Wall Drug Store, prominently located in Rapid City, South Dakota, is an iconic and historic destination that magnetizes over two million tourists each year. For over nine decades, Wall Drug has provided delightful diversions for road-weary travelers journeying along the lonely stretch of Interstate 90. This internationally revered holiday spot is primarily known for its endearing kitsch charm, fantastical family fun, and its legendary offer of "free ice water" - a promise that has transformed this humble drugstore into a major roadside attraction.
First established in 1931 by Ted Hustead, a Nebraska pharmacist, Wall Drug started as a small town pharmacy occupying a mere 1800 square feet. Waylaid by the Great Depression, Hustead and his wife proposed a novel solution to entice parched travelers from the parched Badlands - free ice-cold water. The rest, as they say, is history. Today, Wall Drug is a sprawling, multifarious emporium encompassing 76,000 square feet of retail space, selling everything from prescriptions to pottery, cowboy gear to Jackalopes.
A visit to Wall Drug is a phantasmagoric journey into the heart of Americana. One of the greatest attractions is the vast collection of Western art; boasting with over 300 original oil paintings by renowned artists like Gary Carter and Bill Chappell. The Backyard, an outdoor western-themed complex, houses a paraphernalia of whimsical sculpture and installations from the roaring T-Rex, a larger-than-life fiberglass Brachiosaur to the legendary jackalope that visitors can ride. Kids and adults alike will be thrilled by the 12-foot animated cowboy orchestra, a true gem of roadside novelty.
Partake in a gastronomical adventure at the cafe where the homemade donuts and its 5-cent coffee reign supreme on the menu. The immense gift shop offers unique artifacts that commemorate your visit, like the locally designed cowboy boots or South Dakota's Black Hills Gold jewelry. Before you leave, make sure to take a photo with the "Traveler’s Chapel", a calm and quiet place for weary motorists.
In conclusion, Wall Drug is not just a roadside novelty, but a pronounced dedication to the spirit of free enterprise, chivalry, and the quintessential American Dream. A visit to Wall Drug is more than just a pit stop, it's an excursion into a vivid nostalgia-filled wonderland that pays tribute to South Dakota's rich Western heritage. Wall Drug is the ultimate testament to the classic roadway culture of the United States and is a must-visit for anyone wanting to experience an unconventional yet authentic slice of Americana. The heartwarming story of Wall Drug's legacy and the dizzying array of amusements ensures it truly lives up to its motto, "Have you Dug Wall Drug?"
