If you’ve ever driven through South Dakota, you already know about Wall Drug… even if you’ve never actually been there. The signs start showing up way before you’re close, and by the time you finally pull in, it feels like you have to stop—if only to see what all the hype is about.
We visited Wall Drug in Wall, SD on our way back from a big road trip that included the Grand Canyon, Devil’s Tower, and Mount Rushmore, and it ended up being one of those classic road trip moments you laugh about later.
The Road Trip That Led Us to Wall Drug
At this point in the trip, we were fully in road-trip mode. We’d gone from the jaw-dropping views of the Grand Canyon, to standing under Devil’s Tower (which somehow feels even bigger in person), and then checking Mount Rushmore off the bucket list.
After days of driving and sightseeing, we were ready for something easy, fun, and a little ridiculous—and Wall Drug fit that perfectly.
First Thoughts: Oh Wow, This Place Is Huge
The signs were not lying. Wall Drug is massive. You walk in thinking it’s just a quick stop, and next thing you know you’re wandering through what feels like a small town made entirely of gift shops, restaurants, and photo ops.
It’s busy, touristy, and kind of chaotic—but in a way that just works. Everyone there seems to be doing the same thing: stretching their legs, grabbing snacks, and fully leaning into the experience.
What We Did at Wall Drug
Took the Tourist Photos
You can’t not take photos here. Between the jackalope, western-themed setups, and random props everywhere, it’s impossible to take Wall Drug too seriously—and that’s part of the fun.
Wandered the Shops
There are so many souvenirs. T-shirts, mugs, South Dakota-themed gifts, western décor—you name it, it’s probably there. Even if you don’t buy much, wandering through everything is half the experience.
Food at Wall Drug (Even Though We Didn’t Eat)
Wall Drug does have restaurants and cafés on site, with menus full of classic road-trip and comfort food. We didn’t actually eat here, though—we stopped in between meal times, so this was more of a stretch-your-legs, wander-around, take-it-all-in kind of visit.
Even without sitting down for a meal, it was still nice knowing food was an option. If you hit Wall Drug around lunch or dinner, it would be an easy place to grab a bite before getting back on the road—especially if you’ve been driving for hours and don’t want to hunt down another stop.
And yes, we still grabbed the free ice water, because that feels like a Wall Drug requirement.
Is Wall Drug Actually Worth Stopping For?
Honestly? Yes—especially on a road trip.
Is it life-changing? No. Is it a little cheesy? Definitely. But after days of driving past wide-open landscapes, Wall Drug is a fun, quirky break that feels very on-brand for a Midwest road trip.
If you’re already near Badlands National Park or driving across South Dakota, it’s an easy stop that doesn’t require a lot of planning.
A Few Quick Tips
- Plan at least an hour unless you’re eating
- Expect crowds, especially in summer
- Go in knowing it’s touristy—and enjoy it anyway
- Pair it with a Badlands or Mount Rushmore visit if you can
Final Thoughts
Wall Drug ended up being one of those “of course we stopped there” moments on our trip. After seeing incredible natural landmarks like the Grand Canyon and Devil’s Tower, and iconic spots like Mount Rushmore, Wall Drug added a lighter, fun stop that broke up the drive perfectly.
If you see the signs—and you will—just go for it. Worst case, you get a funny story and a cold cup of ice water. Best case, it becomes one of your favorite road trip memories.
