I was brainwashed by all the signs along I-90 for 200 miles compelling me to stop at another tourist trap known as Wall Drug Store in Wall, South Dakota. It’s something of a “must-see” destination and came to fame for offering visitors free ice water (which back in the old days was a big deal). I’m glad I saw it at least once in my life…but that’s enough times for me.
A sign with latitude and longitude of the attraction in case you get lost. No, really, write this down. Wall is basically in the middle of nowhere.
My favorite part is all the crazy and out-of-place displays like this giant jackalope with a saddle on it’s back. I couldn’t get a selfie so you’ll just have to use your imagination on that one.
Inside the building you will find a collection of different stores that all have their own theme going on. Video arcades, stores with trinkets and jewelry, and a restaurant and bar.
A classic staple of all Western-themed attractions is a poker game. You know you are in America because of the guns, welcome International tourists!
They also have a pet T-Rex and maybe a gateway into Jurrasic Park by the looks of it. Keep your hands away from the barrier.
My other favorite part is this tiny alcove filled with old news clippings, photos, and plaques of Wall Drug’s exploits and famous visitors.
First time getting my fortune from a Zoltar novelty machine. I don’t remember what I wished for but it didn’t come true and I didn’t get taller like Tom Hanks did. What a rip.
Heading to Mount Rushmore next to stare at rocks desecrated by colonizers and soak in the feeling of Freedom.
Author’s note: I am revisiting old posts from my 2016 road trip because I posted all of them from my cell phone and some of them are a bit of a mess. Main reason is to properly edit photos rather than just having what came out of my phone camera, and to include higher res photos from my mirrorless camera that never got published. Additionally some of the locations on the Geomap are wrong or often have multiple locations in a single post. OG text should be captured in a summary field when available.
Text from the original post in 2016
Once again against my better judgement I went off course and stopped at a tourist trap. This time it was Wall Drug. They had signs littering I-90 for 200 miles before you even get there. This place was made for old people who collect crappy knick-knacks. On the plus side I saw a giant jackelope and an animatronic 20 foot tall T-Rex so there's that...Posting updates is slow. I'm on 3G when I can find signal. Tried free WiFi at places like T-Bell/McD's but it's slower than my 3G. Right now I'm a full day behind. Back on the road, Mt. Rushmore is up next!
Lat = 43.992775 , Long = -102.2411118 -- Show at Google Maps