Fun and unique tourist spot to stop while traveling across South Dakota. They have a huge reasonably priced gift shop and yes they sell popcorn. Definitely try the buttered popcorn salt water taffy it's good quality taffy with a fun flavor. Friendly staff. read more

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I think the reviews have pretty much said it all. My take is, much of the year it is really an elaborate gift shop with an ever changing facade and mural art. Some of the stuff in the gift shop is related to corn. The rest is a wide range of "tourism junk". I've been here a few times and each time the art is different, so it's worth coming back to see the murals and displays. It's creative and worth a stop, but don't expect a museum. read more

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Yes, it is a little corny, but, driving across the country we see so many fields of corn. We enjoyed the stop & had enough time in our schedule to go in & look around. I found the whole place interesting & appreciate the artistry in the murals; they are expensive to create & labor intensive. I've never seen anything like it. The gift shop had interesting items & a great way to find a small gift for corn loving friends! It was only about 10 minutes off I-90, even a drive by provides a peak at the murals. There's more inside if time permits. Best thing was we found about Mitchell Prehistoric Indian Site! (Definitely worth seeing but but only if you can spare about an hour) read more

Major disappointment, I was under the impression that the whole building was made of corn. It's not, it's a small brick building with Murals made of corn plastered on the side of the walls. And the Corn looks like it is falling apart or birds pecked at it. Not impressed at all. But at least it is FREE!! And has clean restrooms. read more

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This is THE place to visit in Mitchell, South Dakota. With free admission, how can you go wrong? We stopped by for a quick view of the corn palace and took the obligatory photos in wood cutouts before heading to the gym floor to check out the gift shop. The highlights of the Corn Palace would have to be the historical timeline of the Palace and the corn art on the outside of the Palace. It's truly amazing that they redo that art every year. read more

According to all of the travel books and the Kings of Kitsch, the Corn Palace is the place to go if you find yourself strolling through Mitchell, South Dakota and in need of a 10-15 minute driving break. I'm not one to pass up on anything quirk, so you can easily see how a palace "made of corn" would easily find it's way on my itinerary. A few things you should know before making the trip or hopping off the exit. 1.) The Corn Palace is currently under construction through 2015. 2.) The building has more bricks and less corn than I expected. Slightly disappointing. I will give them credit for the impressive corn murals on the side of the building. I had originally imagined these covering the entirety of the palace. 3.) the inside of the building is filled with a ridiculous amount of corn souvenirs yet hardly and educational information on corn itself. You should also note that the inside of the building is a stage for the community. It's all quite weird in my opinion. 4.) plentiful clean bathrooms 5.) cool corn kernel earrings for $6 (for those of you who enjoy hanging odd items from your ears as much as moi) read more

Corn Palace - Museums Near Me - Mitchell, South Dakota

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Mama always said where there is corn, there is love. Usually, after a bottle of whisky. I never knew what she meant... until i visited this 8th wonder of the world. I went on a first date here and am happy to say we found love at the corn palace. Words can not begin to describe the magical atmosphere here. Great place for a date, honeymoon, or to revive a failing marriage. IT'S CORN! read more

This was a great place to see when I was little. It took me a long time and several trips to figure out that the palace wasn't actually MADE of corn. In the last few years I went back with a friend. We got there late at night, hoping to rekindle some childhood memories. It was nice to see it as an adult but much better as a little kid when your imagination just goes crazy. If I remember right, there are a lot of things to do or see in town as well. Little shops. The Corn Palace stands as a tribute to the agricultural heritage of South Dakota. The original corn palace, called "The Corn Belt Explosion" was established in 1892. Early settlers displayed the fruits of their harvest on the building exterior in order to prove the fertility of the soil. The third and present building was completed in 1921. The exterior decorations are completely stripped down and new murals are created each year. The theme is selected by the Corn Palace Festival Committee and murals are designed by a local artist. The Corn Palace serves as a multi-use center for the community, like college basketball games! Dakota Wesleyan University just happened to be playing when we stopped by. I explained that we just wanted to see it because I visited as a child and the lady taking money for the game let me go in and take a look for no charge. I agree this is a Must See when you come to SD and I think it's especially great for little dreamers. Each year the design is different too, so you'll always be surprised. I wouldn't plan entire trip around it, but if you're in the area, check it out! read more

