Wall Drug
Stop to stretch [your] legs, eat a delicious home-style meal and drink some free, rejuvenating ice-cold water.
Over 2 million guests a year can't be wrong, Wall Drug is a must stop while in the area!!
The city of Wall itself is a small stopover/tourist town with a population of merely 800. It was established here in 1907 as a railroad station for the Chicago and Northwestern railroads. Though small, it handles the hordes of tourists that come through constantly very well, providing dining, shopping, lodging, and visitor info. Main Street holds the most dining and shopping opportunities, with various Badlands boutiques and souvenir shops selling everything from local jewelry to homemade fudge and wine.
Wall Drug is the primary attraction here, a 78,000 square foot drug store, gift shop, and eatery all in one. Here you will find medicines, of course, and various souvenirs/local items such as western wear, leatherware, Native American items, and the Black Hills jewelry. Dine at the Western Art Gallery Restaurant while here, this western-themed eatery selling such scrumptious items as buffalo burgers and homemade donuts. It also features the largest private Western art collection in the world! If you have kiddos with you head out to the Backyard where you will find Jumping Jets, panning and mining activities, the Shooting Gallery Arcade, a toy emporium, and a giant t-rex and jackalope perfect for a photo op!
In the peak season, you will see an upward of 20,000 guests a day here at Wall Drug, though it wasn't always as popular, of course. When this store first opened in 1931 it had to overcome many obstacles, such as being in the 'geographical center of nowhere' and dealing with the Great Depression. What made it such a popular place? Free Ice Water, which you can still get today!!
