this state park offers visitors the opportunity to get in touch with nature. The park features hiking trails, fishing opportunities, as well as campgrounds. It's the perfect stop for families looking to stretch their legs and enjoy the great outdoors.

Point of Interest Recommendation: Be sure to visit the park's observatory for a unique view of the night sky.

  1. Minneopa State Park - This state park is located near Mankato, Minnesota, and is home to a beautiful waterfall – the park's main attraction. Visitors can walk along a trail that takes them to the base of the waterfall, as well as hike around the park's trails to take in the beautiful scenery.

Point of Interest Recommendation: Be sure to visit the park's bison herd – a unique attraction that many visitors love.

  1. Schell's Brewery - This family-owned brewery in New Ulm, Minnesota offers visitors a unique taste of German-style beers. The brewery offers tours where visitors can learn about the brewing process and see the historic brewery buildings. The brewery also has a taproom where visitors can taste the beers.

Point of Interest Recommendation: On Thursdays during the summer months, the brewery hosts live music.

  1. Mall of America - This massive shopping center in Bloomington, Minnesota offers something for everyone. With over 500 stores, a theme park, and an aquarium, visitors can easily spend an entire day exploring the mall.

Point of Interest Recommendation: Be sure to ride the roller coasters at the Nickelodeon Universe theme park, located in the mall.

Conclusion

The road trip from Brookings, South Dakota to Medford, Minnesota offers a diverse collection of attractions, from outdoor recreation to cultural landmarks. With a total length of just over 270 miles, visitors can embark on the trip and return home the same day, or make an overnight stay in the area. Regardless of how one chooses to tackle this route, they're sure to discover unique and exciting attractions along the way.