Discover Davison County

Davison County is a stopping point for travelers on Interstate 90. When planning a stay, cultural history, lakeside trails, and sports activities offer different ways to spend your time. In Mitchell, attractions range from the World's Only Corn Palace to museums and the historic commercial district; Lake Mitchell and outdoor trails offer another perspective. Plan your stay around your interests and choose what to focus on.

Lake Mitchell, Trails, and Golf

Lake Mitchell is a man-made reservoir built in 1928 to provide drinking water and recreation for the city of Mitchell and the surrounding region. There are 13 miles of hiking and biking trails around the lake. Day Camp Park is next to Lake Mitchell and has a boat landing. The paved trail along Dry Run Creek is a single, one-mile route; the hiking and biking trails around Lake Mitchell extend for a total of 13 miles. The Dry Run Creek trail runs from Burr Street to Minnesota Street.

Golf is another specific focus. Lakeview Golf Course is a municipal 18-hole facility. Its driving range is over 200 yards wide and 300 yards long. Lakeview Golf Course also rents golf carts and clubs.

The Mitchell Aquatic Center has a water slide, a zero-depth play area with water features, and a 50-meter pool with six lanes. If you're planning a visit, check the seasonal operating schedule.

Corn Palace and Historic Sites

The World's Only Corn Palace was founded in 1892 and is redecorated each year with seven murals made from 12 different varieties of corn. The murals are framed with native grasses, straw, milo, and sourdock. During the summer months, free tours are offered, along with a video and exhibits about the murals and the building's history. Since tours are seasonal, it's a good idea to check the current schedule before your trip.

Mitchell's historic commercial district also combines history with a specific sightseeing opportunity: a walking tour starts and ends at the World's Only Corn Palace. The Mitchell Historic Commercial District is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Its starting and ending point provide the tour with a clear framework, while the listing also recognizes the commercial district as a historic site.

Museums and Regional Themes

The Carnegie Resource Center houses a permanent collection of Corn Palace memorabilia dating from 1892 to the present. It also features rotating exhibits on the history and genealogy of the Mitchell region. The Dakota Discovery Museum preserves artifacts, murals, clothing, tools, and memorabilia. The two collections have different focuses: Corn Palace memorabilia and regional history sit alongside a broad selection of objects and visual works.

The Mitchell Indigenous Archaeological Site & Museum is designated a National Historic Landmark. Archaeological work takes place indoors at the Thomsen Center Archeodome. The McGovern Legacy Museum offers a journey through the lives of George and Eleanor McGovern. If you're planning a visit, check the museum's current visitor information in advance.

Local products are another part of the area's offerings: the Palace City Farmers Market features home-cooked, homemade, and handcrafted goods from local producers and artisans. In 2020, 56.90 pheasants per square mile were harvested in Davison County.

Discover more destinations: Mitchell, Grant County, Clay, Kingsbury County, Charles Mix County, Hutchinson County, Lake County, Butte.

For the main travel overview: South Dakota.