Pumpkin Patch

Sanderson Gardens has over 23,450 pumpkins that are waiting to be enjoyed, Jan Sanderson, Sanderson Gardens owner, said. Students can easily explore the patches via the driveways. Last Tuesday, all proceeds went to United Way. The garden is open everyday 8 a.m. through 8 p.m. and is located off of Highway 14. You can call them at (605) 693-4871. 

“That bright orange color isn’t a natural color in nature, so they really stand out. It’s pretty spectacular,” Sanderson said.

McCrory Gardens Festival 

McCrory Gardens is hosting its annual Fall Festival on Oct. 13 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The festival will host a variety of food trucks, a scarecrow scavenger hunt, horse-drawn hayrides and a pumpkin maze. Students and employees receive free admission all day. The garden is located on 22nd Ave. and is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Their phone number is (605) 688-6707. 

“The gardens really take on their fall look,” Lisa Martoz, the McCrory Gardens director, said. “It’s meant to be a day to enjoy what fall looks like in South Dakota.” 

Haunted House

Rated the No. 1 haunted house in South Dakota for 11 years, the Fear Asylum Haunted House has been an ongoing attraction. The experience offers escape rooms, a burial simulator and numerous photo opportunities. SDSU students can get $10 off a general admission ticket any night after 9:30 p.m.  

The haunted house will be open from September through October. It is located on Sixth St. by Brookings Auto Body and their phone number is (605) 691-2526. They are open Thursdays 7 p.m. through 10 p.m., Fridays 7 p.m. through 11:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 7 p.m. through 10:30 p.m.

“It’s not all about scaring people… at the end of the day it’s really about entertainment,” Buck Burdick, CEO of the Fear Asylum, said.

 Kool Beans Coffee Shop

Kool Beans is a hot spot this time of year. Students can be found studying or just catching up with a friend. Customers can try the three featured fall drinks, all offering apple, maple, cinnamon and pumpkin flavors. It is open Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. The coffee shop is located downtown on Main Avenue. You can call them at (605) 692-2326. 

Dakota Nature Park 

Dakota Nature Park is beautiful in the fall according to Recreation Manager Stacy Claussen. People can enjoy fishing, kayaking and walks on the trails. With free Wi-Fi available, students are able to study or lounge on the picnic tables or benches. Peak fall foliage is expected in mid-October, Claussen said. The park offers free admission and is open every day from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. It is located off of 32nd St. and their phone number is (605) 693-2233.