Reviews of World's Only Corn Palace (Tourist Attraction)

sanath kumar

Interesting monument to corn. It's a normal building with corn cobs and corn plants, stalks stuck on the outside for decorative effect. Very helpful staff at the help desk.

Chad Anderson

Not sure what the excitement is all about. I was glad we did stop because we found a great cupcake place near it.

Vanessa Grimes

Very cool art. Front of building was my favorite. Inside had very cool pics of the prior art fronts and the designs to put together each corn made pic. But little else. I feel like we missed something....so little inside. Little shop in stage area. Cute items, typical tourist style good at typical tourist prices. BEST PART ... as we are traveling and stopped to see, as most visitors are, we have our family dog with us. We were excited to see they allow pets! Great idea for those travelers that would otherwise not attend, or be partially left out.

Corissa Violette

Great slice of American history!!! It’s a must see! They make parking easy. The town is really cute and quaint. We had a great time admiring all the artistic craftsmanship of the designs they’ve done for decades.

Gayla Sholey

It was a neat little side trip that provided a reason to stretch our legs. The murals are painstaking. The floor is comprised mainly of a huge gift shop...it reminds me of a high school gymnasium. Our family had been there when I was a child, so I wanted to take my family. We didn't take the time to watch the movie. The popcorn for sale was good. If you have not done this go, if you are in the area, otherwise cross it off the list if you have already been here.

Camille Glick

Great place to stop if driving along I-90. Corn is replaced late September so know outside displays maybe in process then.

Ronda Mueller

Never knew real corn cobs were used for the images or that the themes change every year. This was an awesome visit and I would highly recommend a visit. It's free, which I was also surprised about.

Kathy Zens

Interesting for tourists. Our unique corn murals are changed yearly depending on the availability of colored corn. 2019 the murals depicted the Armed Forces including the destroyer the USS SOUTH DAKOTA. They are always expanding the grounds with a small sitting park designed with indigenous grasses and flowers. The inside offers a variety of kiosks selling all things South Dakota. Recently renovated and spacious.

River and Peak Outfitter

Very Interesting. Worth the stop if you are traveling on I-90.

Bj Mathis

You won't find another place like this anywhere in the world. It is wonderful that they use the interior for their high school programs including sports, assemblies, promos, etc. They also have many famous performers and other programs. There is a large gift shop on the sports floor in the summer. We first discovered the Corn Palace about 20 years ago. This time we brought our niece and nephew with us.

Diana Caissie

It is as it says. The world's only corn-decorated palace. There are equally okay souvenirs inside like corn socks and corn shirts and corn posters and corn palace snow globes and corn flavoring, and corn-on-the-cob holders, butter application devices, knives with your boy's name on it, fleecy corn blankets, horse statues, pottery, corn for popping, popcorn ready to eat, popcorn that was ready to eat but then someone put caramel and nut in with it and rolled it into a ball. Corn.

LifeInOlive Sue Schipper

Brings back memories of my childhood. Never miss this free, pet friendly attraction.

Irene

Amazingly decorated on the outside and more than expected on the inside. Large displays, presentations, corn murals, snack bar and a nice gift shop. Free admission and dog friendly.

Casey Lems

This is a great little unique stop if you need to get out of the car for a bit. It's not going to blow you away because it's so great, but it is pretty cool!

the other millennial farmer

Couldn't get in so I can't tell you. ( Turns out they had a concert this night, and non concert - going people couldn't come in.) The outside murals looked cool, the ones that weren't blocked view by food trucks.) Don't know if I'll ever be out here again and get to see it. Apparently when a person plans some vacation stops they need to spend hours calling each one to make sure they don't have crazy events, cancelled activities, and bad hours.

Ytbtravelbuddy

For a sight to see on the road in the midwest, this is worth the trip off the interstate. The entire building is imaged with 12 different colors of corn cobs all grown by one grower in the area. The theme changes every year. The time I saw it the building had a music theme; Elvis Presley, Willie Nelson & others. Inside (FREE) are murals made of corn cobs that tell the history of the area. An hour is all you need, including a great gift shop across the street.

