Wall Drug Store
What started as a small-town pharmacy in 1931 offering free ice water has grown into a massive 76,000-square-foot roadside wonderland. Visitors can still get free ice water and five-cent coffee, pose with a giant jackalope, and explore quirky shops. It is the ultimate American road trip stop.
- Admission
- Free
- Hours
- Daily, 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM (hours vary seasonally)
- Duration
- 1-2 hours
- Parking
- Free street parking and dedicated parking lots surrounding the complex
- Access
- Wheelchair accessible throughout the single-level complex, accessible restrooms available
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Established in 1931 by Ted and Dorothy Hustead, Wall Drug began as a struggling small-town drugstore during the Great Depression. Its fortunes turned when the Husteads offered free ice water to thirsty travelers, sparking a legendary marketing campaign using roadside billboards.
Today, this sprawling 76,000-square-foot complex features an eclectic mix of souvenir shops, a Western art museum, and an animatronic dinosaur. The backyard area offers playful photo opportunities, including a giant jackalope that visitors can climb.
Despite its massive growth, Wall Drug still honors its roots by serving free ice water to all visitors. It remains a quintessential American road trip stop that perfectly blends commerce, kitsch, and hospitality.
Ratings
attractionVisitor Tips
- ◆ Be sure to grab a cup of the famous five-cent coffee and a freshly made cake donut from the bakery.
- ◆ Look out for the giant 80-foot concrete Apatosaurus sculpture located in the backyard area, which makes for a classic photo op.
- ◆ Allow at least one to two hours to fully wander through the maze of shops, art galleries, and dining areas.
- ◆ Check out the extensive collection of original Western oil paintings displayed in the dining room, which rivals many art museums.
Heads Up
- ◆ The attraction can become incredibly crowded during the peak summer tourist season, making parking and navigation difficult.
- ◆ Some sections can feel like a sensory overload with flashing lights, animatronics, and constant commercial displays.
Common questions
Do they still give out free ice water at Wall Drug?
Yes, Wall Drug still provides free cups of ice water to all visitors, continuing the tradition that first made the store famous in 1931.
Is the five-cent coffee at Wall Drug real?
Yes, Wall Drug still offers hot coffee for five cents a cup, which visitors can pay for using an honor-system coin drop.
Are dogs allowed inside Wall Drug?
Only trained service animals are allowed inside the indoor retail and dining areas of Wall Drug. Pets are permitted in the outdoor backyard area if they are kept on a leash.
More in Wall
- Wall Drug Store · Wall, South Dakota