The World's Only Corn Palace
This folk art wonder is a multi-purpose arena decorated annually in intricate murals made from thousands of bushels of South Dakota corn and grains. Established in 1892 to showcase agricultural wealth, it attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors. Remarkably, the giant exterior murals are completely redesigned and replaced every single year.
- Admission
- Free
- Hours
- Memorial Day to Labor Day: 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM daily; Off-season hours vary by month, typically 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM daily or Monday-Friday
- Duration
- 45-60 minutes
- Parking
- Free street parking and free public parking lots are located adjacent to the building
- Access
- Fully wheelchair accessible with street-level entry and elevators to the second-floor exhibits
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Established in 1892, the World's Only Corn Palace in Mitchell, South Dakota, stands as a whimsical tribute to the region's agricultural roots. This folk-art icon is entirely redecorated every year with thousands of bushels of native corn, grains, and grasses.
Visitors can marvel at the massive, themed murals lining the exterior and interior walls, all meticulously crafted using different naturally colored corn ears. Inside, the multi-purpose arena hosts community events, exhibits detailing the palace's history, and a large souvenir shop.
Beyond its quirky aesthetic, the Corn Palace serves as a testament to local community pride and ingenuity. It attracts hundreds of thousands of travelers annually, making it one of the most celebrated roadside attractions in the American Midwest.
Ratings
attractionVisitor Tips
- ◆ Visit during late summer or early fall to see the artists actively constructing the new year's murals.
- ◆ Admission is completely free, making it an excellent, budget-friendly stop along Interstate 90.
- ◆ Don't forget to try the local corn-themed treats, such as flavored popcorn and corn-on-the-cob, available at nearby gift shops.
- ◆ Check the local events calendar, as the building still functions as an active venue for concerts, sports, and community gatherings.
Heads Up
- ◆ The exterior murals can look sparse or unfinished during the transition period in mid-to-late summer when the old corn is stripped away before the new harvest.
- ◆ Parking can be limited directly around the palace during peak summer tourist hours, requiring a short walk from nearby streets.
Common questions
When are the corn murals changed?
The murals are redesigned and replaced annually, with the decorating process typically starting in late August and finishing by October. Visitors in the late summer and early fall can often watch the artists at work.
What is inside the Corn Palace?
The interior houses a large gymnasium and auditorium used for local basketball games, concerts, and community events, alongside historical exhibits and a souvenir gift shop.
Do birds and squirrels eat the corn on the murals?
Yes, birds and squirrels frequently eat the corn and grains off the exterior walls, requiring periodic maintenance and patching. This natural wear is one of the reasons the murals are completely stripped and rebuilt each year.