When the tourists have had enough of South Dakota's popular sightseeing and want to witness something different and uniquely American, The Corn Palace makes the right place. Located at Mitchell, Corn Palace was built to pay tribute to the corn farmers and artists of the area.
Mitchell is situated in the southeast of the country and is popularly known as the 'Corn Capital of the World.' The fertile farmland and pretty prairies make Mitchell a town worth a visit when in South Dakota. Today, Mitchell boasts the only Corn Palace in the world, giving tourists all the reasons to explore it. Built in 1921, The Corn Palace proudly stood in the land of Mitchell for 101 years.
Although travelers can learn a lot about Mitchell by visiting the McGovern Legacy Museum, the Dakota Discovery Museum and the Prehistoric Indian Village, a castle cobbled together with corn cobs will take them to another exciting voyage.
What Makes Corn Palace Worth A Visit?
Vacationers exploring South Dakota often wonder whether spending time at Corn Palace will be worth it or not. But, once at the Palace, the charm and artistic magnificence let them spellbound. It reminds the efforts, hardships, and contributions of Dakota farmers and the ways it had raised the agricultural economy.
With multiple colors and quantities of corn, intricate designs, and elaborate themes, Corn Palace has become one of a kind of attraction. Another fascinating thing is the detailed facades that make the visitors go gaga about it.
Tourists must visit Corn Palace for the following reasons:
- Showcases the agricultural richness of the place
- Narrates the history of the Mitchell
- Provides information on how Mitchell becomes the corn capital of the world
- Displays beautiful murals depicting the artistic and creative work
- Different themes and entirely new murals are created every year
Since Corn Palace is located on the roadside, taking a quick visit will be worthwhile. It can make an excellent addition to the traveler's road trip, adding memories, fun, and learning through the voyage. Do not forget to admire The Corn Palace from different angles.
Is Corn Palace Made Of Corn?
The Corn Palace is popular with several others names like Corn Museum and Corn Castle. It often made travelers curious if it was made out of corn. The spectacular pictures and presence of corn everywhere in the images of the Palace baffles the viewers. Also, it ignites the urge to visit it once and see what it is really made of.
While the building of the Palace is an engineered structure, the exterior façade is made entirely out of corn- giving it a unique identity. Additionally, the façade is decorated with murals made with corn stalks and corn cobs of various colors and sizes. It is what makes the Palace mesmerizing.
All the stunning murals are made with 13 different shades of naturally colored corn cobs and stalks. Apart from corn, grains and grasses are also incorporated in creating murals to make them visually appealing. Since new themes and new displays are created every year to decorate the Palace, visitors always have something new to view.
Different local artists work on creating murals every year, which takes place throughout the summer season. Corn Palace is not just a work of art as it also serves as a popular venue for entertainment, sports, meetings, trade exhibitions, dance shows, concerts, and much more.
What, Exactly, Is Inside The Corn Palace?
Vacationers often stop by The Corn Palace; take some instagrammable photos outside, and leave. Don't be such a lazy one. Corn Palace has a lot more to offer than just a few pictures outside. Take some time and go inside and enter another world made of corn.
Visitors can explore the following inside The Corn Palace-
- Corn cob murals. Do not forget to see Mount Rushmore!
- Photos of previous themes of The Corn Palace (Every year has a different theme)
- Corn Palace Gift Shop - get some quirky souvenirs.
Visiting the inside of the Palace helps travelers learn the history of the prairies and the ways murals are created from the corn cobs and stalks. Watching the elaborate and exclusive corn cob designs from the past years adds to the knowledge.
How To Reach The Corn Palace?
The Corn Palace is just an hour west of Sioux Falls, along the I-90 W. If the traveler takes the Midwest route, stopping by the corn palace can make the road trip more exciting. There are multiple signboards advertising The Corn Palace.
If the traveler is heading from Sioux Falls, taking exit 332 from I-90 W will take to the amazing Palace on the way. It will not take more than two hours to visit the inside of the Palace and experience all that it serves to the visitors.
Some important things to remember while visiting The Corn Palace:
- Address: 604 N Main St, Mitchell, SD 57301
- Peak tourist season: May to September- At this time, vacationers can get free guided tours.
- Cost: Free to visit at any time of the year
- Visiting hours: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm every day
What Is The Theme Of 2022 At The Corn Palace?
Tourists planning to visit The Corn Palace in 2022 can enjoy the exciting Corn Mural theme- 'Under The Big Top' and Circus theme. From 24th August to 28th August, visitors can enjoy the much-awaited 2022 Corn Palace Festival.
However, visiting in the peak season will get them local guides that will narrate the historical aspects of the Palace and share some corns, stapes, and glues that are used to create the murals and beautiful designs inside the Palace.