When I was preparing to leave Rapid City, SD last September after establishing my South Dakota residency, it was suggested, since I was driving, that I should see the Corn Palace in Mitchell, SD. So, behold, The Corn Palace.
Mitchell is a small town in the plains/cornbelt of the Mid-West region. Like many small towns I’ve passed through on my travels, Mitchell has seen better days. Yet, there, in all it’s splendor, was The Corn Palace. This is the third structure of its kind, each larger then it’s predecessor beginning in the late 19th Century. The palaces were located approximately one block further down the street from each other. All the murals and decoration on the outside of the building are redone every year and are made entirely from 12 different kinds/colors of corn grown in the region. The turrets and domes on the top of the palace also change from time to time – in size, color, position and numbers.
The Corn Palace is basically a multi-function building with a basketball court/athletic arena, a large stage, stadium seating and more corn murals adorning the interior walls throughout the structure. It is the scene of basketball games and other indoor athletic events, large banquets, touring concerts by name artists, theatrical productions and other events.
Would I have driven across the country to see The Corn Palace? It’s doubtful. However, I was passing through Mitchell, The Corn Palace was there and it made my travels through that region more meaningful and complete.
Enthusiastically,
Ed
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