The Corn Palace

We made it to the Corn Palace in Mitchell, South Dakota today.

Some people might think the Corn Palace is "too corny." LuAnn and I love it.

It has a rich history.

"The Corn Palace serves as a multi-use center for the community and region. The facility hosts stage shows, as well as sports events in its arena. The World's Only Corn Palace is an outstanding structure which stands as a tribute to the agricultural heritage of South Dakota.

The original Corn Palace, called "The Corn Belt Exposition" was established in 1892. Early settlers displayed the fruits of their harvest on the building exterior in order to prove the fertility of South Dakota soil. The third and present building was completed for it first festival at the present location in 1921. The exterior decorations are completely stripped down and new murals are created each year. The theme is selected by the Corn Palace Festival Committee and murals are designed by a local artist. Come and Experience what the Corn Palace has to offer. Visiting is FREE."

This years theme is destinations and these include Cape Canavaral, the Statute of Liberty, the Space Needle, the Arch of St. Louis, Mt. Rushmore, The Capitol and others.

It costs $130,000 to produce each years theme and a local farmer supplies the materials and students at a local college do the designs. They are very good each year. The State of South Dakota funds the project each year so visitation is free.

We had another great day and are back in corn country. Oh, Lewis and Clark said this would never be good farmland so it was built by early pioneers to prove they are wrong.

South Dakota is expecting a record corn crop this year.

Ed and LuAnn