At last we are set to be in Iowa tomorrow to pick up our new RV. On the way we stopped in Wall Drug, South Dakota for ice cream and fun.
If you’ve ever traveled along I-90 in South Dakota, you’ve probably seen the signs—dozens of them, scattered along the highway, beckoning you to visit Wall Drug. It’s part curiosity, part roadside attraction, and entirely a must-see destination. So, of course, we had to stop and see what all the fuss was about.
Wall Drug started as a small-town pharmacy offering free ice water to weary travelers in 1931, and over the years, it has grown into a sprawling destination. Today, it’s part old-timey western town, part eclectic shopping hub, and part theme park—complete with a roaring T-Rex.
Indian Display
The Indian display at Wall Drug is a fun exhibit that offers a glimpse into the rich history and culture of the Native American tribes of the region. Featuring a painted face photo board that we stood inside and took pictures.
Bucking Broncs
Riding the bucking broncs at Wall Drug was an absolute blast for the boys. These coin-operated mechanical rides are perfect for channeling your inner cowboy. But, we just let the kids sit on them and didn’t turn them on. I don’t think the kids could handle them. ARH eagerly climbed onto the bronc, gripping the saddle horn with a determined expression while we cheered him on. Then, it was DEH’s turn and he did the same, putting even more enthusiasm into it than ARH. It was a hilarious and memorable experience that perfectly captured the fun and lighthearted spirit of Wall Drug.
Covered Wagon
The covered wagon at Wall Drug is a charming reminder of the pioneering spirit that shaped the Old West. Nestled in the backyard area, the wagon looks ready to embark on a treacherous journey across the plains. Its sturdy wooden frame is draped with canvas, and the large wheels are a striking contrast to the pickup we arrived in. The kids climbed onto the wagon, pretending to guide their imaginary horses, while they talked about the pioneers they learned about in primary.
The T-Rex That Nearly Ended Us
We wandered through Wall Drug’s maze of shops, marveling at everything from cowboy hats to homemade fudge. It was like stepping back in time while also being firmly planted in a wonderfully kitschy roadside adventure. ARH was especially excited when he saw the giant animatronic t-rex in the entry.
“Oh, cool!” he said. “It’s like Jurassic Park.”
What he didn’t realize was that this wasn’t just a static display. As he admired it from the wall right below its enormous head, the t-rex suddenly roared to life. Its massive head turned, its mouth opened wide, and it let out a thunderous roar. Poor ARH! He froze for half a second before letting out a squeal that made everyone around us laugh and he ran for dear life and hid behind Rhett.
We were laughing so hard, tears streamed down our faces. I assured him it wasn’t going to chase us down, but I think he kept a suspicious eye on it the rest of the time we were there.
Train Caboose
One of the most unique attractions at Wall Drug is the brightly painted train caboose sitting proudly in the backyard area. It’s a fun, unexpected find that immediately captured the kids’ imaginations. Rhett thought it would be fun to pose like he missed the train and was running to catch it. It’s a nod to the golden age of railroads and adds to the eclectic charm of Wall Drug. Whether you’re a train enthusiast or just looking for another great photo op, the caboose is a can’t-miss stop!
Ice Cream
No visit to Wall Drug would be complete without a stop at the ice cream counter. After a day of traveling and some time exploring the shops, exhibits, and quirky attractions, we treated ourselves to some much-needed refreshments. The smell of freshly made waffle cones filled the air, and it didn’t take long for us to settle on our flavors—chocolate for me, strawberry for Rhett, and chocolate for each of the boys. The ice cream was delicious and refreshing, the perfect way to cool off and savor the nostalgia of Wall Drug. It was a sweet ending to a truly memorable stop on our road trip.
Black Bear
The Wall Drug bear was another hit with our family, standing tall and menacingly in the corner of one of the exhibits. This towering figure is a taxidermy black bear, posed in mid-growl with claws extended and teeth bared. It’s an impressive and slightly intimidating sight, especially to our boys. After the T-Rex they were a little afraid it would move. The bear adds to the rustic, wild-west vibe to Wall Drug, reminding visitors of the rugged wilderness that surrounds this quirky stop. It’s a great photo op and one more reason Wall Drug is such a fun and unique experience.
Old Timey Stagecoach
One of the highlights of our visit to Wall Drug was climbing into the stagecoach for a quick couple photos. The coach, a beautifully crafted replica straight out of the Wild West. As we settled onto the wooden benches inside, the kids laughed and jostled each other, pretending to be pioneers relocating to the old west. Looking out through the small windows, it wasn’t hard to imagine the rough terrain and dusty trails that early travelers faced. For a brief moment, it felt like we’d stepped back in time, trading in our modern road trip for an old-fashioned adventure.
Why You Should Stop at Wall Drug
Whether you’re a fan of history, roadside attractions, or just need a break from the long drive through South Dakota, Wall Drug is the perfect stop. It’s fun, unexpected, and just a little bit wild—especially if you venture near that T-Rex.
For our family, it wasn’t just a stop; it became a memory we’ll remember for years. ARH may never trust animatronics again, but I have a feeling he’ll talk about that T-Rex every time South Dakota comes up.
If you’re planning a trip through the area, make sure you carve out some time for Wall Drug. And maybe give your kids a heads-up about the T-Rex…or don’t. Sometimes, the best memories come from unexpected surprises!
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