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Vacation in Mitchell - South Dakota


Jump to: Overview, Things To Do, Transportation, Climate, Accommodations, Cost

Area Overview

Mitchell is best known as the home of the World’s Only Corn Palace, yet many don’t realize the Palace truly stands for innovation, enterprise, pride, and community. This icon of innovation has stood the test of time, continually changing its colors, architecture, and community purpose as the City itself has grown and changed. This year is no exception, as the Corn Palace has gone under a multi-million dollar renovation to create an even better experience for our visitors.

While in Mitchell, don’t miss our other great attractions. The Prehistoric Indian Village, Dakota Discovery Museum, McGovern Legacy Museum, and Carnegie Resource Center await you with stories to tell and experiences to share. Be sure to visit our unique specialty shops, ranging from antiques to artwork, souvenirs to western wear, candy to crafts, quilting to gifts. Outdoor enthusiasts will find a broad array of fishing, golf and camping opportunities, including those along the shores of Lake Mitchell.

Things to Do

Recreation & Fitness













While in Mitchell, experience the rich historical and cultural attractions including the World’s Only Corn Palace, Cabela’s Wildlife Exhibits, Carnegie Resource Center, Dakota Discovery Museum, McGovern Legacy Museum, and the Prehistoric Indian Village.

Weather you love mountain bikes, street bikes or cruisers, you will have plenty of space for your two-wheeled pursuits in Mitchell.

Brink your canine friend to the Mitchell Dog Park, located on the south end of Cadwell Park near the Mitchell Middle School. It features a 2.3 acre area for large dogs and a .85 acre area small dog enclosure. Both areas are shaded and equipped with drinking fountains, benches, and gravel pathways. We ask that users be responsible and clean up after their pets.

In the Mitchell area alone, there are 88 geocaches. These little treasures can be found in spots that range from obvious to obscure. Discover hidden caches, enjoy the outdoors, and learn about people and places off the beaten path.

Retailers cater to hunters, fishermen, hikers, and campers. South Dakota's love of hunting, fishing, and the outdoors is apparent in Mitchell. In addition to great outdoor opportunities just outside of town, the city has a number of businesses geared toward hunting and fishing.

Cultural Activities





Area Community Theatre is a local nonprofit, located in the Pepsi-Cola Theatre for the Performing Arts in downtown Mitchell, South Dakota. We are across from the World's Only Corn Palace. It is our mission to keep quality, live, and economical theatre available to our community. We also work towards creating a thriving and vibrant community through the arts! We do accomplish this with a season full of entertainment. ACT season consists of 5 season plays, a new Music and Movement Series, 3-4 special events, featured artists, art contests, and more! please see our Tickets and Events page too see what is happening now!

ACT is governed by a board of directors that consists of local community members of all backgrounds. A Managing Director and Theatre Manager (see staff and board page for more info) are in charge of the day to day operations and promotions of the theatre.

The Corn Palace Education Center, on the second floor of the World's Only Corn Palace, is part fun zone and part corn museum. Young visitors will likely find a sandbox of corn kernels and an indoor corn maze.

For live music, the Mitchell Municipal band offers a summer concert series and don't miss the Downtown Thursdays events which occur every Thursday starting in June and ending in September.

Attractions






Make sure to check out Mitchell's Great 8!

1. The World’s Only Corn Palace
cornpalace.com • 866.273.2676
This unique ear-chitecture is decorated each year with thousands of bushels of corns, grains and native grasses. The World’s Only
Corn Palace is illuminated with thousands of lights leaving a lasting memory of this breathtaking sight. Meet and greet our
mascot, Cornelia! Your eyes won’t believe our 275,000 ears!
Suggested Time: 1 hour, Admission Free

2. Dakota Discovery Museum & McGovern Center
dakotadiscovery.com • 605.996.2122
Re-enact the life of a cowboy or discover the life, culture and the arts of pioneers and Native Americans of this region from the 1600’s
through the 1930’s. Visit the 1886 Beckwith home, built for Corn Palace founder Louis Beckwith.
Suggested Time: 1 ½ hours,
Admission: $3.00-$7.00 per person

