Things to See and Do in Mitchell, South Dakota

Mitchell, South Dakota is best known for being the home of the World's Only Corn Palace, but it is also a great place for travelers to stop, even if southeast South Dakota is not your final destination. Whichever way you are traveling on I-90, Mitchell is a great place to take a break from the long drive across South Dakota and has all of the amenities travelers need, with some fun ways to spend a bit of time before getting back on the road.

Of course, Mitchell is also a travel destination in and of itself, with many attractions for the whole family. There are plenty of options for staying overnight or for the weekend, including hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts and campgrounds. Dining options abound and range form fine dining - like Chef Louie's and the Dakota Roadhouse Restaurant - to fast food, cafeteria and family dining. If you are passing through during the hot summer months, be sure to check out some of the locally owned shops that offer homemade goodies or hand-dipped ice cream like Jitters on Main Street, The Olde Ice Cream Shoppe in the Palace Park Mall (across from the Corn Palace), The Twist on Burr, and the Sweet Shoppe & Deli on Main Street.

Parking is abundant near the Corn Palace and there are many attractions and shopping opportunities within walking distance. Directly across the street, there is the Palace Park Mall, which has mostly typical, touristy shops; the Enchanted World Doll Museum, with over 4,800 dolls on display; Prairie Breeze, an art gallery dedicated to regional artists; Little Red, a country gift shop; the Midtown Crafters Mall, showcasing handcrafted items in the Midtown Plaza Mall; Jackpot Gamblin', which has a free Western Museum; and Harry's Antique Safe Museum (Midtown Mall) featuring safes, farm toys and toy race cars in the only museum of its kind.

There are several other attractions in the area as well, like the Dakota Discovery Museum at 1300 McGovern Avenue, which offers interactive family activities and includes a 1908 country church, 1886 Victorian Beckwith House, 1914 Milwaukee Railroad Depot and the Oscar Howe Art Gallery. Oscar Howe (1915-1983) was a local Yanktonai Souix artist and the mural designer for the Corn Palace between 1948 and 1971. His art can be found in several locations around Mitchell. For more information on the Dakota Discovery Museum, visit dakotadiscovery.com.

Another local attraction is the Prehistoric Indian Village. Around the 10^th century C.E., up to 80 earth lodges covered the area where native farmers grew crops and hunted the local wildlife. There is a working archeology site, as well as a museum, a gift shop and plenty of educational opportunities for the whole family. The Prehistoric Indian Village is located at 3200 Indian Village Road and more information is available at mitchellindianvillage.com.

So, whether you are just passing through or are in Mitchell for one of their annual events, like the Corn Palace Festival, be sure to check out all that Mitchell, South Dakota has to offer. With the variety of activities and shopping available, there is something for every member of the family to enjoy. No matter what time of year you visit Mitchell, there is always something going on!