If you are planning a road trip in South Dakota, then the famous Mitchell Corn Palace is definitely a must see attraction!
Also known as the World’s Only Corn Palace, this roadside attraction is visited by almost half a million of visitors every year.
Located along the I-90 W just an hour west of Sioux Falls, the Corn Palace at Mitchell makes a great pitstop on this epic Midwest route.
You can easily spot the many billboards for several miles along the freeway advertising this famous Mitchell tourist attraction even before you reach it!
Stop and take a look – after all – you are knee-deep in the corn belt!
Then exactly where is the World’s Only Corn Palace located and how to visit it?
Find this and more information including hours and fees in this detailed guide to the Corn Palace in Mitchell, South Dakota.
Also Read: South Dakota 7 Day road trip itinerary
Where is the Mitchell Corn Palace located?
The World’s Only Corn Palace is an iconic roadside attraction located in Mitchell, South Dakota.
It is in the south eastern part of the state and about 75 miles / 1 hr 10 mins drive away from Sioux Falls.
The South Dakota Corn Palace makes a great quick stop on any Midwest / South Dakota road trip and is a great photo opportunity.
How to reach Corn Palace, Mitchell, SD?
The Corn Palace, SD is located just 2 miles off I-90 and takes about an hour to visit.
If coming from Sioux Falls, take exit332fromI-90 W to visit this unique roadside attraction.
If traveling from western South Dakota, take exit330fromI-90 E to Mitchell.
The exact address is 604 N Main St, Mitchell, SD 57301.
Is the Corn Palace worth visiting?
Visitors often wonder whether the Corn Palace is worth visiting.
The Corn Palace pays a tribute to the agricultural economy of the prairies and to the Dakota Farmer for his hardship and efforts.
It boasts of several different colors and quantities of corn, elaborate themes, and intricate designs.
It is truly a one of a kind attraction and leaves most visitors impressed with the detailed facades.
The Corn Palace is definitely worth a quick visit and makes an excellent addition to any road trip!
While you are there, be sure to walk around the Corn Palace and admire it from various angles.
During the peak tourist season from May to September, you can even get free guided tours from locals.
They narrate history of the attraction, share the quantities of corns, glue, and staples used to create the design, and point out details hidden in the corn murals.
How much does it cost to go in the Corn Palace?
Not only is the Corn Palace beautiful inside out, but it is also completely free to visit.
The Corn Palace, South Dakota is open year-round; Corn Palace hours are from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm daily.
The Corn Palace at Mitchell even has a basketball court located inside it. Corn murals on the wall decorate the inside as well as outside of the building.
What Is The Corn Palace? Is the Corn Palace made out of corn?
The Corn Palace is known by several names: the World’s Only Corn Palace, Corn Castle, and the Corn Museum!
The Corn Palace photos look amazing but they leave visitors baffled: Is the Corn Palace made out of corn?
While the building itself is an engineered structure, the facade of the Corn Palace which gives its unique identity is made entirely out of corn.
The exterior facade of the Corn Palace is decorated with murals made from corn cobs and corn stalks of different sizes and colors.
About 13 different shades of naturally colored corn cobs are used to create the stunning murals.
Other grains and grasses are also used as needed to enhance the visual appeal.
A different theme and entirely new displays are created every year to decorate the Corn Palace.
The process of redesigning and updating the facade takes place throughout the summer season.
Popular local artists have worked on the murals throughout the years including Cal Schultz and Oscar Howe.
But the Corn Palace is more than a work of art – it is a popular entertainment and sports venue in Mitchell.
The Corn Palace is home to a basketball court and many regional, district, as well as state level high school basketball tournaments take place in the building.
The Corn Palace also serves as a meeting venue and an auditorium.
Special events including trade exhibitions, dance shows, graduation ceremonies, and concerts take place throughout the year.
Many top entertainers including Johnny Cash have performed at the venue.
History Of The Corn Palace
The Corn Palace has its beginnings in the 19th century, when buildings in the American heartland came to be decorated with produce to display a prolific harvest season.
The first Mitchell Corn Palace was created in 1892 by the locals to enjoy the corn harvest.
It was replaced in 1905 with a different design.
In 1921, the current building was built in a new, more prominent location on Main Street.
Since then the Corn Palace has stood there and is reimagined completely every year.
It celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2021 and is a landmark attraction.
Corn Palace 2022
Visiting Corn Palace in 2022? Here’s important information.
Corn Mural theme 2022: ‘Under The Big Top’, Circus theme
The 2022 Corn Palace Festival will be held from 24th August to 28th August.
