Wall Drug Store is a roadside stop in Wall, South Dakota, a short drive from Badlands National Park. It opened as a small pharmacy in 1931 and now occupies an entire city block with shops, a Western art gallery, a restaurant and a traveler's chapel. The store is known for free ice water and 5-cent coffee, and the homemade donuts and hot beef sandwiches are the food to try. Expect Western kitsch, plenty of browsing and a lot to see in one visit.
From a 1931 pharmacy to a city block
Ted and Dorothy Hustead opened the store as a small pharmacy in 1931, during the Great Depression. Business was slow in the early years, and the couple lived in a small space at the back of the store with their baby.
The free ice water came from an idea of the 1930s to draw travelers heading to and from Mount Rushmore. Hand-painted signs along the highways did the rest. The store grew into a 76,000-square-foot complex that now takes up an entire block in Wall.
Inside the shops and the restaurant
The shops sell Western wear, Black Hills Gold jewelry and handcrafted regional items that work as gifts or souvenirs. One shop carries raw rocks, some of which you can take home to tumble. A bookstore inside stocks a range of regional titles, a quieter stop among the souvenirs.
The Western Art Gallery Restaurant seats 520 people and has a full menu. It is best known for its donuts, rolls, hot beef sandwiches and buffalo burgers. The coffee is still 5 cents, and the ice water is still free.
The Big Back Yard and the chapel
Out back, the Big Back Yard has a giant jackalope for photos, a Train Station Water Show that families can watch, and a mining experience where visitors can pan for gems. Animated dinosaur exhibits and historical photos add to the displays.
A Traveler's Chapel sits inside the complex, offering a quiet room away from the crowds.
Getting there and who it suits
Wall is on Interstate 90, about 11 minutes from the Pinnacles Entrance of Badlands National Park. The store works as a stop on the way into or out of the park.
Visitors who enjoy browsing and roadside kitsch tend to get the most out of the store. Those who want a quieter visit in peak season may find the crowds and the number of shops overwhelming. One visitor found the store nearly empty in late March.
FAQ
Is there an entry fee?
Entry is free, and many of the attractions can be seen at no cost. Shopping and food are paid.
Is the free ice water still offered?
Yes, free ice water is offered, and the coffee is still sold for 5 cents.
How long do you need?
Plan 1 to 2 hours for the main shops and a meal. Some visitors spend a few hours going through each store.
Is it good for children?
Yes. The Big Back Yard, the giant jackalope and the Train Station Water Show are aimed at families.
Is it open every day?
Yes, it is open every day of the week.
