Wall Drug? (Rapid City, Mitchell, Buffalo: purchase, closing, live)

[CA central coast]

Drove through SD on a road trip a few years ago. It seemed like for 100's of miles all we saw were Wall Drug signs. By the time we got to Wall, the store was closing. My wife wanted to stay in Wall and go Wall Drug the next day. She really wanted to go to the soda shop. I talked her into driving to Rapid City to get a room (early start on visiting the Hills). She is still mad at me about it. Did we miss anything? I've always wanted to visit an authentic old fashioned soda shop, but we were a little pressed for time to get back to CA.

Also, do any of you visit the ND site? It's all about how North Dakotans are snobby and unfriendly. The difference in SD and ND sites is really interesting and surprising. I had always heard that North Dakotans were some of the most friendly, welcoming, helpful people in the country. What's going on up there?

[DannyBanany]

I have lived in Rapid City nearly all my life and I too have never been to Wall Drug! Trust me, I don't lose sleep at night. From what I've heard it's just free ice water and a massive gift shop out in the middle of the prairie. I doubt I'll ever stop in!

I've never been to North Dakota either. I guess I'm not such a big help today!

[Newman Fan]

Hello there. CA CC. Coming from Florida i was there in February. I did stop at Wall drug. I was wanting a Buffalo burger at the time hearing that they are great. Stopped in had one. Stoped in at one of the T-Shirt shops there and purchased some T-Shirts for the kids. The man in the store was vary welcoming. Told him we were in South Dakota looking to purchase a home. We were on our way to Rapid City at the time. We stayed in Mitchell the majority of the time. The state is beutiful. Well as i stated before stopped in Wall nice town and the person in the shop were we purchsed T-Shirts for the kids had told us to check out the Bad Lands what views beutiful. It took us a little out of the way but well worth it. I will be back in SD the end of July and we are dealing with a realtor to purchase a home.

[Jammie]

Wall Drug is kind of cool. We used to stop there on our way to the Hills. If you're in the area, it's a definite "MUST SEE", but I wouldn't drive a long ways just to see it.

It became popular in olden days because they offered free ice water to weary travelers. Now there are signs all over the world telling you how many miles it is to Wall Drug.

And yes, I read on the ND forum because it's one of my areas to moderate.

[MJ1986]

I agree... Wall Drug is pretty cool... One of those things that you see once, and it isn't as fun the next few times around. It's a neat stop before/after driving through the Badlands on the loop (Highway 240).
As for the ND Forum, I noticed that too! I grew up not too many miles from the ND/SD border, and have visited all parts of ND. The people seem friendly, but on the forum, I get a different impression. I've heard that the Montana forum is the same way.

[Jammie]

This is just my opinion as a member so take it for what it's worth~

For friendliness on the forum~South Dakota and Oklahoma seem to be very friendly and helpful. I know that both states are friendly in real life, too. As far as the discord in some of the states~I honestly don't know if that's a true reflection of the residents of those states. There are a few other states that I feel comfy joining in on~SC and TX are two of them. Keep in mind, this is just my personal opinion.

[Chris19]

Wall Drug is a neat stop to make. I have been there several times: 1991, 1997, and 2003. The first time when I stopped there when I was nine years old, I thought that the place was interesting and my parents took a lot of pictures of my brother and I there. The other times I stopped by, it was neat also. It is a good stop for families or those who like something original. I am hoping that I can make a short stop there on my way to Las Vegas.

[DannyBanany]

Chris are you driving to Las Vegas or are you driving to Rapid City to fly with the low rates?

[prairierose]

Wall Drug is the quintessential ticky tacky tourist stop, and we love it! So must the several thousands of other tourists who stop there each year. Besides free ice water, they also have 5 cent coffee, or did last time we were there in 2005. Veterans get a free doughnut. There is some excellent art displayed in the dining room. We are looking forward to another visit this year.

[Southlander]

Big tourist trap. You missed nothing.