See Live Corn Cam here
How are the Mitchell Corn Palace murals planned and created?
The unique concept of the Corn Palace makes one wonder – how do you even begin to create such a big endeavor!
The entire theme redesign process takes several months and begins far in advance of the harvest season.
Each year’s new theme is decided by a committee and the specific mural designs are carefully planned and created by Dakota Wesleyan University students together with local artists.
The final design is then projected on the Corn Palace: the art students draw and transfer it to the black roofing paper that is the base for the murals.
Different colored corn cobs areas are marked to differentiate them and then finally the process of decorating the murals begins!
Visitors can see the completed murals by early October.
Displays inside the Corn Palace. The Corn Palace is a tribute to American farmers.
Inside the Corn Palace
What is inside the Corn Palace? What do you do at the Corn Palace?
Several visitors often stop at the Corn Palace for a quick photo op then head back to I-90! Don’t be them!
Take the time to go inside the Corn Palace, SD.
There you will find a small corn museum just waiting to be explored.
You can see a variety of corn cob murals including Mount Rushmore depicted in produce, admire Corn Palace photos of previous themes, learn about the history of the corn belt, and understand the process of creating the corn murals.
It is amazing to see the elaborate corn cobs designs from years past!
The Corn Palace gift shop, located opposite the Corn Palace, has quirky souvenirs including t-shirts, coffee mugs, magnets, etc. while the snack shop has corn dogs, buttered corn on the cob, and of course fresh popcorn!
Photographs of previous Corn Palaces adorn the walls. The display changes every year and is updated during summer.
Annual Corn Festival
The Corn Palace has remained true to its agricultural roots.
It hosts the annual Corn Palace Harvest Festival at the end of August to celebrate the generous produce.
The festival is one of the best times to visit the Corn Palace in Mitchell.
Visitors can enjoy a variety of events including local bands performances, other live music events, food vendors, carnivals rides for kids, produce competitions, etc.
Other things to do in Mitchell
Fun fact: Did you know that Mitchell tried to replace Pierre as the state capital in 1905?!
While it was unsuccessful, Mitchell grew on to become one of the popular destinations in the state due to the Corn Palace.
Besides the Corn Palace, Mitchell has many other attractions including the Mitchell Prehistoric Indian Village, Dakota Discovery Museum, and Lake Mitchell.
To know about the other great things to do in Mitchell, read our post now.
Mitchell also has plenty of lodging options including hotels, motels, and AirBnBs as well as great restaurants.
The charming town is a great place to spend the night on your road trip to Mt. Rushmore.
Be sure to stop by the Mitchell Chamber of Commerce to get a map of the area and inquire about the attractions.
Also See Mitchell Corn Palace Roadside Attraction
Best Places to Visit in South Dakota
South Dakota is full of amazing attractions and is one of our favorite states to visit in America.
Here are some of the popular attractions located near Mitchell which you can add to your itinerary.
Sioux Falls
The city of Sioux Falls is named after the waterfalls created by the Big Sioux River.
Visitors can see these cascading beauties at the Falls Park.
The park has historic structures, sculptures, picnic tables, hiking and biking trails, and platforms to view the waterfalls.
Sioux Falls is also home to many other attractions including museums, outdoor areas, artwork, restaurants, and shopping.
Also Read: Best Things to do in Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Mount Rushmore National Memorial
South Dakota is popularly known as the Mount Rushmore State and naturally, the sculpture carved in the Black Hills are a premier tourist attraction.
Popular things to do near Mount Rushmore include hiking the Presidential Trail, visiting the Sculptor’s Studio, as well as attending the evening sculpture lighting ceremony.
Also Read: Ultimate Guide to Visiting Mount Rushmore National Memorial, South Dakota
Badlands National Park
Badlands National Park is one of South Dakota’s top tourist attraction and visited by over a million people every year.
The dramatic eroded landscape of the Badlands is a visual treat.
Besides the views, Badlands National Park is also popular for its scenic drives, hiking trails, and wildlife.
The nearby Wall Drug store in Wall, SD is also worth a visit for its quirky attractions and activities.
Also Read: Best hiking trails in Badlands National Park
Badlands National Park is a geological wonder perfect for exploration
Looking for more? Read our post South Dakota’s 16 Most Underrated Tourist Attractions to know about hidden gems such as Needles Highway, Mammoth Site of Hot Springs, Historic Deadwood, and also Spearfish Canyon.
FAQs
How much does it cost to enter the Corn Palace? ›
The Corn Palace is open year-round and is free to visit.
