We left the Three Flags RV Park at 8:30 this morning for Mitchell, South Dakota. We knew that the drive across South Dakota would be rather uneventful as there are very few major attractions along the way. The road (Highway 90) was excellent and the weather conditions were nice. No rain along the way and the temperatures increased to 90 degrees with a much higher level of humidity. We decided to stop in Mitchell, South Dakota because it is about halfway to Omaha, Nebraska (our next destination) and the world famous Corn Palace is located there. We set aside one day to check our the Corn Palace and the local area then it is off to Omaha where I was stationed for four years during my military career.

Tuesday, June 2, 2020 - We decided that we would stop at Wall Drug which is located about 50 miles east of Rapid City. Wall Drug started as a small business back in 1931 along the highway. Wall Drug places many signs along the road going in both directions so you almost have to stop just to see what the place is all about. Wall Drug originally provided "Free Ice Water" for anyone stopping at the store. The also offered coffee for five cents a cup; they still do. The coffee is free for all veterans. Wall Drug is basically a huge tourist trap. There seems to be an, almost, unlimited array of items that you don't need for sale. They also have a huge cafe'/coffee shop that has four separate entrances. Lots of memorabilia and historic photos of the place too. I even got to take Lisa's photo on a huge "Jackelope." You don't see these very often anymore. The highlight of the stop was our purchase of a rather large cinnamon roll. We took it with us and it made the drive to Mitchell more tolerable. Be sure to see the photo album on Wall Drug.

We went for a four-mile walk from the RV park into the country. Very little traffic on the road and lots of green grass. Killdeer and blackbirds were everywhere. We saw one bird that looked like a red-wing blackbird, but it was yellow instead of red. Very beautiful. Every car that passed us waved. The people are very nice and friendly. Pretty neat.

Wednesday, June 3, 2020 - Started the day with a bike ride. Rode the back roads near Mitchell, South Dakota. All rolling farm land with beautifully manicured homes and farms. The roads were excellent for a road bike. No significant grades and lots of cattle, green grass, and corn fields. Corn is only about six inches high this time of the year. I rode a total of 58 miles today and only had 850 feet of elevation change. I stopped and talked to a nice lady who lives just south of Mitchell and she gave me great directions on where to ride. There were very few cars to deal with and nearly everyone waved as they passed. Pretty friendly people out here.

Lisa and I decided to visit the Corn Palace in downtown Mitchell, South Dakota. It is quite a facility. The initial Corn Palace was built in the late 1800's, and it is updated with a new theme every year. The external facade of the building is decorated with murals made from corn cobs and fibers from corn. Inside is a large theater that has hosted literally hundreds of very famous singers, dancers, and orchestras throughout the the years. It is also the home for the local high school basketball team; the Mitchell High School Kernals. They have won numerous state championships and even sent one of their players, Mike Miller, to the Miami Heat to play with Labron James and Dwayne Wade. The Corn Palace is a unique place with an extensive history in Mitchell, South Dakota. Be sure to see the photos of the Corn Palace in the photo album. Sometimes, photos do a better job of showing what the Corn Palace is all about.