Gateway to Badlands National Park on I-90 in west South Dakota, Wall, sometimes referred to as ‘the geographical center of nowhere’, is a small town en-route to Rapid City. A popular little town with numerous outlying attractions, Wall is best known for the famous Wall Drug Store, which occupies most of downtown Wall.
Whereas in the past you could blink and miss Wall, you’d be hard pushed to fail to spot it nowadays, miles before even hitting the town. Quirky road signs lure customers in by the thousands for free ice water, shopping and numerous family-friendly attractions.
As a result of the success of Wall Drug Store, a whole industry has built up and the town features many attractions, hotels and restaurants throughout. In addition, the spectacular Badlands National Park is just south on Highway 240, while Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse monuments are also within reach of town.
Highlights
Wall Drug Store: originally a small pharmacy during the Depression, the ‘free ice water store’ has taken over the town and now sees up to 20,000 visitors daily in the summer months.
National Grasslands Visitor’s Center: located on Main street not far from Wall Drug Store, the visitor center teaches visitors all about the National Grasslands through interesting exhibits.
Badlands National Park: this 160 square-mile park is one of rugged beauty and features an easy road loop from Wall through to I-90.
Prairie Homestead: lies near the entrance to the Badlands and is one of the only earth dwellings intact today.
Wall Community Golf Course: off Golf Course road features a nine-hole course with all levels of ability catered for.