How long does it take to see the Corn Palace? ›We recommend approximately 45 minutes to an hour to visit the area. Glad to hear you'll be stopping in! over a year ago.
Do you go inside Corn Palace? ›Interesting little stop at the world's ONLY Corn Palace. You can tour the inside and see more corn murals and history for free, so why not?
How far is Wall drug from the Corn Palace? ›How far is it from Wall Drug to Corn Palace? The distance between Wall Drug and Corn Palace is 212 miles. The road distance is 223.7 miles.
Is the Corn Palace lit up at night? ›At night, three color-changing domes and a variety of lights shine in the evening sky, often over the lively sounds of a basketball game or concert erupting from the interior. It all makes up a one-of-a-kind attraction that brings more than 500,000 visitors to Mitchell a year—the World's Only Corn Palace.
What is inside the Corn Palace? ›The Corn Palace is not only artistic, it is also very useful to the community. It contains a 3,200 seat arena, where everything from basketball games to dinner theater can be held. “Graduations, wrestling, bull riding, proms, national pedal pull (competitions)… opening ceremonies for the Special Olympics…
How long does it take to go through Wall Drug? ›If you want to do some shopping or get some food, plan on about 2 hours. The donuts are delicious, by the way - good for the car. over a year ago. We spent 2 hours there and took in most of the sights.
What is Mitchell SD known for? ›Mitchell is best known as the home of the World's Only Corn Palace, yet many don't realize the Palace truly stands for innovation, enterprise, pride, and community.
What is Mitchell Palace in South Dakota famous for? ›The World's Only Corn Palace is Mitchell's premier tourist attraction. Some 500,000 tourists come from around the nation each year to see the uniquely designed corn murals. The city's first Corn Palace was built as a way to prove to the world that South Dakota had a healthy agricultural climate.
Is the Corn Palace worth stopping at? ›If you are planning a road trip in South Dakota, then the famous Mitchell Corn Palace is definitely a must see attraction! Also known as the World's Only Corn Palace, this roadside attraction is visited by almost half a million of visitors every year.
What town is the Corn Palace in? ›
The Corn Palace is a popular tourist destination, visited by up to 500,000 people each year. 604 North Main Street, Mitchell, South Dakota, U.S. The Corn Palace serves the community as a venue for concerts, sports events, exhibits and other community events.
Is Wall Drug on the way to the Badlands? ›Badlands National Park – Only 8 miles to Wall Drug!
Right down the street from the Badlands, Wall Drug Store is the perfect stop to cool off with a nice cold glass of ice water—it's free!
Free Parking (including ample space for RVs) – Wall Drug is located just off the highway and offers ample free parking, including spaces for RVs. There are also gas stations for easy refueling before you hit the road again.
Is the Corn Palace made of corn? ›The murals are made from thousands of bushels of corn and other grains and grasses such as wild oats, rye, straw, and wheat. Each year these corn decorations are completely stripped down and entirely new murals are created. The Corn Palace is a great tourist attraction and a meeting place for the community.
Where is the corn kid from? ›Nicknamed the "Corn Kid," Tariq, who lives in New York, has been declared South Dakota's Official Corn-bassador after his passion for the vegetable went viral on TikTok and YouTube.
Does Iowa Have a Corn Palace? ›The Corn Palace, Sioux City, Iowa, 1887. Designed by Edward W. Loft, the structure was made of corn stalks, husks, and silks.
Do birds eat the corn on the Corn Palace? ›Not surprisingly, the Corn Palace can also be known as the “World's Largest Bird Feeder”, as birds do eat the corn that is on the building.
What is the theme for the Corn Palace this year? ›Venue has hosted Shrine Circus since 1959
The Corn Palace has revealed the mural theme "Under The Big Top" for 2022, with the upcoming corn art on the building to be built around a circus theme.
If you like to visit unique places, then yes, it is worth the visit. But only if you are in the area and it is a secondary or tertiary (or even denary) stop. A common nearby attraction is the Badlands National Park, which is 100% worth a visit even if you need to travel long-distance.
How far are the badlands from Wall Drug? ›
How Far is Wall Drug from Badlands National Park? Wall Drug is only 8 miles away from Wall Drug! That means Wall Drug is the perfect spot to grab breakfast or lunch before entering the park.
What is so special about Wall Drug? ›Today, Wall Drug is still famous for its free ice water, but is also a favorite stop for millions of tourists each year because it is a cultural and historical site while remaining a fun, relaxing break for the entire family.
