Travel in the Midwestern United States is fun for many reasons, but the most fun can be seen in the ways that small towns try to outdo each other in creating "attractions" to get the weary traveler going from one coast to the other to stop and see the Midwest. These attractions are usually pretty kitschy, as attested to by Weird Al Yankovic's Biggest Ball of Twine in Minnesota.
The Corn Palace in Mitchell, South Dakota is that kind of a place and more. Since the 1890s, the town has decorated their auditorium with dried cornhusks and corncobs.
When we say, "decorated," we mean decorated.
The designs are elaborate and extensive, covering both the outside and inside of the building. Every year has been unique and reflective of events both in Mitchell and in the world. So looking at the photo gallery that graces the entrance hallways becomes a trip in time, over 100 years of history depicted in corn.
One particular picture stirs some controversy. In 1907, long before the rise of Nazism in Germany, one of the palace designs included a broken cross that we now regard as the symbol of the Nazi regime. A note by the picture explains that the symbol has been used in many cultures besides Nazi Germany and that it was incorporated into the palace decoration because of its meaning to local Native Americans. The picture stands as a reminder that symbols have histories.
The auditorium is fully functional and offers a number of cultural and sporting events year round. On the evening The Ample Traveler© arrived, the palace was holding a polka concert and dance. High school basketball is played there regularly. Conventions and meetings are held there regularly and include everything from art exhibits, church bazaars to gun shows and tae kwon do lessons.
The building has easy access from ground level doors. The halls are wide. Benches are provided for resting during viewing the gallery. Auditorium seating is variable, though much of it is bench seating. There is room for scooters, wheelchairs and other devices. Large washrooms are available.
The Ample Traveler© recommends that the next time you are driving on I–90, going from point A to point B, you consider stopping by Mitchell for at least a few hours. The Corn Palace is one of those reminders that not everything fun or playful comes from Hollywood. You might just learn some history as well.