Downtown Middlebury Historic District | Middlebury

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

Visual Characteristics

The facility is a single-story structure with a predominantly brick exterior. The roof is a low-pitched, metal-clad design. The main entrance features a prominent glass facade. The ice surface measures 200 feet by 85 feet. Spectator seating is integrated around the rink.

Location & Access Logistics

The Larson Ice Center is situated at 1111 1st Ave, Brookings, SD 57006. It is approximately 1.5 miles west of downtown Brookings. Access is via 1st Avenue, which connects to Main Avenue (US Highway 14). Ample paved parking is available on-site, including designated accessible spots. Brookings Municipal Airport (BKX) is located 3 miles to the southwest, with taxi services available.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Construction of the Larson Ice Center was completed in 1979. It was built to provide a dedicated facility for ice sports in Brookings. The structure is a standard pre-engineered building design common for municipal ice rinks.

Key Highlights & Activities

Public skating sessions are scheduled daily. Figure skating lessons are offered. Youth and adult ice hockey leagues utilize the facility. Broomball leagues also play at the center. Ice rentals are available for private events.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are located on the main concourse. Limited concessions are available during scheduled events. Bleacher seating provides capacity for approximately 500 spectators. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally reliable within the building.

Best Time to Visit

Public skating sessions are most frequent on weekend afternoons. For optimal viewing of organized sports, check the local league schedules. The facility operates year-round, with ice maintained during all seasons.

Facts & Legends

The Larson Ice Center is named in honor of the Larson family, who were significant contributors to the development of ice sports in Brookings. A unique aspect of the facility is its ability to host non-ice events during the summer months when the ice is removed.

Nearby Landmarks

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