Who would make a Palace of Corn? South Dakota!
The Corn Palace is the only Palace left of the over 30 Grain Palaces built in between 1887 and 1930, by cities looking to promote themselves and their products across the Midwest. The Corn Palace draws over half a million people a year from around the world.
Built original in 1892, it was rebuilt several time until 1921 which is the one that you will see today. In 1937, the onion domes and the Moorish minarets were added.
The exterior corn mural are changed each year with a new theme. Check out the upstairs for the art work of Oscar Howe who designed panels from 1948 to 1971.
But the Corn Palace is best know for hosting the Corn Palace Festival every year at the end of August. It also host the Corn Palace Stampede Rodeo in July and the Corn Palace Polka Festival in September. It serves the Mitchell, South Dakota as a community events venue for concerts, sports events, exhibits and so much more.
The Corn Palace has hosted many well know singers and bands including Johnny Cash, Pat Benatar, Willie Nelson, Chubby Checker, Styx, Weird Al Yankovic, Charlie Daniels Band, and my personal favorite, the Beach Boys.
But bring your wallet because they have lot of shops around and get a picture with the Corn Man! To see what is going on now, check out the Corn Cams. Currently, the Corn Palace has snow!
Books
Note: The links in this article for products are through the Amazon affiliate program. The Amazon affiliate program is no extra charge to you but if you buy something while going through the link, then you are helping me keep this site going. Thank you in advance.
The Corn Palaces and Butter Queens takes you through the history of 1870 to 1930 when a form of art was created out of corn, butter, grains, and other items. This art was created to draw people into small towns, fairs, and other gatherings.
The Mitchell’s Corn Palace is from a line of books that highlights place around America called Images of America. I love this line of books because they are well researched and include a lot of pictures and fact.