In 1931, when Ted Hustead decided to buy a little drugstore in the tiny town of Wall, his relatives thought he was crazy to set up shop in such a “godforsaken town.” Residents were poor and struggling from the Great Depression, and the town was isolated in the middle of nowhere. Ted and his wife Dorothy had faith that they could make a go of it, though, and more than 80 years later, Wall Drug is not only thriving, but it’s one of the most popular spots in the entire state.

In the beginning, business was slow and there just weren’t enough customers to keep the Hulstead family afloat.

Wall Drug/Facebook Once Mount Rushmore was completed, the traffic along the highway became pretty brisk, but no one was stopping. Dorothy came up with a great idea - offer free ice water to the thirsty travelers. The idea worked, and Wall Drug became a thriving little business.

Keeping with tradition, the drugstore still offers its free ice water today.

Angelo V/Tripadvisor

The coffee is still just 5 cents a cup.

Paul G/Tripadvisor

But, the store is a LOT bigger. By the 1980s, as many as 20,000 people were visiting the store on hot summer days, and now the attraction draws millions of people every year. The Hulsteads proved that Wall is definitely not a “godforsaken town.”

Jenni Konrad/flickr

When I-90 was built in the 1960s, the Husteads worried that the freeway would divert traffic away from Wall. Emmet Sullivan built this 80-foot-tall dinosaur, complete with lightbulbs for eyes, to remind travelers to stop.

Wayne Hsieh/flickr

With all the billboards along I-90 now, you’d have to be blind to miss Wall Drug!

Kurt Magoon/flickr

Wall Drug is no longer just a drugstore. It’s more like a shopping mall, with tons of different shops inside. The entire attraction encompasses 76,000 feet.

PA-Suzie-Sunshine/Tripadvisor

From pottery, posters and an art gallery…

PA-Suzie-Sunshine/Tripadvisor

…to cowboy boots and outdoor gear, you’ll find just about anything you could ever possibly want here.

PA-Suzie-Sunshine/Tripadvisor

There’s even a soda fountain were you can get an old-fashioned soda or ice cream sundae.

PA-Suzie-Sunshine/Tripadvisor

There are quirky little homages to the Wild West throughout Wall Drug.

F4981JCmichaels/Tripadvisor

Make it a game to see how many you can find!

TravelBugs-LewSue/Tripadvisor

You’ll also find a Tyrannosaurus rex. Weird, and random…but kind of cool, right?

F4981JCmichaels/Tripadvisor

Don’t forget to take a selfie with the famous jackalope.

David B/Tripadvisor

The main store is open Monday through Saturday from 7 AM to 5:30 PM; Sunday 7 AM to 3:30 PM. The mall stores are open from 8:30 AM to 5 PM Monday through Saturday, and 8 AM to 3:30 PM Sunday.

jpellgen/flickr The address is 510 Main Street in Wall, but you won’t need to remember that…just follow the signs!

What are your favorite memories of Wall Drug? Share them with our readers in the comments!

Wall Drug/Facebook

Once Mount Rushmore was completed, the traffic along the highway became pretty brisk, but no one was stopping. Dorothy came up with a great idea - offer free ice water to the thirsty travelers. The idea worked, and Wall Drug became a thriving little business.

Angelo V/Tripadvisor

Paul G/Tripadvisor

Jenni Konrad/flickr

Wayne Hsieh/flickr

Kurt Magoon/flickr

PA-Suzie-Sunshine/Tripadvisor

F4981JCmichaels/Tripadvisor

TravelBugs-LewSue/Tripadvisor

David B/Tripadvisor

jpellgen/flickr

The address is 510 Main Street in Wall, but you won’t need to remember that…just follow the signs!

The town of Wall is known for its drug store, and here’s a little town that’s known for its truly epic burgers. Check it out!

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Address: 510 Main St, Wall, SD 57790, USA