Free & Cheap Things to Do in Mitchell

Quirky Landmarks

Mitchell's iconic Moorish-Revival arena is wrapped in murals made entirely of corn, grain, and grasses, redecorated with a new theme every year. Step inside the free exhibit hall to see the artistry up close, browse the gift shop, and learn how it's rebuilt each autumn.

Address: 604 N Main St, Mitchell, SD 57301

Tip: Free guided tours run Memorial Day through August; the corn murals are redecorated each fall.

History & Culture

A National Historic Landmark preserving a 1,000-year-old village on Lake Mitchell, with an active archaeological dig inside the climate-controlled Thomsen Archeodome. Tour the Boehnen Museum's artifacts, step into a reconstructed earthlodge, and try throwing an atlatl spear - the state's only public dig site.

Address: 3200 Indian Village Rd, Mitchell, SD 57301

Tip: Open May-September; the indoor Archeodome means the dig is viewable rain or shine.

Museums & Galleries

On the Dakota Wesleyan campus, this museum tells the story of the Middle Border's Native American and pioneer past from 1600 to 1939. Galleries pair regional fine art with historic buildings - a one-room schoolhouse, an 1885 railroad depot, and a country church - plus rotating exhibits.

Address: 1300 McGovern Ave, Mitchell, SD 57301

Tip: Winter hours are weekdays only; Saturday hours begin in late May.

History & Culture

Housed in Mitchell's 1903 Carnegie library, this free local-history center holds exhibits on the area's past, a genealogy and research archive, and a standout permanent collection of Corn Palace memorabilia. A quiet, free stop for history and small-town architecture fans.

Address: 119 W 3rd Ave, Mitchell, SD 57301

Tip: Open Monday-Saturday afternoons 1-5; guided tours by appointment.

Parks & Nature

A mile and a half from the Corn Palace, this city lake offers a sandy swimming beach, picnic areas, boat launches, and a pier walkout. Some 13 miles of paved and wooded trails ring the water for hiking, running, and biking, with seasonal bike rentals at the campground.

Address: Lakeview Heights Rd, Mitchell, SD 57301

Tip: Bike rentals and full beach facilities run only during the staffed summer season.

History & Culture

On the Dakota Wesleyan campus, this free museum honors Mitchell's own Senator George McGovern and his wife Eleanor through a self-guided journey from World War II through decades of politics and public service. The library building is open to the public year-round.

Address: 1300 McGovern Ave, Mitchell, SD 57301

Tip: Open weekdays 8-5 with the library; hours can shift with the academic calendar.

Markets & Food

Mitchell's walkable downtown packs around 100 locally owned boutiques, jewelers, gift shops, and restaurants along a historic Main Street anchored by the Corn Palace. A free self-guided walking tour maps out the architecture and hidden public-art gems between the storefronts.

Address: N Main St, Mitchell, SD 57301

Tip: Grab the free self-guided walking-tour map to spot downtown public art while you browse.

Outdoors

Just across the railroad tracks from downtown, this paved trail follows Dry Run Creek for just over a mile through ballfields, picnic shelters, and green space. The park bundles a playground, skate park, disc golf, and easy bike-and-run paths into one free in-town stop.

Address: S Kimball St, Mitchell, SD 57301

Tip: Parking and restrooms are at the lot at the end of South Kimball Street; best March through October.