Wall Drug
Time Needed: 1-2 hours
Experience Type: American icon, offbeat & fun
What started as a small-town pharmacy offering “free ice water” to weary travelers has grown into one of America’s most-loved roadside attractions. Just 10 minutes from Badlands National Park, Wall Drug is a sprawling mix of shops, eateries, and oddities that’s well worth a stop.
MUST-DO CHECKLIST
- Sip a 5-Cent Coffee – The price hasn’t changed since 1931. No gimmicks, just a nickel for a hot cup of joe. Pair it with Wall Drug’s famous free ice water and a dose of retro charm.
- Pose with the Jackalope – Climb onto the six-foot-tall mythical creature described as a jackrabbit with antelope horns for a photo op that’s pure Americana.
- Visit the Back Yard – Beyond the Jackalope, check out the mini-Mount Rushmore, an animatronic T-Rex, and the Jumping Jets Water Show.
- Explore the Western Art Gallery – Check out more than 300 original oil paintings of western and illustration art. It’s considered one of the country’s largest collections of its kind.
- Shop for Souvenirs – Browse novelties and handcrafted goods at such shops as Little Britches Emporium, Hole in the Wall Bookstore, and Calamity Jane’s Jewelry Emporium.
Recommended Reading: South Dakota offers a lot to explore, so make Moon South Dakota’s Black Hills your guide. Navigating the region’s iconic landscapes with flexible itineraries, outdoor adventures, and practical planning tips.
Photo Credit: jpellgen (@1105_jp)/Flickr