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It's a concert venue, it's a basketball court, it is the World's ONLY Corn Palace! This was the first stop that I made on my trip through South Dakota. And to be fair, it was the only saving grace to the flat, dreary landscape of South Dakota (at least east of the Missouri River). The palace itself is elaborately decorated on all sides with South Dakota grown corn. The different colors of cobs make up murals on the sides of the palace. This part is truly a work of art. You can also get your picture with Cornelius, the palace's mascot. Once inside, you can learn about the history of the corn palace and farming locally (I know, very exciting). You will also be hit with a strong scent of popcorn the moment that you walk in. Inside, there is also a theater for concerts and such with a basketball court and gift shop. The gift shop is pretty much all corn themed. Literally everything is corn. While the palace is kinda gimmicky, the architecture is very cool and downtown Mitchell is a must see. To wrap it up, if you are unfortunate enough to venture through the desolate South Dakota landscape, then the World's Only Corn Palace will be a welcome sight. It won't blow you away, but it's worth a visit. read more

I went here with Debra R and a couple of people. We saw the exhibits and we went to the gift shop. We bought the coffee mug, t-shirt, and Christmas ornament. The place was really nice. read more

Corn Palace - Museums Near Me - Mitchell, South Dakota

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The Corn Palace was a lot of fun! We took our toddler there and coincidentally it happened to be his birthday. He loved the different farm equipment that he could explore, and was immediately drawn to Cornelius, who made a guest appearance. She was very sweet with our son, and made an automatic friend. It is a tourist trap, to be sure, but they change the palace every year, and employ excellent staff! Definitely worth a visit...the next time we drive across country, we'll try to stop again! read more

Corn Palace - The 2015 entrance to the Corn Palace! - Museums Near Me - Mitchell, South Dakota

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The Corn Palace gets 5 star why!? Because it deserves it. The city of Mitchell, SD trying to put their city on the map by building a pretty sweet Corn Palace. Not a half ass corn shack but a large thing. A-maize-ing. Honestly after driving across the whole country and being disappointed about not running into a bunch of tourist attractions like those in many cross-country road trip movies and only seeing many towns claiming themselves dino town/city and only seeing a large cartoon dinosaur statue to pose next to, the Corn Palace blows them all away. If nothing is happening here it might seem boring for some but for me I enjoyed myself. The Corn Palace is wrapped around with a corn mural, which they replace and redesign every year with various shades of whole corn. Inside it is kind of tourisy, there's ok snacks and you can wonder around, there's a basketball court, and tours you can take to learn more about the Corn Palace. If you're here during last August they have the Corn Palance Festival, which is pretty awesome, live music, food, drinks, rides, etc. Thousands of people. Millions of corn. read more

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Great place to stop and stretch your legs on a long road trip. That's about it. The images created out of corn are neat. It was a nice stop, but I wouldn't go too far out of my way for it. If you stop here to stretch, it's worth stopping at the Hungry Dog to grab a bite to eat. read more

Corn Palace - The World's Only Corn Palace - Museums Near Me - Mitchell, South Dakota

My friends and I stopped here on our way home from a road trip to Pennsylvania. We weren't planning on coming here but had spent the night in Mitchell to break up the drive and decided to check it out. In terms of small, local attractions, this one is okay. The museum part of it is interesting but very small. Grinding your own corn was neat and made for a good souvenir. Otherwise, it's just a big touristic gift shop in a stadium. If you're coming through and need an interesting stop, then this is definitely a place to check out, but if you're looking for deeper historical insight, this probably isn't the place for you. read more

This place was...interesting to say the least. It was a fun little stop on our road trip and made for some good pictures. The giftshop portion was cute and they have corn themed foods, shirts, and anything else you can think of for sale. Definitely would be fun to bring kids here. read more

