Mitchell South DakotaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Mitchell, South Dakota.
1. Corn Palace
WORLD'S ONLY CORN PALACE
The Corn Palace is Mitchell's most iconic landmark, featuring murals made entirely of corn and grains that are redesigned annually with different themes. Visitors can explore this unique cultural attraction free of charge, with no admission fee or parking costs. The palace has stood for over 120 years, attracting curious travelers, notable figures, and serving as a testament to the region's agricultural heritage.
2. Dakota Discovery Museum
REGIONAL HISTORY SHOWCASE
The Dakota Discovery Museum preserves and displays the rich cultural heritage of the prairie plains region. Exhibits feature Native American artifacts, pioneer memorabilia, and artwork that tells the story of South Dakota's development. Visitors can immerse themselves in interactive displays that bring the region's history to life.
3. Prehistoric Indian Village
ANCIENT ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE
The Mitchell Prehistoric Indian Village is an active archaeological site where visitors can witness ongoing excavations of a 1,000-year-old Native American settlement. The site features an Archeodome that protects excavations and allows year-round research and viewing. Guests can learn about the daily lives of the indigenous people who once thrived in this area through exhibits and educational programs.
4. Lake Mitchell
OUTDOOR RECREATION HUB
Lake Mitchell is a man-made reservoir built in 1928 that serves as both a drinking water source and recreational center for the city. Located just minutes from downtown, the lake offers fishing, boating, swimming, and picnicking opportunities for visitors. The Lake Mitchell Campground provides accommodations for those looking to extend their outdoor adventure.
5. George and Eleanor McGovern Library
PRESIDENTIAL LEGACY CENTER
The George and Eleanor McGovern Library houses artifacts and documents from the life and career of the former South Dakota senator and presidential candidate. The facility includes the McGovern Legacy Museum which showcases the couple's contributions to politics, humanitarian efforts, and South Dakota history. Visitors can explore interactive exhibits that highlight McGovern's advocacy for food security and international diplomacy.
6. Carnegie Resource Center
HISTORIC RESEARCH FACILITY
The Carnegie Resource Center is housed in a beautifully preserved historic Carnegie Library building in downtown Mitchell. The center serves as a repository for local historical documents, photographs, and genealogical resources. Researchers and history enthusiasts can discover Mitchell's past through the extensive collection maintained by dedicated volunteers.
7. Cabela's Wildlife Exhibits
OUTDOOR RETAIL EXPERIENCE
Cabela's in Mitchell features impressive wildlife exhibits that showcase taxidermy displays of native and exotic animals in naturalistic settings. The store combines retail shopping for outdoor gear with an educational museum-like experience that appeals to all ages. Visitors can browse hunting, fishing, and camping equipment while appreciating the artistry of the conservation-themed displays.
8. Mitchell Aquatic Center
FAMILY WATER RECREATION
The Mitchell Aquatic Center offers refreshing fun for visitors of all ages with its multiple pools, water slides, and splash features. The facility includes both indoor and outdoor swimming options, making it a year-round destination for water recreation. Families appreciate the center's focus on safety with trained lifeguards and varied depths to accommodate swimmers of all skill levels.
9. Valtiroty Shiloh's Tabernacle
UNIQUE RELIGIOUS ATTRACTION
Valtiroty Shiloh's Tabernacle is a distinctive religious site featuring a hand-built, ornately decorated place of worship. The structure includes a 120-foot tower and elaborate biblical scenes created by the founder, Mike Valtiroty. Visitors are drawn to the unique architectural style and passionate craftsmanship that went into creating this unusual spiritual landmark.
10. Mitchell Downtown Historic District
CHARMING MAIN STREET
Mitchell's Downtown Historic District offers a nostalgic walk through time with well-preserved buildings dating back to the late 1800s and early 1900s. Visitors can explore unique shops, local restaurants, and historical markers that tell the story of the city's development. The area is managed by Mitchell Main Street and Beyond, an economic development program dedicated to preserving and enhancing the historic commercial district.
11. Cafe Teresa
BELOVED LOCAL EATERY
Cafe Teresa is a popular dining establishment in Mitchell known for its homestyle cooking and warm, welcoming atmosphere. The restaurant serves hearty Midwestern favorites with a focus on quality ingredients and generous portions. Visitors and locals alike appreciate the cafe's comfortable setting and friendly service that exemplifies small-town hospitality.
12. Corn Palace Festival
ANNUAL CULTURAL CELEBRATION
The Corn Palace Festival is Mitchell's premier annual event celebrating the agricultural heritage of the region through entertainment, food, and community activities. Held in late summer, the festival features carnival rides, live music performances, parades, and special exhibits at the Corn Palace. Visitors from across the country gather to experience this unique celebration that has been a tradition for generations.
13. Hitchcock Park
URBAN GREEN SPACE
Hitchcock Park provides Mitchell residents and visitors with a peaceful green space for recreation and relaxation in the heart of the city. The park features walking paths, playgrounds, picnic areas, and sports facilities for year-round enjoyment. Nature enthusiasts appreciate the mature trees and landscaped areas that create a tranquil environment within the urban setting.
14. Mitchell Prehistoric Indian Village Museum
ARCHAEOLOGICAL LEARNING CENTER
The Mitchell Prehistoric Indian Village Museum complements the archaeological site with extensive exhibits on Native American life on the plains over a millennium ago. The museum houses artifacts recovered from excavations, detailed explanations of indigenous technologies, and interactive displays about daily life. Educational programs offered at the museum provide insights into archaeological methods and the cultural significance of this important historical site.
15. Badlands National Park
DRAMATIC NATURAL LANDSCAPE
Badlands National Park, located within driving distance of Mitchell, showcases dramatic landscapes with sharply eroded buttes, pinnacles, and spires blended with the largest undisturbed mixed grass prairie in the United States. The park preserves 244,000 acres of geological deposits containing one of the world's richest fossil beds, where ancient mammals like rhinos and saber-toothed cats once roamed. Visitors can explore hiking trails, scenic drives, and ranger-led programs that highlight the area's natural and cultural history.