Corn Palace
South Dakota
The Corn Palace is a multi-purpose arena located in Mitchell, South Dakota, renowned for its striking Moorish Revival architecture and annually redesigned exterior murals made entirely from corn and other grains. Established originally in 1892 to showcase the region's agricultural richness and to encourage settlement, it has become a vibrant community hub hosting concerts, sports events, and festivals. Each year, local artists create new crop art murals using millions of corn cobs in various natural colors, transforming the building into a living canvas that celebrates South Dakota's heritage. The Palace also serves as the home venue for Dakota Wesleyan University Tigers and Mitchell High School Kernels basketball teams. Its distinctive onion domes and minarets, added in 1937, give the building a unique silhouette. The Corn Palace Festival, Corn Palace Stampede Rodeo, and Polka Festival are among the popular events held here, drawing visitors from across the country. With a rich history as the sole surviving 'corn palace' among many built in the Midwest, it embodies local pride and agricultural tradition in an engaging and artistic way.
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Consejo: Visitors should plan to visit during late August to coincide with the Corn Palace Festival, when the building's new murals are unveiled and community events abound. Tickets for events and sports games may be purchased in advance to ensure availability. The exterior murals are redesigned annually, so each visit offers a fresh visual experience. While visiting, exploring the interior during scheduled events or tours can enrich the experience. Be prepared for crowds during festivals and consider weekday visits for a quieter experience. Discounts and group rates are often available for community events.
Datos interesantes
- •The Corn Palace is redecorated annually with murals made from approximately 325,000 ears of corn and 1.5 million nails.
- •Twelve naturally occurring shades of corn are cultivated locally to create the color palette for the murals.
- •From 1948 to 1971, Native American artist Oscar Howe designed many of the murals.
- •The Corn Palace attracts up to 500,000 visitors each year, making it a major regional tourist attraction.
- •In 2007, the Corn Palace received federal Homeland Security funding for security cameras, which was unusual for such a venue.
Historia
The Corn Palace was originally constructed in 1892 as a wooden structure to promote Mitchell and South Dakota's fertile soil, encouraging settlement.
Over the years, it was rebuilt several times: notably in 1905 and 1921, with the latter designed by Chicago architects Rapp and Rapp.
In 1937, the building received its signature Moorish Revival features, including Russian-style onion domes and minarets, which remain today.
The Corn Palace is the last surviving example of many 'crop palaces' that once existed across the Midwest, serving as a cultural and agricultural symbol for over a century.
Renovations such as the 2015 turret restoration have preserved its iconic appearance.
Guía del lugar
Exterior MuralsAnnual renewal since 1892
The Corn Palace's most famous feature is its exterior murals made from corn and other grains. Each year, local artists design new themes, transferring drawings onto black tar paper with color codes. Corn cobs are split and nailed to the building to create intricate, large-scale artworks that celebrate South Dakota's culture and history.
Moorish Revival Architecture1937
The building features distinctive Moorish Revival architectural elements, including Russian-style onion domes and minarets added in 1937. This design gives the Corn Palace its iconic silhouette and sets it apart from other arenas and community buildings.
Interior Arena
The Corn Palace serves as a venue for basketball games, concerts, rodeos, and community events. It is home to Dakota Wesleyan University Tigers and Mitchell High School Kernels basketball teams, providing a lively local sports atmosphere.
Contacto
Teléfono: (605) 995-8430