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Being from Iowa we are corn bred and fed, so we had to swing through this place. The exterior is pretty cool. Willy Nelson mosaic of corn on the wall was huge. It's a tourist trap but free and checked it out real quick. We didn't stay for the guided tour but all the workers there were very friendly. read more

Corn Palace - Museums Near Me - Mitchell, South Dakota

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The main road to the Corn Palace was under construction and the detour was not very clearly laid-out from the direction we came from. Once we got around though we eventually found it. Parking and admission is free but you do have to walk just a wee bit from the parking area, maybe about a block is all. They like you to sign the guest book as soon as you walk in and the staff was very friendly. She suggested a popcorn ball before we leave. Lots of bathroom stalls for the women but I guess that's for the basketball games and other large events. We were here in Tuesday afternoon and it was practically empty. The outside is pretty cool with the corn cob murals and be sure to see both sides. We also walked across the street to get a full frontal view They have a very nice introduction video, explaining how the corn palace began. Be sure to watch this for the history of how and why it came into being. Be sure to see the auditorium with more corn murals. This is where the events are held and it's a nice size space with beautiful murals. Before leaving we purchased a popcorn ball, it's basically a rice crispy treat with popcorn, but it looked good. There's really not much inside other than the murals and the video. You can buy goodies and I'm not sure about the food. So it's basically murals but if you're in the area it's worth the cost (zero) and time . Not on par with Mt. Rushmore but still pretty cool! read more

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If you're in South Dakota, visit the Corn Palace! The place is known coast-to-coast and when you get home you'll have lots of fun bragging about your visit. The entire building is decorated with frescoes made from corn - laughably kitsch and fun all at the same time. In fact, the frescoes are remarkably well done. The gift shop is especially good - offering all sorts of "corny" items that are guaranteed to bring a smile. Don't be a "pilgrim" - visit the Corn Palace! Take the entire family! Everyone will have a great time! read more

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This is a cool place to stop at and take a break if you are driving cross country, the corn murals are impressive and the inside is a pretty cool looking basketball court. There is a gift shop but for the most part the only thing to do here is to admire the corn, which is enough in my opinion. 4/5~ MP read more

This is an over sell for any tourists. I was so disappointed, I would never recommend it as a stop to anyone. The building was dull, the tall portraits looked as if they were old and according to the picture on the brochure I had, it hasn't been changed in quite a while. Boring...that's all there is to it. If you are lost in Mitchell, SD or your car breaks down, then maybe it could be a time waster...otherwise keep driving and don't worry about never seeing this over sold object. read more

My husband came here with his family in 1976 when he was 9 years old. I had seen photos and post cards of it in his moms albums. I had never heard of the Corn Palace. We have been planning for seriously years to drive out west,and we finally made it. It is very impressive art. They were removing the previous pictures to put up the new set. So,we saw some done, some in process of removal, some new and some empty spots. This place has a long history. I just wish the gift shop had not been closed for inventory. I realize inventory has to be done, but do it over night or something. We searched up and down the block for postcards or something with Corn Palace on it and came up empty. Although we couldn't get anything at the gift shop it was still a neat place and great to experience it 40 years later. read more

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Underwhelming. Really. The Two Story outhouse on the other side of the state was far more interesting. Expected more things covered with corn. read more

It is not that great when you live here but it is a great tourist trap just my opinion

I went there last year on vacation with my friend and it was a nice place to stop by and when you are on vacation and it has some history to it and it had some of the most famous people in the world that went there. I also liked the tour that they had and the film that they had about the place. read more

