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Mitchell, South Dakota, known as the “Corn Palace City,” is a charming Midwestern destination most famous for the extraordinary Corn Palace — a venue whose exterior murals are recreated every year using thousands of bushels of locally grown corn. Located in Davison County, Mitchell serves as a regional center for education, agriculture, and tourism in southeastern South Dakota, drawing visitors from across the country who come to see the world’s only corn palace.
The city was founded in 1879 and grew rapidly as an agricultural hub, with the arrival of the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad accelerating its development. Today, Mitchell retains its small-town warmth while offering distinctive attractions that make it a memorable stop on any South Dakota road trip.
Mitchell’s story begins in 1879 when it was established as the county seat of Davison County, named after the Dakota Territory’s first governor. The city’s early growth was driven by the railroad and the surrounding fertile farmland, which made it a natural center for grain trading and agricultural commerce. As the region developed, Mitchell became known for its educational institutions, including Dakota Wesleyan University, founded in 1885, which remains a defining part of the city’s character.
The Corn Palace concept was born in the early 20th century as a way to showcase the region’s agricultural abundance. The original structure was built in 1892, with larger and more elaborate versions following in 1905 and 1921. Each year, local artists redesign the Corn Palace murals using different varieties of corn — including red, blue, yellow, white, and orange — creating vibrant geometric patterns and scenes that celebrate the harvest and regional culture.
The Corn Palace is the undeniable highlight of any visit to Mitchell. Officially known as the Mitchell Corn Palace, this unique building features three levels of murals made entirely from corn and grains, with designs that are stripped down and reapplied each summer for the Corn Palace Festival. Visitors can explore the grounds, climb to the upper level for a closer view of the murals, and learn about the building’s history through exhibits and displays.
Adjacent to the Corn Palace is the Corn Palace Stampede Park, which hosts rodeos, concerts, and community events throughout the year. The facility reflects Mitchell’s deep roots in both agriculture and western heritage.
The Dakota Wesleyan University campus is worth exploring, with its historic brick buildings set against tree-lined streets. The university also contributes to the city’s cultural life, hosting theatrical performances, art exhibits, and athletic events that are open to the public.
Lake Mitchell provides a refreshing natural escape just minutes from downtown. The 400-acre reservoir is popular for boating and fishing for walleye and bass, with a scenic 17-mile paved trail circling the water for cyclists and walkers.
The best time to visit Mitchell is during the late summer and early fall (August-October), when the Corn Palace murals are at their freshest and the Corn Palace Festival brings the city to life with live music, food vendors, and carnival rides. The festival, typically held in late August or early September, is the city’s signature event and draws thousands of visitors to celebrate the harvest.
Spring and early summer offer milder temperatures ideal for outdoor activities like hiking and biking around Lake Mitchell, while fishing improves as water temperatures warm in late May and June.
Winter in Mitchell is quiet and peaceful, offering a different pace for travelers passing through on their way to or from the Black Hills. The Corn Palace, blanketed in snow, takes on a unique beauty that few visitors get to experience.
Here are some of our recommended things to do near Mitchell. Choose your favorite!
The Mitchell Corn Palace stands as one of the most distinctive and beloved roadside attractions in the United States, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors each year to its vibrant, corn-adorned exterior on North Main Street in Mitchell, South D…