Rob C.

A must see just for the historical significance. The murals are very cool. Take the time to go inside and read some of the timeline displays on the walls. Good bathroom stop. Easy parking. Walk to some of the other historic buildings in the beautiful old town area.

Brandi Courtney

Murals were neat. Got some cute earrings inside. About 3 miles off the exit, not worth the stop if you're in a hurry and dont want to get off the interstate.

Dawn Beviano

On our road trip, we decided to take a detour to see this attraction. It's pretty cool to see all the artwork that is completed by using corncobs of different colors. Large shopping area. Elevator to get to second floor. I wouldn't drive out of my way to see it, but if in the area, it is worth it.

Marie Rossi

It could be more organized... it all felt like we were somewhere we weren't supposed to be. Like your high school at night. The outside was cute, and the gift shop was... well, most of the inside

Ben Scofield

This is interesting place. Has a very rich history for a very isolated area. Place has been there since 1892. Love the corn as a medium for art. Salute you for saluting the troops. This also seems to be the gradation hall as well as concert hall and gym.

Lucinda Hurst

Free entrance to this crazy work of art made all out of locally grown corn. The artwork on the outside of the building is done each year with a new theme. The tour video is "corny" but very informative. I recommend staying with your tour guide the last half of the tour for detailed descriptions of each of the corn murals on the inside of the building. The upstairs deck takes you out close to the corn art and you can even get on the live feed on their website. Kids can climb on a tractor and explore.

Lonnie Perry

My family enjoyed our visit and exhibits. Be sure to take time to read some of the displays. The facility is well maintained and decorated. It is a nice historic building in a beautiful area. I wish we lived close by so we could see the murals that change every year. Our visit was free. It has been many years since we visited the Corn Palace. Hopefully the admission has not changed. Check before you go as they host events from time to time where the facility is not open to the public.

Joseph Kerski

Unique and a blend of history and geography. Truly one of a kind inside and out. Large corn murals rotate each year at a cost of $130,000 ! Highly recommended. Plus you can capture yourself in the corn cam by going up to the second floor outside balcony.

John Swaffer

Unique roadside attraction, not too far off the interstate. It's worth a stop if you are in the area. The murals are certainly worth taking a look at. Kudos to the "artists" who put them up. I've heard of the place for years; now I can say I've been there done that.

Nancy Wick

The 2018 and 2019 corn decorations commemorate our armed services. Nice!

kimberly mosley

The Corn Palace is a Unique place, it has the History, Art, and the Tour guides have Knowledge plus humor, the only complaint heard amongst our Group was that on a Saturday their Store and neighboring Shops closed at 5pm, that's early when you could potentially make moneyand need money to keep doors open. People still would shop in the stores at less till 9pm.

Hanna Braun

The penny machine was on point. The corn was nice and husky, and just the right amount of corny. A terrific S.D. tourist destination.

Kristina Whiteley

The Corn Palace was so cool! I had people asking before we left if we were going to go see it. They said you can just drive by, it's not that cool. I thought different!! They have so many corny gifts...pun intended and not intended at the same time! The gift shop may have been my favorite place. They also had a quarter squishing machine that I've not found anywhere else! I hunt down coin squishing machines! Definitely go if you're in the area!

James McHaney

I had heard of the Corn Palace for decades but really did not know what it was or is. We were in Rapid City visiting an elderly relative & decided to head East to experience the Bad Lands & Corn Palace on way back to Texas. Maybe most others know that the Corn Palace is a Municipal Auditorium for various performances that has been decorated on the outside with multi-colored Murals created by nailing ears of mature corn to the outside wall. We learned that an area farmer grows corn with various colored seeds (not just plain white or yellow). Meanwhile a local committee selects a theme, a graphic arts class at a local college designs murals that fit the theme & most importantly, match the colors of corn the farmer grows. After the corn is harvested and dried, an old mural is removed and new ears of corn sawed in half legthwise are nailed to the wall. Takes awhile to install each of the new murals. Some cynics describe the Corn Palace the largest bird feeder in the world. While we were inside learning the above details, a basketball team was practicing on the performance area. A visitor can visit for free, but attending an event requires a ticket.

