Brandon has a population of 8,000 and is located just minutes east of Sioux Falls, the state’s largest city. The Brandon Valley School District is proud of its 800 seat Performing Arts Center. With its’ grand opening in 1999, this state-of-the-art facility has played host to school concerts, theatrical productions and performances at every grade level. Area professional and amateur companies from the South Dakota Symphony to the Guthrie Theatre have also appeared on stage.
History
Inside the sturdy walls of the 1916 Brandon school building are tidbits and trinkets documenting the history of Brandon, Corson and the surrounding area. The brick-structure is home to the Brandon Historical Society Museum. The Brandon Historical Society is a relatively new organization. Formed in the summer of 1999, Brandon’s postmaster Betsey Heckerman was concerned that Brandon was losing its history as the elders of the community passed on. Yet Brandon’s own history is relatively new since it was incorporated in 1973 with a population of 1,900.
Recreation / Community Events
Aspen Park has 55.5 acres with a sports-complex feel. Located in the south central part of town, it contains eight softball fields, one baseball field and a concession area. It also sports two tennis courts, a sand volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, and a large array of playground equipment. A bike path wanders thru the area and connects to Big Sioux Recreation Area. The city swimming pool with diving boards, slides, and wading area is also located in Aspen Park along with picnicking areas.
McHardy Park is a 74 acre park that lies on the Southern boundary of the City. With large picnic area with shelters built along the beautiful banks of the Splitrock Creek, it’s also the home on the annual Arts & Crafts Festival–one of the largest in the State. The Park is equipped with playground equipment, a volleyball court, softball diamond, horseshoe pit, and a sledding hill for winter entertainment. A foot bridge crosses the Creek, a 50-foot Observation Tower overlooks the park, and a Handicapped Fishing Pier hosts a nice area for fishing. Several picnic shelters can be reserved at no cost by contacting Brandon City Hall.
Pioneer Park is a neighborhood park located in the northeast section of town. This Park also borders the scenic Splitrock Creek, and on the upper level playground equipment can be found, as well as a basketball court, walking path and a sledding hill. Its’ four soccer fields with a parking area are level to the River. Pioneer Park has a new Disc Golf Course. A nine hole course takes you up and down south levels of the Park.
Huset’s Speedway, located in Brandon on Highway 11 (Splitrock Blvd.), is the area’s fastest 3/8 mile high-banked dirt oval. “The fastest thing on dirt” offers everything that car racing fans may want “ from Street Stocks to Winged Sprints. Huset’s racing action is every Sunday and holiday from Mothers’ Day through Labor Day, and countless special events throughout the season.
Brandon Golf Course, 2100 East Aspen Blvd, is a beautiful, 18-hole, Par 71 course that offers challenges and enjoyment for beginners and amateurs alike. This municipal course if open to the public from April 1st to October 31st. Hidden Valley Golf Course, located on Redwood Blvd., offers 9-holes of bluegrass fairways and bentgrass green. It’s open to the public during the spring, summer and fall (weather permitting).
Valley Lanes & Rec Center, located on North Splitrock, offers bowling as well as an arcade. Brandon Tennis Court Complex, is located west of Brandon Valley Middle School, 700 Holly Blvd, Brandon. In 1994, original construction involved 4 lighted courts. 2007 brought the addition of 4 more unlighted courts which are open to the public.
Contact Information
- Brandon City Hall, 304 N Main Ave, PO Box 95, Brandon, SD 57005
- Phone: 605-582-6515
- Web site: brandon.govoffice.com
Source: City of Brandon
