Does your road trip have you passing through Mitchell, South Dakota? Last summer, my family and I took a RV road trip that took us from Texas to South Dakota to Missouri. The distance required several over night stops which landed us in Kansas, Nebraska, and Mitchell, SD. At every stop, I like to explore the local attractions. Finding fun things to do really helps to break up long road trip fatigue. Sometimes, I worry about finding things to do in small towns, but Mitchell, SD surprised me with its charm and the unique experiences it had to offer. Enjoy this post about 21 Things to do in Mitchell, SD that don’t shuck (and pardon my corny puns. I could not help myself.)
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- Getting to Mitchell, SD
- 21 Things to do in Mitchell, SD
- Where We Stayed
- Leaving Mitchell, SD
- 21 Things to do in Mitchell, SD Conclusion
- Let’s Connect
- Travel Insurance
- Comments
Getting to Mitchell, SD
At this point in our South Dakota road trip we had already experienced a fantastic itinerary of tourist attractions. We stood in the center of the United States in Belle Fourche, awed at the magnificence of Mount Rushmore National Memorial, and explored the natural beauty of state parks and national parks. It was now time to make our way south towards Branson, Missouri. We would need one more overnight stop in South Dakota before leaving what was quickly becoming my favorite state. With the Black Hills of South Dakota providing a scenic backdrop and the souvenir mecca, Wall Drug, providing cheap T-shirts and trinkets, the road trip to Mitchell was an adventure in itself!
21 Things to do in Mitchell, SD
The growing town of Mitchell, South Dakota has a rich history and it is evident in the many museums situated throughout. Even for the non-history buff, there is plenty of other recreation to be had. Enjoy this list of 21 things to do in Mitchell, SD.
1-8 Things to do in Mitchell, SD: Exhibits and Museums
#1 World’s Only Corn Palace
Corny and unique, the famous corn palace is a super popular attraction. Located at 604 N Main St, the exterior of the building boasts 325,000 multicolored ears of corn individually cut in half and arranged into scenic works of art that change every year. (Now, that takes some real corn-centration!) During our visit, the corn murals portrayed images of iconic South Dakota points of interest such as Crazy Horse and Sturgis. Admission inside the palace is free! Inside visitors will find historical images of the corn palace, souvenirs, and a plethora of corn treats.
#2 Vactiroty Castle Bible Land Museum
We just stumbled upon this unique, small museum across the street from the Corn Palace. Visitors get to walk the story of the Bible through elaborately decorated sets. There is even a playroom with a large slide, bridges, and tunnels. We found this wonderful place absolutely charming and the admission is also free!
#3 Mitchell Prehistoric Indian Village
This prehistoric village lies on the shores of Lake Mitchell and is one of the area’s significant cultural attractions. It is the only archaeological site in South Dakota. Archaeology students reveal evidence about the Native Americans who lived there more than 1,000 years ago. Admission to witness this piece of American history for adults is only $6 and children 12 and under are free!
#4 Carnegie Resource Center
Home to the Mitchell Area Genealogical Society and the Mitchell Area Historical Society visitors can look for things in their past in this historical treasure chest of people and places. Admission is free!
#5 Dakota Discovery Museum
On the campus of Wesleyan University, this museum offers visitors a glimpse into culture and life of the Great Plains residents and settlers. Admission is $7 for adults, $6 for seniors, $3 for youth, and free for five and under.
#6 The Guns of History Gun Gallery
Filled with guns from Cheyenne and Sioux warriors and Custer’s 7th Cavalry, this museum tells the story of weapons used in 1860-1890 battles. Note: according to their FaceBook Page they are currently closed due to the COVID situation in the country. Make sure you check before heading out that way.
#7 McGovern Legacy Museum
This museum is a tribute to Dakota Wesleyan University’s Alumni, George and Eleanor McGovern. Visitors can learn about their life through a self-guided tour recording. The museum is open from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday – Friday (dependent on McGovern Library hours).
#8 Cabela’s Wildlife Exhibits
Get your shopping fix and explore an awesome exhibit. Even if not into hunting or fishing, visitors can enjoy the realistic scenes of wild animals in their natural habitats.
9-17 Things to do in Mitchell, SD: Recreation and Entertainment
#9 That Place for Teens
My family loves escape rooms. They challenge minds and exercise our collaboration skills. That Place for Teens (yes, that is the name of it) hosts room-size escape rooms. The cost is only $15 and serves as a fundraiser for improving the town of Mitchell.
#10 Movie Theaters
There are several movie theatres in Mitchell. Visitors can take their choice from historical theatres, luxury theatres, and drive in theatres:
#11 Lake Mitchell
Those looking for popular outdoor activities should add Lake Mitchell to the itinerary. It is a beautiful place to take a nature walk because it is surrounded by 13 miles of hiking and biking trails, including a BMX pump track. Canoes, mountain bikes, paddle boards, and paddle boats are all available for rent.
#12 Golf Courses
There are two public golf courses in Mitchell, Wild Oak Golf Course and Lakeview Golf Course. Lakeview opened in 1925, making it the oldest course in Mitchell and Wild Oak is the longest at 6.982 yards.