Ethan Beer

They ran out of corn at the corn palace. There was no fun activities for the kids or adults there was a basketball court in the palace but had nothing to do with corn. There was a corn gift shop and some tour video but that’s it. A WASTE of my valuable time and I learned nothing except the place that has corn in the name ran out of corn and was just a gift shop.

T Ser

If you're passing through Mitchell, and need a few minutes to stretch your legs, it might be worth having a look at. Though, the Corn Palace is not actually made of corn, the exterior is bedazzled with it. There isn't much to do on the inside, across the street are some shops that usually open when it is warmer out, but they typically sell the usual South Dakota gifts and trinkets found just about everywhere in the state in gas stations, etc. There are other things to see in Mitchell, but a couple minutes out here and the shops should keep you occupied for 10-15 minutes.

C K

Cool to see but there wasn't anything to do other than see it. They did offer a free tour but we declined. The art is really cool though.

dferguson1173

A must see just for the kitsch factor absolutely nice people good popcorn. Special thanks to the gift shop lady across the street that sent us to the best family owned sweet corn farm stand in town.

Deen Garcia

Exterior is fascinating. The designs that they make on the walls are very impressive. The history on the inside of the Corn Palace is so interesting.

Rich Woods

Stopped on a lark. I couldn't believe my eyes. It is a got to see this venue, its unbelievable! So creative.

Mouldy S.

Wow this place is cool. I truly love corn but I think anyone would enjoy this pit stop. They have a nice bathroom and a lot of corn memorabilia as well as some interesting facts about south Dakota. Corn is an American crop. So if you love corn or America, come visit here. They have a corn cam where you can look into it and say stuff to your friends (it also goes to a screen in an Alaskan corn hut where visitors there can ask south south dakotan visitors how their day is going etc.) And vice versa, so you can see how the Alaskans are doing as well. Come to see the murals, come to pee pee, stay for the delicious corny atmosphere!!!

Brittany Gaines

What an unique experience! The artwork and murals made of all corn are spectacular! As soon as you walk in you can smell the popcorn and corn on the cob! Free admission and tours. Lots of photo opportunities outside the Corn Palace!

Surfer Girl

Honestly it's a little underwhelming. It's very cool on the outside though. The people were also incredibly friendly and helpful. I would have liked to have see more as far as corn sculptures went, but it was a good experience.

braeden Brown

Very good. The art work with corn products is great. Scenes changes every year.

Anupa D.

A tribute to local corn,, this building has been around since the late 1800's. While the exterior has undergone a few structural changes, an annual theme portrayed in corn husk and cobs (as well as a few native weeds and plants) is very detailed. The borders are painstakingly pieced together every summer with various dried weeds and plants, while the main image is pieced together in fall with 12 varieties of local, dried half cobs. The picture gallery details the themes through the years. The inside of the building has tributes to corn as well with "corn" pillars, a history of the palace and corn, picture booths and many, many photos - all free! There is a basketball stadium inside which is occupied by a huge store selling corn and some local items - foods, trinkets, jewelry, clothing, decorations etc as well as a store selling varieties of popcorn. A corn cam rounds out the whole place. Definitely an interesting place to visit. You can spend an hour there!

Audrey Kludtke

Great place to grab popcorn balls! It’s so delicious! Free parking. Free admission. They got some things to sell! Pretty awesome place to stop and stretch when driving through South Dakota to the west.

