BROOKINGS, SD – Back by popular demand, the Brookings Historic Preservation Commission (BHPC) will host the Central Residential Historic District Trolley Rides on Thursday, Aug. 27, from 5 to 7 p.m. in conjunction with Downtown at Sundown that evening.
The free trolley rides will start at the southwest corner of Fifth Street and Fifth Avenue (northwest corner of the Children’s Museum of South Dakota) and proceed clockwise through the Central Residential Historic District.
Participants will be led by horse and trolley provided by the South Dakota State University Equine Club with Mike Olson. BHPC members will narrate and share commentary.
The purpose of the event is to provide a fun, educational experience for all ages and to inspire appreciation for Brookings’ historic structures and rich history.
Trolley rides will run continuous with departures every 20 to 30 minutes. All members of the public are welcome to attend. There are no age restrictions. Roughly 10 people can ride safely at a time.
A designated departure area will be blocked off with cones before and during the event. People are encouraged to wait at the southeast corner of Fifth Street and Fifth Avenue between departures.
There is no designated parking for the event, but on-street parking is available in the area.
The Central Residential Historic District consists of 127 primary and 93 secondary structures built between 1891 and 1941. They are characterized as eclectic, modest and well-maintained homes.
The Historic District was established in 1994 with the National Register of Historic Places. It spans generally from Sixth Street to Fourth Street north-south, and Fifth Avenue to Medary Avenue. Specific structures include the 1921 Building (former high school/middle school), Brookings Community Cultural Center (Carnegie Library), First United Methodist Church, First Presbyterian Church, and many houses.
Questions about the event can be directed to BHPC Chair Matthew Weiss at (605) 691-1611 or matthew@designarcgroup.com
— From the City of Brookings
