Mitchell, SD

Quick City Facts

County: Davison
Population (2019): 15,679
Population (2010): 15,254

Data provided by US Census Bureau (2019)

The town of Mitchell is most noted for being home to the world’s only Corn Palace, which draws half a million visitors each year. Located on Interstate 90, Mitchell is the county seat of Davison County, South Dakota, and was home to nearly 15,000 permanent residents as of the 2000 census. The area that is now the city of Mitchell was originally settled in 1879 and was incorporated as a village two years later.

The famous Corn Palace was first established in 1892, when Mitchell was only a small city with 13,000 residents. Located on Main Street, the Palace is comprised primarily of unique corn murals and was built as a symbolic illustration of the city’s thriving agricultural sector. 500,000 tourists flock to the Corn Palace each year to view and tour the distinctive attraction. Each year, the annual Corn Palace Music Festival boasts performances by several high-profile international musicians. The Victorian home of the founders of the Corn Palace, Louis and Mary Beckwith, can be explored by tourists at the Dakota Discovery Museum.

Another notable site is marked by the Mitchell Prehistoric Village and Thomsen Center Archeodome, which indicates the location of the first farmers and hunters that settled along the banks of what is now Lake Mitchell. This historic landmark gives visitors a glimpse into the city’s primitive archeological discoveries and the activities of these earliest inhabitants.

For those seeking a rich cultural experience, the Dakota Discovery Museum offers glimpses into some of the state’s most notable expeditions, explorations, and artistic works. Visitors can view a gallery by noted South Dakotan artist Oscar Howe, and can tour a reproduction of illustrator Charles Hargens’ studio. Additional exhibits detail Lewis and Clark’s expeditions across the Dakotas, the lives of early Native Americans, and primitive schoolhouses of the pioneers.

Mitchell is home to the Dakota Wesleyan University campus, whose high-quality educational programs and noted George McGovern Library attract many ambitious students each year. The city offers plentiful shopping and dining opportunities along Main Street, such as the Big Steak House & Lounge, Dakota Roadhouse, Cornerstone Coffeehouse & Deli, and Cabela’s. The Enchanted World Doll Museum captivates children and adults alike.

Popular Attractions

Quality Inn

Quality Inn

Mitchell

Parlour Ice Cream House

Parlour Ice Cream House

Sioux Falls

Steerfish Steak & Smoke

Steerfish Steak & Smoke

Spearfish

Black Hills Aerial Adventures

Black Hills Aerial Adventures

Custer

Cedar Pass Lodge & Restaurant

Cedar Pass Lodge & Restaurant

Interior

The Homestead Coffee Co.

The Homestead Coffee Co.

Salem

Schmidts Landing Resort

Schmidts Landing Resort

Big Stone City

Dave’s World Tours & Shuttle Service

Dave’s World Tours & Shuttle Service

Custer

The Rushmore Hotel and Enigma Restaurant

The Rushmore Hotel and Enigma Restaurant

Rapid City

Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame

Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame

Sturgis

Granite Sports

Granite Sports

Hill City

The Hello Hi

The Hello Hi

Sioux Falls

Mt. Rushmore Black Hills Gold Factory Tour

Mt. Rushmore Black Hills Gold Factory Tour

Rapid City

Ken’s Pro Shop

Ken’s Pro Shop

Aberdeen

Tin Lizzie Gaming Resort

Tin Lizzie Gaming Resort

Deadwood

Harriet & Oak

Harriet & Oak

Rapid City

Sickies Garage Burgers & Brews

Sickies Garage Burgers & Brews

Rapid City

Urban Chislic

Urban Chislic

Sioux Falls

Great Faces. Great Places.

South Dakota is an incredibly unique state in that each region offers a completely different experience then the others. Check out each of the regions to see what each has to offer!

Badlands

Western South Dakota

Featuring the Black Hills, Badlands, the Sturgis Rally. This region tends to be the most popular.

CENTRAL REGION

This region of South Dakota offers some of the best hunting and fishing in the entire central US. 

Eastern Region

The eastern region is home to the largest city in the state and provides visitors with a true "prairie" experience.