Garrett Kartman

Very cool! Not much to see inside, as it is a recreational center. The outside is worth seeing if your close by. The history is pretty cool as well!

Gary Carbone

It is a very interesting place, with many murals all assembled in corn, cob and all , both outside and inside. Also it is a short distance to the Gun Museum with many old and some famous rifles and pistols.

Adiel Nissanian

We stopped at the world's only corn place in Mitchell and let me tell you it's exactly as described. The Palace is free admission so you don't any thing. Tours are provided but you can check it out on your own. Across the street is the gift shop.

Glen Stipes

It is a must see. The murals made entirely out of different types of corn are magnificent. They are working on replacing all outside murals all year long. They never stop work except for weather conditions

Ash Fell

As an Iowan, I must say I'm rather offended at having to travel so far to reach something called "the corn palace". While the place itself doesn't have an especially large amount to offer when there's not an event there, it still is certainly very interesting. The murals are gorgeous, and all the corn-themed merchandise is very interesting. The popcorn flavored saltwater taffy was a personal favorite :)

Bryan Kasten

Great place to visit and enjoy the world's only place made from corn cobs!! It's truly amazing!! Would recommend mid-September they have a car show in front of the palace, it's a great time!!!

Stephen Young

Super fun place to stop with the family. Whimsical and informative.Free to get in. They have some pretty interesting souvenirs. Add this to your South Dakota road trip stop list.

TAMARA HATFIELD

This has become a family tradition, every time we are in the area. A lot of great history in all the pictures.

Rick Hutton

Amazing handiwork. The inside is basically a basketball court and around the perimeter are 9 murals. Really talented art to whoever designed and put these together with all the different corn husks.

Robin Fox

Expected more inside. The outside is the biggest part of the murals but I can now say I have seen the Corn Palace. It is incredible that they use corn and other crops to make these murals. Everyone must see it if you are passing through.

Duane Ruth-Heffelbower

Yes, it is corny, but we enjoyed it. The historical info about the area was a treat, and having a cool place to sit was also welcome. The murals are being worked on right now, and that is interesting to see. Kids seemed happy to be here.

Lisa D

It was so neat!!! The best part was that it was PET FRIENDLY!!! What other place gives you a stop on a long journey and allows your four legged family inside?! We really enjoyed stopping by. You don’t need a long time there but it’s definitely neat to see and support local history spots. After all.l, it’s the world’s only corn palace!!!

Michel Moffatt

A touristy place. Was neat to see the artwork made from the various types of corn. It was great if you like gift shops and shopping. Definitely would stop by and see if you are driving nearby.

David L. Beckwith

Wasn't as corny as I was expecting, so pleasantly surprised. More history and creative artwork to a tradition created back in the 1890's.

Lynn Chayatanan

It's a unique place. The murals are cool, and everything has a pun with corn. Give yourself a half hour to 45 minutes (for every extra person in your party, add five minutes) to get adequate pictures of the inside, the second floor exhibit, and the gift shop (which I missed by a minute

Stephanie Love

Amazing - met the staff that change the outside decor every year! There is quite the bit of work that goes into this place - a lot of detail! Definitely worth the stop!

Kristi George

I hate to give this place a 4 star because the art was amazing but I guess I thought this was a place to tour and see stuff inside and I was underwhelmed. It is a large arena where concerts are held and the outside of the building has art made of corn. You could basically get the feel just driving around it. We did discover a really unique spot across the road where a guy set up an entire village of biblical times with a play land for kids. That was more interesting than the corn palace personally.

Chantelle Slattery

It's definitely worth a stop. I have been there probably 6 or 7 times in my life and the art they do with corn is amazing. It also changes so you are not seeing the same murals each time. Nice family friendly free attraction.

Rachael

It’s kind of overrated in my opinion. Yeah, it’s cool how they do the murals out of corn, but it isn’t the greatest thing in the world. They have the murals outside, but inside is just a large gift shop and a little bit of history of how it’s changed over the years.

