Wall Drug Store

What started as a tiny 1930s pharmacy offering free ice water is now a sprawling, 76,000-square-foot cowboy-themed shopping emporium. Visitors can grab five-cent coffee, snap a photo on a giant jackalope, and explore a backyard animated T-Rex. It remains the ultimate American road trip pit 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 with flat entryways and wide paved indoor pathways

What began in 1931 as a tiny, struggling pharmacy in the remote town of Wall became a legendary American road trip destination. To attract travelers during the Great Depression, the owners famously offered free ice water, a marketing gimmick that blossomed into a massive, multi-acre roadside emporium.

Today, Wall Drug is a sprawling complex featuring Western-themed shops, a historic art gallery, a giant animated T-Rex, and a bustling restaurant. Visitors can wander through the rustic mall to find everything from handmade cowboy boots and gold jewelry to classic kitschy souvenirs.

Despite its massive expansion, the store retains its quirky mid-century charm and still proudly serves its famous five-cent coffee. It remains an essential rite of passage for anyone traveling along Interstate 90 toward the Badlands or Mount Rushmore.

Ratings

roadside attraction

Historical Significance

4/5

Cultural Relevance

5/5

Fun Factor

4/5

Accessibility

4/5

Photo Worthiness

5/5

Interactivity

3/5

Kid Friendliness

5/5

Popularity

5/5

Free Admission ✓On-Site Food & Dining ✓Good for Groups ✓

Visitor Tips

◆ Grab a cup of the famous five-cent coffee and pair it with a freshly made cake donut from the bakery.
◆ Head to the Backyard area to snap a classic souvenir photo riding the giant wooden jackalope.
◆ Take time to appreciate the dining room walls, which host one of the country's finest private collections of original Western oil paintings.
◆ Keep an eye out for the iconic billboards along Interstate 90, which start hundreds of miles away and are part of the historical experience.

Heads Up

◆ The store can become incredibly crowded and chaotic during the peak summer tourist season, making navigation difficult.
◆ The sprawling, maze-like layout of connected shops makes it easy to lose track of companions, so establish a meeting spot beforehand.

Common questions

Is the coffee at Wall Drug still 5 cents?

Yes, Wall Drug still serves hot coffee for five cents a cup on the honor system.

Do they actually give out free ice water at Wall Drug?

Yes, Wall Drug still offers free ice water to all visitors, continuing the tradition that originally made the shop famous in 1931.

Can you ride the giant jackalope at Wall Drug?

Yes, visitors are allowed to climb onto the giant jackalope statue located in the outdoor backyard area for photos.

How far is Wall Drug from the Badlands National Park entrance?

Wall Drug is located about 8 miles north of the Pinnacles Entrance to Badlands National Park, which is approximately a 10-minute drive.