Wall Drug
Wall Drug has a rich history in the state of South Dakota. Nestled in the city of Wall in the western part of the state, Wall Drug has grown from its humble beginnings in 1931 to a thriving oasis. Wall Drug offers dining, activities, gifts and souvenirs, visitor information, and of course, free ice water. Many road-worn travelers stop at Wall Drug and leave awake and refreshed, just like they did more than 80 years ago.
But it wasn’t always a thriving business, attracting 2 million visitors each year to the small town of Wall. Ted and Dorothy Hustead struggled to make Wall Drug successful in the early days. The city of Wall was somewhat affectionately known as “the geographical center of nowhere” back then and, to compound the challenges, the Great Depression was taking hold across the United States. But the story of Wall Drug was successful because one simple idea took root: Offering road-weary travelers free ice water. Soon travelers would make a point to stop at Wall Drug to enjoy a refreshing break and haven’t stopped coming to Wall Drug since.
Today, Wall Drug continues to offer the same amenities that made it a must-stop destination all those years ago, and visitors still stop to stretch their legs, eat a delicious home-style meal and drink some free, rejuvenating ice-cold water.
The city of Wall, South Dakota is home to 800 year-round residents and, thanks to Wall Drug, one of the most popular attractions in the state, drawing in more than 2 million visitors each year. Stop at Wall Drug and see what the excitement is all about.
Credit: Wall Drug SD
What to See
Wall Drug Mall
At the Wall Drug Mall, visitors will enjoy the Hole in the Wall Bookstore, Calamity Jane’s Jewelry Emporium and Black Hills Gold, Buckboard Western Apparel and Hats, a variety of shoes from Minnetonka Moccasin Company, kids’ Western apparel, camping, and trail outfitters and more. Everything from small tourist items to high-end retail Western wear is available at the Wall Drug Mall.
Wall Drug Backyard
Don’t miss the Wall Drug Backyard. In the Backyard, the kids can cool off at the Train Station Water Show, which features jumping jets perfect for splashing. Young ones will have a blast taking a photo with a roaring T-Rex, in front of a miniature Mount Rushmore, or while taking a ride on the giant Jackalope.
1880 Town
You have to see it to believe it! This cute little town has history galore. If you’ll be close to Walldrug for a while, you might want to consider stopping in and touring this town. Below is their website with a map of all the attractions.
1880 Town
Places to Eat
Badlands Saloon and Grille
At our restaurant, our goal is to offer our customers delicious food and friendly service in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. We’re passionate about cooking and it’s a dream come true to open our restaurant so we can share this passion with the community. From the day we first opened our doors, we’ve made a promise to ourselves and to our customers to serve the freshest and most delicious foods using only the finest ingredients and a commitment to quality. We continue to uphold this promise by making sure that every dish that leaves our kitchen is the best it can be.
Our menu features both authentic and familiar dishes using family recipes, along with one-of-a-kind creations. We encourage you to explore our website, view our menu, and most importantly, give us a try. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We look forward to hearing from you.
Badlands Saloon and Grille
Wall Drug Restaraunt
While traveling on the road, it can be tough to decide on a place to eat, let alone find a quality, kid-friendly restaurant. Wall Drug’s Western Art Gallery Restaurant seats more than 500 people and is known for its famous homemade donuts, rolls, pie and ice cream, legendary hot beef sandwiches with mashed potatoes and homemade gravy, buffalo burgers, and 5-cent coffee. Visitors to the restaurant can relax and enjoy a glass of wine with a meal from a complete menu of breakfast, lunch, and dinner items, including a full kids’ menu.
Wall Drug Store Cafe
Red Rock Restaurant
This place offers American cuisine using locally raised beef, pork, and lamb. Owned by Ken Charfauros and business partner Janet Niehaus. Both partners have a passion to promote local beef, pork, and lamb to their customers.
As a “Farm to Table” venture in the heart of beef country, they aim to promote each producer that wants to participate. Ken and Janet are involved in multiple ventures such as “Beef-to-school” and Farmer’s Market. In addition, their company C-9 Enterprises supplies restaurants, bars, and events with locally raised beef. Ken is a 30-year Veteran of the United States Air Force. Janet is a CPA by trade and has worked in that industry for over 30 years.
Red Rock Restaurant
Where to Stay
Sleepy Hollow Campground and RV Park
Sleepy Hollow Campground & RV Park is located one block North of the world-famous Wall Drug in the City of Wall, South Dakota. Why Wall? That’s easy, we are located near the entrance to the Badlands National Park and the Buffalo Gap National Grasslands. Mount Rushmore and Sturgis are only a short drive away!
At Sleepy Hollow, all of our 59 RV sites are convenient pull thru’s, and we offer campground-wide internet access to all of our patrons. Pets are welcome and we encourage you to take advantage of our on-site dog park.
Sleepy Hollow Campground and RV Park
Badlands Boondocking Area
It has been called a top five camping destination in the United States and it lived up to its reputation! The site does not have an official name, but is sometimes called “Dispersed Camping at Badlands National Park” or “The Wall at Badlands National Park.” Check out more information on the site listed below.
Boondocking Badlands Area
Sage Creek Campground
Sage Creek Campground is a free, first-come-first-serve campground with 22 sites located on Sage Creek Rim Road, an unpaved road that may temporarily close after winter storms and spring rains. Motor homes, pull-behind trailers, and other recreational vehicles greater than 18 feet in length are prohibited. This limitation does not apply to horse trailers.
A portion of the Sage Creek Campground is designated for horse use. Pit toilets and covered picnic tables are available, but not water. Potable water is available at the Ben Reifel Visitor Center. Generators are not permitted. Due to fire danger, campfires are not permitted in this campground, and the collection of wood is prohibited. However, camp stoves or contained charcoal grills can be used in campgrounds and picnic areas. When using charcoal grills, ensure the charcoal is cool prior to disposal to prevent a trash fire.
Sage Creek Campground
When to Visit
May to July is the best time to visit South Dakota. The weather is relatively moderate and most attractions will be open. This will allow for advance planning during the winter so you can fully enjoy your trip to South Dakota!