#13 Mitchell Activities Center Ice Arena
Mid-October through March the Mitchell Activities Ice Arena offers open skate and even ice bumper boats! Click here to see the ice bumper boats in action.
#14 Indoor Aquatic Center
Get your fitness on with the Aquatic Center’s cardio equipment, weight room, basketball court, racquetball court, and fitness classes.
#15 Disk Golf
Dry Run Creek Park and Kiwanis Woodlot park are the best places for a family friendly game of disk golf.
#16 Bowling
If you are looking to bowl while in Mitchell you will go to Village Bowl. Village Bowl is open 12 am to 12 pm seven days a week.
#17 Public Parks
Mitchell boasts 12 public parks and one dog park:
- Doty Park
- Dry Run Creek
- Gainer Park
- Hitchcock Park
- Jennewein Park
- Kiwanis Woodlot Park
- Monroe Park
- Northridge Park & Bella’s Butterfly Garden
- Patton Young Park
- Pioneer Park
- Rotary Park
- Veterans Park
- Mitchell Dog Park
18-19 Things to do in Mitchell, SD: Festivals and Events
#18 The Corn Palace Stampede Rodeo
This mid-summer event is six nights of rodeo fun. Locals and visitors alike fill the stands for this special event.
#19 First Fridays
May through September the community of Mitchell gathers on the first Friday of the month for food, drinks, and live music. The event takes place on Main Street between 5th and 7th Avenue. Learn more here.
20-21 Things to do in Mitchell, SD: Eats and Treats
#20 Grills and Pubs
A popular place to eat in Michelle is The Back 40 Taphouse Grill located across the street from The Corn Palace. They have live music and the smoked mac and cheese is fabulous. The Depot offers great homemade food with a side of entertainment. Patrons can play pool, darts, video lottery, and enjoy the G Scale model train collection. Other popular restaurants include: Chef Louie’s Steakhouse and Lounge, and Whiskey Creek Wood Fire Grill.
#21 Dessert
Testing out the best ice cream town is always a must on the Champagne itinerary. We found two, Zesto’s and Dairy Queen. If pastries are more your style, try Crazy About Cupcakes or Daylight Donuts & Bake Shoppe.
Where We Stayed
We camped at the Mitchell KOA. The campground hosts Jim and Jerry are very friendly and seemed to enjoy morning coffee and chats with the guests. There is a playground, miniature golf (beware of the bees), and a swimming pool. Those facilities could use some updating, but the park was clean, right off the highway, and the large pull through sites made it easy to get in and out. If you happen to be towing or driving an electric vehicle, there is a Tesla charging station on property. Learn more about the Mitchell KOA here.
Other campgrounds in the area include:
- Bretts Campground
- Dakota Campground
- Dakota HorzINN & Campground
- Hyatt’s Green Acres, LLC
- Lake Mitchell Campground
- R&R Campground
- Ron Dee’s Campground
Suggested alternative accommodations below:
Best places to stay in Mitchell
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites Mitchell, an IHG Hotel (1.6 miles from center; an indoor pool, a whirlpool, complimentary daily breakfast bar and free wireless internet throughout the hotel)
- Days Inn by Wyndham Mitchell SD (1 miles from center; free WiFi throughout the property, a continental breakfast, indoor swimming pool)
- Kelly Inn and Suites Mitchell (1.6 miles from center; indoor pool, a complimentary continental breakfast is served each morning)
Leaving Mitchell, SD
If you find yourself heading East, consider taking a break in Sioux Falls, SD. It just 74 miles due east and a huge city for all things entertainment. Click for excursion ides and to book tickets.
We opted to head 650 miles South to Branson, MO with another overnight stop in Kansas City. Read about our Kansas City stop here: 18 Things to do in Kansas City and our Branson adventure here: 60 Epic Things to Do with Kids in Branson, MO.
21 Things to do in Mitchell, SD Conclusion
Mitchell, SD can be the ideal place for the road trip weary. My only regret is that would were not able to spend more time in this interesting little city. As you can see, Mitchell offers so much more than a single overnight stay can provide, but if you can only get to one of the stops on the list, The Corn Palace is a must see. It is a truly unique experience. I hope you have found this list helpful and won’t have to play it by “ear” next time you are in the area.
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Travel Insurance
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Comments
Have you been to Mitchell, SD or have questions? I would love to hear from you in the comments below.
Monica,
I live in Alabama and this past summer a friend of mine and I made a road trip to Montana. On the way home we stayed in Mitchell South Dakota to see the 50th Annual Corn Palace Stampede Rodeo. It was fantastic. But how could you leave The Depot Pub & Grill off your list? Set right on the train tracks, this old restored train depot had great beer, great food, great staff, great atmosphere. One of the highlights of our trip. Even the owner and her daughter stopped by to welcome us. If you can, you should amend your site to add this so people don’t miss it.
Also, back 40 was great.
Thanks, Ray
Hi Ray. Thanks for checking out the post. I love to hear from readers and their experiences as well. If you scroll down to #20 on the list, you will see that I do mention both in the article!