From its humble beginning as a small drug store, Wall Drug has grown into an international tourist attraction for an otherwise small town in rural South Dakota.

© robertcicchetti/Getty Images/iStock

Wall Drug

Top choice in South Dakota


Wall Drug is a surprisingly enjoyable tourist attraction of the old school. It really does have 5¢ coffee, free ice water, good donuts and enough diversions and come-ons to warm the heart of schlock-lovers everywhere. But amid the fudge is a superb bookstore with a great selection of regional titles. Out back, ride the mythical jackalope and check out the historical photos.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby South Dakota attractions

1. Story of Wounded Knee

0.4 MILES

This important small museum tells the story of the Wounded Knee massacre from the Lakota perspective using photos and narratives. It's more insightful…

2. Buffalo Gap National Grassland

2.3 MILES

This nature reserve surrounds the Badlands and together they protect the country's largest prairie grasslands, several species of Great Plains mammal …

3. Delta-09 Missile Silo

5.87 MILES

This Cold War–era missile silo, located down a dirt road in a desolate area 5 miles southeast of Wall, gives you a glimpse into the enormous network of…

4. Sage Creek Rim Rd

9.35 MILES

The portion of the Badlands west of Hwy 240 along this gravel road is much less visited than the sights of the Badlands Loop Rd. There are scenic…

5. Hwy 240 Badlands Loop Rd

15.15 MILES

Badlands National Park's North Unit gets the most visitors; this stunning road is easily reached from I-90 (exits 110 and 131) and you can drive it in an…

7. Badlands National Park

22.67 MILES

Pinnacled rock formations with vivid color bands, sharp-edged cliffs with tiptoeing bighorn sheep, and sprawling colonies of feverish prairie dogs are…