We have seen many unique places around the country. Unfortunately, we didn’t have time to visit the Corn Palace during our adventures.
We have a growing list of places we want to explore on future adventures, and the Corn Palace is on that list. What’s hiding inside this regal building, and why do we want to visit it? We’ll explain!
What is the Corn Palace?
The Corn Palace is a historic building located in Mitchell, South Dakota. It serves as a venue for community events and is a popular tourist attraction. Many people remember it for its unique design and exterior decoration.
Each year the building is given a new theme and motifs of corn and other grains. Visitors from all over the world flock to admire the artwork. It is not every day that you can experience a huge work of art made of grains.
About the Grain Palace
The Grain Palace was built in 1892 to showcase the agricultural wealth of the region and attract settlers. The building has been renovated several times, most recently in 2015.
The murals on the exterior of the building consist of different colors and varieties of corn, as well as other grains and grasses.
As mentioned earlier, these unique designs attract tourists from all over the world to Mitchell. The city estimates that more than half a million people visit the palace each year.
The building also houses a museum that showcases the history of the Corn Palace and the agricultural heritage of the region. In addition to being a popular tourist destination, the palace is also the site of numerous community events.
What is inside the Corn Palace?
Inside the palace is a gift store where visitors can purchase souvenirs, local food and handicrafts.
In addition, the building also houses the world’s only Corn Palace Stampede Rodeo. This popular event takes place every year during the last week of July.
The royal building also houses a museum that displays the history of the building and the importance of agriculture in the region. Concerts, festivals and sporting events are held in the palace.
The Mitchell High School Kernels and the Dakota Wesleyan University Tigers also play home basketball games here.
Is the corn palace really made of corn?
While it would be cool to experience it, the Corn Palace is not made of corn. It owes its name and reputation to the murals that adorn the exterior of the building.
Artists use 12 different colors of corn to create stunning murals. These kitschy (pun intended) works of art change every year and revolve around a specific theme.
Visit Mitchell in September to watch the artists create the murals. The old murals are taken down in late August, and the artists work quickly to replace them.
They are usually in place by early October. However, because the growing season can be unpredictable, there may be occasional delays. In 2019, the murals were not completed due to an unusually wet season.
How long does it take to walk through the May Palace?
The tour of the palace usually takes 30 to 60 minutes. Many visitors spend most of their time outside looking at and taking pictures of the detailed murals. However, you can also book a guided tour to learn more about the unique complex and its rich history.
The museum is open year-round, though there are seasonal changes to the operating schedule. Check the schedule and plan your visit accordingly.
However, the best time to visit is during the Corn Palace Festival, usually held in August.
Corn Palace Activities
There’s a reason why half a million visitors come every year. Let’s take a look at some of the things you can do when visiting this unique tourist attraction.
Shopping at the Farmer’s Market
Beginning in June, the annual Palace City Farmers Market will be held at the Corn Palace. It takes place every Wednesday from 5:30 to 7:30 pm.
Visitors can purchase homemade and handcrafted products from local artisans. In addition, there is often entertainment, special guests and free programs for all ages to enjoy.
This is a great opportunity to learn about the Mitchell community and connect with locals. However, keep in mind that the weather in this area can be unpredictable and the market will be closed during inclement weather.
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Visit a special event
As we mentioned earlier, the Corn Palace isn’t just about corn. It also has one of the finest gymnasiums in this part of the country, housing the Mitchell High School boys and girls basketball programs. In addition, the Palace also houses the Dakota Wesleyan University Tigers team.
Although basketball is popular at this facility, it is not the only event that takes place there. There are also frequent cheer and dance competitions, concerts, and more, including a festival dedicated to eating chicken wings. You never know what all is going on here!
Take photos of the frequently changing outdoor murals
One of the most common activities at the Corn Palace is taking pictures of the murals. You can find thousands of pictures of #cornpalace.
Since the murals change every year, it’s a great way to document them from year to year. Who knows, you might make this an annual tradition to see what Mitchell’s artists have created.
Tour the May Palace
The Corn Palace offers free public tours from Memorial Day through August. However, if your travel plans take you to the area outside of this time period, you can contact the tourism department to arrange a tour.
Tours are led by a knowledgeable guide who will show you around and provide interesting information about the history of the site. This is one of the best ways to visit the palace.
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Is the Corn Palace worth a visit?
We love finding and visiting unique places like the Corn Palace. There is something special about experiencing these non-traditional tourist sites. They showcase the ingenuity of locals to showcase their community in a way that captures the attention of visitors.
People are willing to travel a long way and plan their trip to experience this unique building. If you are passing through South Dakota, plan some time to visit the Corn Palace in Mitchell.