8 Iconic American Roadside Attractions and Their Origins

6. The Corn Palace - Mitchell, South Dakota

Standing as a testament to agricultural pride and community creativity, the Corn Palace in Mitchell, South Dakota, represents one of America's most unique and annually renewed roadside attractions. Originally constructed in 1892 as the Corn Belt Exposition building, this Moorish Revival-style structure was designed to showcase the fertility of South Dakota's soil and the prosperity of its farming communities during a period of intense competition for settlers and investment in the Great Plains. The building's most distinctive feature—its exterior murals created entirely from naturally colored corn, grains, and grasses—is completely redesigned and reconstructed each year, making it a living work of art that reflects both agricultural abundance and artistic innovation. Local and regional artists collaborate with community volunteers to create elaborate themed displays that cover the building's exterior walls, domes, and towers, using over 275,000 ears of corn in various natural colors including red, blue, yellow, white, and multicolored varieties. The annual redecoration process, which takes place each summer, has become a community celebration that draws thousands of visitors who come to witness the transformation and participate in the associated festivals and events. The Corn Palace serves multiple functions as a civic auditorium, basketball arena, and cultural center, hosting concerts, sporting events, and community gatherings throughout the year. This multi-purpose approach has ensured the building's financial sustainability and community relevance, demonstrating how successful roadside attractions often serve local needs while attracting tourist dollars. The structure has welcomed over 500,000 annual visitors at its peak, including celebrities, politicians, and international dignitaries who come to experience this unique expression of American agricultural heritage and community spirit.