The Brookings Historic Preservation Commission (BHPC) will host free trolley rides through the Central Residential Historic District on Friday, Dec. 2, in conjunction with the 27^th annual Festival of Lights Parade in downtown Brookings. 

The trolley rides will take place from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., followed by the parade. The horse-drawn trolley will be provided by the McCrossan Boys Ranch of Sioux Falls. BHPC commissioners will provide narration and commentary.

The trolley rides will start in front of the Children’s Museum of South Dakota at 521 Fourth St. The trolley will proceed clockwise through the Central Residential Historic District. Rides will run continuous with departures every 20 to 30 minutes. People are encouraged to wait outside the Children’s Museum between departures. A designated departure area will be blocked off with cones before and during the event. There is no designated parking for the event, but on-street parking is available in the area. 

All members of the public are welcome to attend; there are no age restrictions. Approximately 10 people can ride safely at one time. People are encouraged to dress warmly.

The BHPC is hosting the event to provide a fun, educational experience for all ages and to inspire appreciation for Brookings’ historic structures and rich history. 

The Central Residential Historic District consists of 127 primary and 93 secondary structures built between 1891-1941 and characterized as eclectic, modest and well-maintained. 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 from Fifth Avenue to Medary Avenue. Specific structures include the 1921 Building (former high school/middle school), Brookings Community Cultural Center (former Carnegie Library), First United Methodist Church, First Presbyterian Church, and many historic houses. 

About the Brookings Historic Preservation Commission

The Brookings Historic Preservation Commission is a Commission of City government whose purpose is to promote the inspiration, pleasure and enrichment of the citizens of Brookings and to identify, document, preserve, promote, and develop the historical resources of the City. The powers and responsibilities of the Commission are set forth in SDCL 1-19B and City of Brookings Ordinance Section 46. The members of the Commission are volunteers who are appointed by the mayor with consent of the City Council. Biographies of Commission members are on file with the City Clerk for public viewing.