3. Prehistoric Indian Village & Archeodome
mitchellindianvillage.org • 605.996.5473
Begin at the Prehistoric Indian Village archeological site where 1,100 years ago semi-nomadic farmers/hunters harvested the first
corn in this area. Experience a prehistoric dwelling by walking through an earth lodge, follow the brick walkway through the
gazebo and have lunch on the beautiful shores of Lake Mitchell.
Suggested Time: 1 ½ hours, Admission, $6.00 per person

4. Lake Mitchell
cityofmitchell.org • 605.995.8450
Enjoy clean sandy beaches, picnic areas, fishing and boating access, hiking and biking trails and much more on over the 850 acres
of Lake Mitchell. Lake Mitchell is located a mile and a half north of the Corn Palace on Hwy 37.
Suggested Time: 2 hours,
Admission, Free

5. Mitchell Aquatic Center
cityofmitchell.org • 605.995.8450
The Mitchell Outdoor Aquatic Center provides quality recreational swimming experiences for all ages. A 50-meter 6-lane competition
pool, while a zero-depth entry into the wading area will give plenty of room for our youngest swimmers. A double slide with runs of
over 100ft, zero-depth area, and interactive features will keep the entire family entertained all afternoon.
Suggested Time: 2 hours,
Admission, $5.00

6. Historic Main Street
mitchellmainstreet.com • 605.990.4500
Located in the heart of Mitchell, Main Street is an exciting community space surrounded by trendy boutiques, unique gift shops,
antiques, entertainment and eateries. Shop. Dine. Experience.
Suggested Time: 2 hours, Admission, Free

7. Carnegie Resource Center
mitchellcarnegie.com • 605.996.3209
Travel back in time and see the Corn Palace memorabilia from the last 100+ years! Historians are on hand to answer any questions or
help you find that special piece of memorabilia you may be looking for.
Suggested Time: 45 minutes, Admission: Free

8. Wildlife Displays at Cabela’s
The Wild Animal Displays at Cabela’s feature amazing museum-quality trophy mounts, a spectacular conservation mountain, and
fantastic freshwater aquariums showcasing fish native to the Missouri River, which runs through South Dakota. Your whole family will
love this unusual and interesting display.
Suggested Time: 60 minutes, Admission, Free

Transportation




Climate

Monthly Temperatures / Rainfall


 Month  Low  Avg  High  Rain
 January  8.3  19.2  30.1  0.4 "
 February  14.6  25.9  37.1  0.5 "
 March  25.3  37.4  49.4  1.8 "
 April  36.6  50.3  64.0  2.8 "
 May  48.6  61.9  75.1  3.7 "
 June  58.3  71.4  84.5  3.6 "
 July  63.4  76.0  88.5  3.4 "
 August  61.6  74.0  86.3  2.8 "
 September  51.2  65.3  79.3  2.4 "
 October  38.6  52.5  66.5  2.0 "
 November  24.8  35.5  46.2  1.5 "
 December  12.5  22.9  33.2  0.5 "

Best Time To Go:

Summer and fall.

Spring temperatures are cold with averages in the upper 40's and highs in the low 60's. Nights are cold with lows in the mid 30's. Summer temperatures are mild with averages in the low 70's and highs in the mid 80's. Nights are cool with lows in the low 60's. Fall temperatures are cool with averages in the low 50's and highs in the low 60's. Nights are cold with lows in the upper 30's. Winter temperatures are cold with averages in the low 20's and highs in the low 30's. Nights are cold with lows in the low 10's.

Accommodations


Mitchell boasts 16 hotels, 8 camp grounds, and 7 local Bed & Breakfasts. Mitchell also has two local transportation services to get you around town.

Costs

Cost Information Is Unavailable

Additional Information

Visitor Information


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