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

Stampmill Inn, Restaurant and Saloon

Stampmill Inn, Restaurant and Saloon

Lead

Old Market Eatery

Old Market Eatery

Brookings

Pheasant City Drive-In

Pheasant City Drive-In

Redfield

Nemo Guest Ranch

Nemo Guest Ranch

Nemo

Falls Park Farmer’s Market

Falls Park Farmer’s Market

Sioux Falls

Bob’s Resort

Bob’s Resort

Gettysburg

Jambonz Deux

Jambonz Deux

Rapid City

Camp Custer Log Cabins

Camp Custer Log Cabins

Custer

Mead Cultural Education Center

Mead Cultural Education Center

Yankton

Brookings Convention & Visitors Bureau

Brookings Convention & Visitors Bureau

Brookings

Rush Mountain Adventure Park, Home of Rushmore Cave

Rush Mountain Adventure Park, Home of Rushmore Cave

Keystone

Mad Mountain Adventures

Mad Mountain Adventures

Lead

Parker’s Bistro

Parker’s Bistro

Sioux Falls

Baker’s Bakery & Cafe

Baker’s Bakery & Cafe

Custer

McClelland’s Steakhouse

McClelland’s Steakhouse

Fort Pierre

Lazy S-Y Lodge

Lazy S-Y Lodge

Glenham

Rushmore Borglum Story

Rushmore Borglum Story

Keystone

Calamity Jane Coffee Shop and Grill

Calamity Jane Coffee Shop and Grill

Custer

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.