Donna Culpepper

Oh my gosh the Corn Palace was so much fun! Right in the heart of beautiful Mitchell. Be sure and get your family and friends to watch for you on the corn cam on the balcony it’s a fun way to give a wave to everybody back home.

William Whitehead

Traveling across the country, the Corn Palace seemed like exactly the kind of place you'd expect to see in the middle of the country, and yet something you never expected to see. We went to take a look at it after seeing all the billboards on the highway. Incredible murals, but the whole thing felt like somewhat of a fever dream. The gift shop has every type of corn souvenir imaginable. If you have 20 minutes to spend off the highway, you could do a lot worse. Fun stop.

Susan W

It really is one of a kind. Artistic changed up every other year and I think the most interesting part is that they have photos of each design going back to year one on the inside of the Corn Palace. It's a celebration of Agriculture and art. And, it's free!

Jill Knight

it's best! Mosaics made with corn in different themed. The big stadium is where the hots games are played

Jeanette Ward

Great place. My parents talked about it a lot and I am extremely happy that I stopped in and saw it. Great merchandise to choose from. Don't miss it. A major historic site to see and watch the 15 minute film.

Molly Stoltz

The Corn Palace actually had some great historical displays on the walls telling the history of the Palace, historical events corresponding to each year and outlining the acts they hosted through time. I also love the art on the second level depicting designs for the Palace. It has a really interesting history. Recommend something time to read and look around!

Rosa Hanshew

Good place for adults and older children as the history is very interesting. Not a good place to visit for younger children as there is really nothing hands on for them and our 2-year-old and 5-year-old granddaughters were bored, but our 14-year-old daughter enjoyed it.

Michael Joseph

Nice to see but man they really push when I comes to the merchandise. I mean come on! Is it necessary to have gift shop items in the gymnasium, attached to the building, and operate the gift shop across the street? Needy for profit? I sure didn't see too many people buying t-shirts and hoodies at the price advertised. I bet they have a local thrift store in town that sells older shirts and hoodies that's say "Corn Palace" on them at a quarter of the price; who cares what year they say on them. I know what year I visit it and that's all that matters to me. I was kind of expecting at least two staff members that can tell me a little bit about the history of the place. I was kind of helping them learn a little bit more then reading plaques and signs. But then you'll probably tell me that I have to buy the book about the history of Corn Palace for about $40. The only thing I enjoyed was the artwork. Other than that it was a boring 30 minutes.

Justin Lindsey

Sorry but my family didn't really care for this stop on our vacation. It's definitely impressive how they crafted the art. The town alone didn't seem to be progressing much.

Doni Westfall

Interesting enough history, don't know that I'd do it again, but I appreciate what it is.

Kaitlyn Iliff

The outside of this building is really cool! I think the outside of this building is worth seeing. The inside of this building should be more-there’s not a lot really to stop and see inside. I went expecting something amazing inside and felt let down but I was not let down given the incredibly unique outside of this building. Stop by? Yes! Look at the outside but when you go inside don’t expect much.

Laura May

The world's biggest bird feeder. The changing murals are so unique. Worth checking out

Leanna Curry Larson

This place is very fascinating. During this visit not all of the palace is complete, but the areas that are looked awesome! I have to arrange to come back one it gets completed to get a glimpse of the hardwork put into this building year after year. They show a video in the gym which also houses a gift shop. The video explains where the Indian corn comes from and how it's grown locally. A must see for anyone. Admission was free.

Kathleen Hamel

If you are desperate for a stop, then this is a nice place to get outside and walk around. There is historical information inside, but overall I feel like there could be more. Mostly it's a gift shop in a gymnasium. If you walk around the outside, you'll be more than satisfied.

Mike Kitchen

Really cool venue that's not too far off the interstate. If you're spending the day in the car and looking for a place to stretch your legs, definitely do it. If you're on a tight schedule, it's not a "must see".

