Larson Ice Center | Brookings

The Larson Ice Center is an indoor ice arena located in Brookings, South Dakota, USA.

It serves as a primary venue for ice sports and public skating within the city.

Visual Characteristics

The Larson Ice Center is a single-story structure with a predominantly brick facade. The main color of the brickwork is a muted red, with lighter tan accents around window frames and doorways. The roofline is a simple gable design, typical of many municipal sports facilities. The building's dimensions are approximately 200 feet in length and 150 feet in width, housing a standard NHL-sized ice rink.

Location & Access Logistics

The Larson Ice Center is situated at 1111 1st Ave, Brookings, SD 57006. It is located approximately 1.5 miles (2.4 km) west of the Brookings city center. Access is via 1st Avenue, which connects directly to Main Avenue (US Highway 14). A dedicated parking lot with approximately 100 spaces is available on the north side of the building. Public transport options are limited; however, Brookings Area Transit System (BATS) Route 2 serves the area, with a stop approximately 0.3 miles (0.5 km) east of the facility on 8th Street.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Construction of the Larson Ice Center was completed in 1977. The facility was built as a municipal project to provide a dedicated indoor ice surface for the Brookings community, supporting hockey leagues and figure skating. The land it occupies was formerly agricultural property before urban development in the area.

Key Highlights & Activities

Public skating sessions are offered on a scheduled basis. The facility hosts organized ice hockey games for youth and adult leagues. Figure skating lessons and practice times are available. Ice rentals for private groups are also an option.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available on-site. Limited seating is provided in the spectator area. There are no on-site food vendors, but vending machines offering snacks and beverages are present. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally reliable within the building.

Best Time to Visit

Public skating sessions are most frequent on weekend afternoons and some weekday evenings. For optimal viewing of organized sports, check the local league schedules. The facility is operational year-round, with no specific seasonal advantages for visiting.

Facts & Legends

The facility is named in honor of the Larson family, who were early settlers and significant contributors to the Brookings community. A local anecdote suggests that the ice surface temperature is maintained at precisely 22 degrees Fahrenheit (-5.5 degrees Celsius) to ensure optimal ice conditions for both hockey and figure skating.

Nearby Landmarks

• South Dakota State University (0.8km East)
• Dacotah Bank Stadium (1.1km East)
• Children's Museum of South Dakota (1.3km East)
• Pioneer Park (1.8km Southeast)