Corn Palace
Mitchell, SD
An arena covered in murals made of thousands of ears of colored corn. The design changes every year.
Mitchell built its first Corn Palace in 1892 to show off South Dakota's agricultural bounty; a second followed in 1905, and the current building dates from 1921. It is considered the last surviving example of the crop palaces once common across the Midwest. Every year the exterior gets new murals made of naturally colored corn, grains and native grasses, using twelve different shades of corn. The designs are created by students at Dakota Wesleyan University.
Redecorating usually runs from late May to early October. Inside, the building serves as an arena for basketball tournaments, concerts and festivals. Admission and tours are free, and around 500,000 people visit each year. The palace sits near Interstate 90 between Sioux Falls and Rapid City, making it an easy road-trip stop.
- Nearest town
- Mitchell, SD
- Category
- Roadside oddities
- GPS
- 43.7141, -98.0265
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in August and October. Cold, short days in December–March. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Lake Mitchell CampgroundCampsite1 mi from Corn Palace
- Rondees CampgroundCampsite1 mi from Corn Palace · 50 pitches
- R&R RV Park CampgroundMotorhome stopover2 mi from Corn PalaceMotorhomes
- Dakota CampgroundsCampsite2 mi from Corn Palace
- Hill's RV Park & CampgroundMotorhome stopover23 mi from Corn PalaceMotorhomes
- Chuck's Trailer ParkMotorhome stopover23 mi from Corn PalaceMotorhomes
All campsites in South Dakota · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Corn Palace?
Corn Palace is in Mitchell, SD, at GPS 43.7141, -98.0265. It is about 65 mi from Chamberlain.
Can you camp near Corn Palace?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Lake Mitchell Campground, about 1 mi away; within 25 mi there are 6 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Corn Palace?
Corn Palace is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Badlands and the Black Hills with kids and Up the Missouri River through South Dakota.
What is there to see near Corn Palace?
Places worth a stop nearby: Dignity (66 mi), Falls Park (66 mi), Niobrara State Park (67 mi) and Pipestone National Monument (87 mi).
When is the best time to visit Corn Palace?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in August and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)