Jarrod Owsley

Neat stop while driving. Wasn't much to do other than walk through. Building looked cool.

Krystal Carroll

Awesome tourist attraction. Family had fun exploring here.

Timothy Olson

Interesting and quirky. However, they have a great concert schedule that is reasonably priced. You might just enjoy the trip if you plan ahead.

Clinton Mitchell

Pretty cool place. The designs are pretty amazing, and learning the history behind it and the artists who have contributed was fascinating. I highly suggest doing the tour and taking the opportunity to ask the guide questions. However, I do wish there was more information available to visitors while walking around.

Kristeen Evans

We saw the billboards on I-90...several of them. Husband and I like stopping at places we see advertised on the road. It was interesting and the town is super cute. Can be back on the interstate in 45 minutes. Free entrance. Free parking. Snack bar inside.

Michael Hoffman

I guess a building covered with corn is kinda interesting. Stop to see it only if you have time to kill. And 20 minutes ought to be enough.

Elijah Miller

Been in multiple times. They host athletic games/circus/fundraisers/concession stands/bingo nights. A very interesting place, with lots of history.

D Town

A really cool place. Make it at least once if you can. Its free to get in. You can give a donation. They have a nice gift shop inside also.

Daniel Schulz

So this is a tourist attraction plain and simple. It is a big one and my visit was for the National Pedal tractor pull. The arena for this worked well and the place is pet Friendly which really surprised me. The corny art is fun and worth a stop by to see if passing by on the interstate.

Jeff Litteer

Unbelievably it was closed to honor native American day. Why? Does corn dishonor native Americans? Traveled a LONG way just to walk along the outside! !!! Baffling!!

Luke Nagel

It was all right I pretty much live here in Mitchell so I see it pretty much every day so it's not really that spectacular when you see it every day but that's always good. Every time I go to see it

Timothy Seevers II

Wasn't what I expected. It's in the middle of town. The venue is more a gym/concert space than an homage to corn. Fun for the kids to see what the outside looked like - which changes with a new facade every year - but we we're in and out in 25 minutes...and that was with a visit to the gift shop and bathrooms.

Hope Dobbs

It's a quick stop but a must see for those that appreciate art on a grand scheme. I would love to see a concert here!

Erica H

I enjoy visiting once a year to see what new murals they do. They are always usually nice. The birds do eat the kernels though so need to get there before they are all gone. They also seem to have a little festival every time around now with music and food and fun for kids.

Edited Visions

A fun quick stop. We were close by heading home from Mount Rushmore back to Iowa and this was the perfect stop. Stretch your legs look and learn. Plus the kids got another souvenir lol

Jennifer Lundberg

Fun stop on the way through South Dakota, who doesn't like corn? Kids thought it was cool and had a tractor for them to sit on so they were set. Just a different place that is worth the stop.

Vorpal Raven

Interesting historical pictures and what not inside. Outside is made of corn. Lot of souvenir spots. Nothing overly exciting though.

Peggi Harris

It is pet friendly and everyone has a great attitude. The artwork is made from corn cobs. Very interesting and a must see.

Gentle John

The history is interesting. It is mostly a gymnasium. Nice restaurant next door.

Ron Jenko

To see the great murals made of corn all over the exterior of the building is pretty cool! Inside they usually have some sort of event going on and/or displays and upstairs they have some historic photos and some history.

Jim & Micki Dion

My husband had driven by the Corn Palace several years earlier on way to pheasant hunt and flat insisted on a stop in Mitchell when planning our 93-day+ trip through the Northwest. I am so glad he did because it is a fantastic place with a fantastic story behind and about it. If coming to So. Dakota for only the Black Hills, Mt. Rushmore, Yellowstone, Custer SP or the Badlands, you're cheating yourself out of a wonderful way to while away an afternoon on the east side of the State!

William Bracken

Very unique place to visit. Like the Bible land across the street also. Worth the stop.