The World's Only Corn Palace

Visit a multi-purpose arena and see the famous corn murals in southeastern South Dakota.

In 1892, the World's Only Corn Palace was established when Mitchell had around 3,000 total residents. This is a gathering place that hosts many sports events and festivals each year. Other events, including proms, graduations, meetings, dances, stage shows, and more, have also been hosted here. In the past, the Corn Palace was rebuilt three different times. The Palace is redecorated each year with corn, other grains, and native grasses. Up to 12 different colors or shades of corn are used to decorate the facility, including red, black, blue, calico, yellow, brown, and green corn.

The murals reflect a theme that is chosen annually, and there are 9 murals. Each mural is framed with straw, native grasses, sour dock, and milo. Mural designs are created by Dakota Wesleyan University students enrolled in Digital Media and Design courses under the guidance of Associate Professor Kyle Herges. Popular events include the Corn Palace Stampede Rodeo in July and the Corn Palace Polka Festival in September. The Palace is also home to the Dakota Wesleyan University Tigers and the Mitchell High School Kernels basketball teams. Tours are given every 45 minutes during the summer, and admission is free for all visitors. Visit this iconic place the next time you're traveling through South Dakota.