What is Deadwood SD known for? ›Deadwood became known for its lawlessness; murders were common, and justice for murders not always fair and impartial. The town attained further notoriety when gunman Wild Bill Hickok was killed on August 2, 1876.
How big is Lake Mitchell in Mitchell South Dakota? ›These areas consist of 577 acres of parks and 693 acres of surface water in Lake Mitchell.
How big is Mitchell South Dakota? › How much corn is in the Corn Palace? ›5. How much corn is used? Over 275,000 ears of corn are used in redecorating the Corn Palace. 6.
Is Mitchell SD a good place to live? ›Living in Mitchell offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Mitchell there are a lot of bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and parks. Many families and young professionals live in Mitchell and residents tend to be conservative. The public schools in Mitchell are above average.
Is the Corn Palace dog friendly? ›Animals. Visitors are welcome to bring their pets through the Corn Palace if they are on leashes, or carried and don't pose a threat to others in the building.
What is Aberdeen SD known for? ›Aberdeen, South Dakota, is known for its beautiful scenery along its rivers and among rolling hills. This city is home to Northern State University, Aberdeen Ironbirds (Minor League Baseball Team), and beautiful parks.
What is Yankton SD known for? ›Yankton, in fact, is a thriving music, art and theatre town. Besides performances at the college and at Yankton High School, the Lewis and Clark Theater Company performs in Dakota Theatre downtown, and on summer evenings at Lakeside Theater by Lewis and Clark Lake.
What is Watertown SD known for? ›
A progressive South Dakota city of over 21,000 residents, Watertown is the home of the Redlin Art Center which houses over 150 of world famous wildlife artist Terry Redlin's original paintings.
Which Badlands entrance is best? ›The most popular route in the park is the Badlands Loop Road. Starting in the town of Wall {be sure to stop in at Wall Drug!}, drive south on Highway 240 and stay on this road to pass numerous viewpoints, trailheads, and the Ben Reifel Visitor Center. Consult the park map to plan your route.
How far apart are Crazy Horse and Mount Rushmore? ›Crazy Horse Memorial® is 17 miles southwest of Mount Rushmore National Memorial.
How much time do you need to see Badlands National Park? ›Start to Finish: Park rangers suggest spending two full days to truly experience the park, but you can certainly visit in less time. If you have one full day to spend, plan on being at the park for both sunrise and sunset - the light cast over the Badlands is incredible.
Is Wall Drug a tourist trap? ›While the designation of “tourist trap” is certainly pejorative, the 80+-year-old Wall Drug wears the title proudly. Wall Drug started simply enough when Ted Hustead purchased the South Dakota town of Wall's drugstore in 1931.
Is Deadwood South Dakota worth visiting? ›You'll Always Find Something to Do in Deadwood
The fun you'll have here is truly historic. Seriously, the entire town is a National Historic Landmark. Our roots go back to 1876 when outlaws, gamblers and gunslingers like Wild Bill Hickok, Calamity Jane and Poker Alice came to town looking for gold and a good time.
That's ok, jackalopes aren't real outside the world of taxidermy and the famous 10-foot statue on the Wall Drug patio. The mythical creature comes complete with a staircase to climb so you can sit in the saddle for your iconic Wall Drug photo op.
How often do they change the corn on the Corn Palace? ›The Corn Palace is typically redecorated each year with up to 13 different colors of corn. The corn gets nailed to the exterior of the building to create a scene that fits the yearly theme.
How much corn is used for the Corn Palace? ›How much corn is used? Over 275,000 ears of corn are used in redecorating the Corn Palace.
Is the Corn Palace made of corn? ›The murals are made from thousands of bushels of corn and other grains and grasses such as wild oats, rye, straw, and wheat. Each year these corn decorations are completely stripped down and entirely new murals are created. The Corn Palace is a great tourist attraction and a meeting place for the community.
Does Iowa Have a Corn Palace? ›
The Corn Palace, Sioux City, Iowa, 1887. Designed by Edward W. Loft, the structure was made of corn stalks, husks, and silks.
Do birds eat the corn on the Corn Palace? ›Not surprisingly, the Corn Palace can also be known as the “World's Largest Bird Feeder”, as birds do eat the corn that is on the building.
Who owns the Corn Palace? ›Iowa is the largest producer of corn in the United States. While officially nicknamed "The Hawkeye State," Iowa is also known as "The Corn State" due to 90% of its land devoted to agriculture.
Where is the corn kid from? ›Nicknamed the "Corn Kid," Tariq, who lives in New York, has been declared South Dakota's Official Corn-bassador after his passion for the vegetable went viral on TikTok and YouTube.