The World’s Only Corn Palace
- Date Visited: October 1, 2020
- Address: 604 N Main St, Mitchell, SD 57301
- Phone: 605-995-8430
- Website
- Hours: Varies Seasonally
- Price: Free
While heading to the Badlands National Park we passed The World’s Only Corn Palace but didn’t have time to stop. When we left South Dakota I made sure I added this tourist trap to our route so I could check it out and I wasn’t disappointed.
The Corn Palace is visited by up to 500,000 people each year and also serves as a venue for concerts, sports events, and other community activities.
The original Mitchell Corn Palace was built in 1892. The one that stands today is the third palace built and was finished in 1921.
It was designed by the architectural firm Rapp and Rapp.
Each year the exterior murals of the Corn Palace our redesigned with new themes created by local artists. The theme for 2020 was: South Dakota Home Grown. Head on over to the website for a list of every year’s theme.
Local farmers grow 12 different shades of corn that are used to decorate the palace. Corn cobs are split in two lengthwise and nailed one by one to the exterior of the building to create the scenes.
After admiring the outside of the palace you can head inside and browse informational displays and exhibits about the palace and the local area. Check out the arena and head upstairs to access the balcony of the corn palace.
A very nice gift shop is located across the street from The World’s Only Corn Palace and don’t forget your photo op with the giant ear of corn.
This place is a tourist trap and I just love a fun tourist trap.
This one is pretty interesting in my opinion. It really does amaze me what they are able to accomplish and create with just some corn. If you’re in the area swing by and check it out.
It won’t take long to visit and it’s free.
Some statistics for you:
1. Approximately 1.5 million nails are used each year.
2. Approximately 325,000 ears of corn are used each year.
3. It costs an estimated $175,000 to redecorate the palace each year.