People, people. Please... Listen. What the hell did you think you were doing to when you drove 8 hours to get here? Were you expecting the Taj Mahal? The Great Wall of China? The Grand Canyon? No. You were coming to the ONLY Corn Palace. Period. And let me state this with authority: it is simply the finest Corn Palace on the planet. No other Corn Palace comes near. For this reason alone it deserves our collective five stars. That some of you dared to share less... a disgrace. This is American Pride.... excuse me, 'Merican Pride at its finest. Couple this trek with an overpriced hotel with a faux Irish name on the other side of the Interstate stuffed full of motorcyclists headed to Sturgis and not even a bar on premises... well, you know you're in the bastion of conservative nirvana. Hey, there's even a Cabela's in town. I rest my case. Sorry if you don't get it, but my daughter and I made a last minute 8 hour road trip here and had a blast. It was fun, interesting, a little kooky, a little freaky, a little serious, and if you really dug deep enough, a hell of a lot of interesting history 99% of you missed. Your loss. Sometimes the ability to laugh and enjoy the interesting diversions that make up this country are far more important than thinking you're going to get your socks knocked off by something that was really never there. You know, you're right. It isn't TImes Square. Thank God. read more

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The Corn Palace is advertised on billboards and mentioned in many travel articles and websites. I woke up early in Aberdeen SD full of anticipation of finally seeing it! I hurried through my breakfast, and applied my make-up in the car during the 2.5 hour drive. There was a mantra playing over and over in my head: "The world's only Corn Palace. The world's only Corn Palace. The world's only Corn Palace. The world's only Corn Palace...". I don't even remember parking the car, I was in a zone. As if I were in a dream I almost floated to the Corn Palace. I had been in heartland for about a week and the outside of the building was somewhat unique, but I was not the experiencing the spiritual fulfillment which I expected. My eyes were drawn to brick, stucco, and cement of the building. I hurried to the entrance and into lobby. I craned my head left and right, but only saw some minor displays, the restrooms, and a food concession. Actually, it sort of felt like the lobby of a high school gymnasium. Then I noticed that almost everybody was headed towards the an opening, I knew this must be the way to the inner sanctum! I followed the others like a cow on the way to the barn. When I reached the top of the stairs, I almost could not control my excitement. Unfortunately, my excitement was short-lived. Once my head cleared, I realized that the Corn Palace was little more than a basketball arena with some corn murals temporarily converted into a huge souvenir shop. I went from corner to corner looking for the hidden alter or portal, but I slowly came to the revelation that there was none. I resisted any temptation to buy any corn themed souvenirs. I was not in the mood for caramel corn, corn shaped suckers, corn hats, corn T-shirts, corn mugs, corn shaped candles, or anything else. I did buy some refrigerator magnets in the shape of US States I would be visiting on this trip. If it is not clear, I was disappointed with the Corn Palace. I realize that I had unrealistic expectations, but they had been fueled what I believe was a concerted effort to manipulate my emotions. I added a star to my rating because I have to take responsibility for my contributory negligence in allowing myself to get caught up in the Corn Palace frenzy. I stumbled to the car muttering to myself "I won't be fooled again". I took solace in the fact that if I skipped lunch, I could make it to Austin, Minnesota before closing time at the Spam Museum. Note: The Corn Palace is evidently doing a $7 million renovation. Maybe it will be more impressive in the future. read more

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If I could give this place -5 stars, I would. This place is a total scam and all the billboards you see are only there to get you to come visit this godforsaken town for some tourism. This "palace" is literally just some kind of school gym that they decorate with some crap on the exterior. You walk in and there's some kind of souvenir shop and an auditorium/gym in the main area. Literally, that's it. Avoid this place and this ridiculous cesspool of a town at all costs. read more

It's a cool place to visit. Saw it when I was sixteen still pretty cool place. Nice art and lots of different things to check out agriculture stuff. read more

There is not a lot to this, but it is still neat to see. The stores inside is pretty basic but has some nice products. It is really about seeing the outside though. Some of the history inside was confusing--seemed to have nothing to do with the Corn Palace or even Mitchell. read more

When you're driving from the Black Hills back to Iowa, there's not a lot to see on the way. And since a work friend is from Mitchell, stopping at the Corn Palace was a "must". The Corn Palace is a multipurpose arena/facility and is heavily visited by like minded tourists. The Moorish Revival building is decorated with Crop art; the murals and designs covering the building are made from corn and other grains. It also hosts the home basketball games of Dakota Wesleyan University and the Mitchell High School Kernels. After about 30 minutes or so of shucking around, we were done and ready to put our Ear to the road again. Next stop - Sioux Falls, the Seattle of the Midwest! read more

Pretty cool place, very unique! A must see if you're in the area. The building is very cool but unfortunately most is Of the "authentic" souvenirs are made in China. read more

I wanted corn. Corn and kitsch. I dreamt of yellow and tan and brown royal cobs of touristy glory. I wanted to see a high school volley ball tournament in an agricultural castle. My hopes were crushed by lack of kernel goodness. Let it be known that I knew exactly what the Corn Palace should be but when we arrived the outside was mostly cob free (the What Palace?) And the dome and towers were missing (the What What?). See my pics for children crying in the street. The website never mentioned that only one week after their big festival and during Labor Day weekend that the place would be under construction. read more

Corn Palace - Where's the dome and towers? This isn't a palace, it's a Walmart. - Museums Near Me - Mitchell, South Dakota

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This is worth making Mitchell a stop on your road trip across South Dakota. You're going to stop and stretch your legs anyway, right? Why not do it at The Corn Palace!? If you are looking for the equivalent of the Empire State Building or the Golden Gate Bridge, you're way, way off. This is part "tourist trap souvenir stand" and part "agricultural community point of pride". It's good and worth a stop. read more

Fun place for the entire family, including your pup, and it's free too!!! There are several levels that display educational material about corn and agricultural culture. But the creme de la creme is the middle part which is a basketball court -- which, during the summer between May and August, is a huge gift shop that has everything related to corn, Indian artifacts, knickknacks and Cadillacs. Great FUN! read more

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On our way to Wall SD, someone told me to come to the corn palace so we did. My grandpa didn't find it that special but the rest of us did. It was really nice and it had a lot of history. If I were you, take the tour so you can understand more of the place. P.S. gift shop is overpriced read more

This place is very cool and a place everyone should check out. If you go to the gift shop on the basketball court then you can buy many cool things at a higher price then they should be at. This is a very historic landmark and really cool. read more

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It is a school gym covered in murals made of corn and agri-products. It is slightly underwhelming but when you see what it means to this town, state and every agri-artist in the nation; who am I to disparage a tourist sight that has been making people pull off the interstate for decades. This year they have a giant Willie Nelson that made me smile when I saw it. I think the key is too look at it close and think about how much planning and execution it takes to pull this off every year. The best tourist trap in the state! read more

Corn Palace - Willie! - Museums Near Me - Mitchell, South Dakota

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I visited the Corn Palace first when I was about 10, of course my memories from back then were very sensationalized! When we recently went back (24 years later!) it was a pleasant second experience! The staff is great, very friendly and courteous. The murals were incredible! It's amazing that they can create the intricacies they do with just corn! I do wish we had seen a show there, or that there was something else going on - there's honestly not a ton to do. If you haven't been to the Corn Palace, go! It's worth a stop! read more

Corn Palace - Museums Near Me - Mitchell, South Dakota

Totally disappointing. There isn't actually anything to DO once you get inside the Corn Palace. All there is is a indoor theater/basketball court, a bunch of pictures of the Corn Palace through the years, and a gift shop. Also awkward were the employees; not one, but two, refused to take our picture there. You work at a tourist trap, isn't that your job? Don't waste your time, skip this place. Or, if you can't resist, just drive by and snap a picture of the outside. No need to go inside at all. read more

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Along with the billboards for wall Drug are the billboards for the "World's Only Corn Palace"!! The build up for this place is great, and once you get there you're going to be amazed by pretty much anything. I visited the Palace in June 2007, and unfortunately the murals on the outside of it weren't finished yet. But the pit-stop was fun. The town was fun to look around, and the people were nice! I wish I could have had a prom in the Corn Palace like the kids from Mitchell High School.... read more

Corn Palace - Billboard! - Museums Near Me - Mitchell, South Dakota

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