Welcome to Wall Drug

I had researched things to see in the Rapid City, SD area on Roadside America and in various books that I have in order to find some unusual and unique things to try and visit.  I came across Wall Drug and it looked like it might be an interesting place to visit.

As the story goes, Ted and Dorothy Hustead bought the Wall Drug Pharmacy in 1931.  At that time the United States was in the midst of the Great Depression Dorothy had an idea to attract more customers to their store.  They offered FREE ICE WATER to thirsty travelers passing by and the tradition continues today. 

Their unique billboard advertising helped attract many customers to Wall Drug. 

Well here we are!  One of the first things that I noticed was the Post Office.  ~M~ was kind enough to pose for a picture.

We visited one of the shops across the street first.  Since it was early October the tourist season was all but over so some of the shops weren't even open.  We made our way down one side of the street and crossed over to Wall Drug.

Since we had heard all about the "FREE ICE WATER" we decided to see what the fuss was all about.

And for the record, the water tasted just fine.

We were hungry and we were in the cafe so we all ordered something to eat.  Hans and Nick chose the buffalo burger. 

We all tasted it and honestly it tasted the same as my regular burger. 

~M~ is trying to offer some delicious fudge to a cowgirl who doesn't appear to be paying attention to him.

I saw a couple of old phones.  The first one is inside the Pharmacy Museum and the second is in a little alcove covered in pictures.

Nick and Hans are always good sports when I ask them to pose for pictures. 

There was a nice quiet little chapel inside Wall Drug.

There is so much to look at and a lot of it is tucked inside nooks and crannies.  We could have explored more but we wanted to check out what was out back. 

My son pointed out a sign that he knew I would enjoy.

GASP!!  Deluxe restrooms?  I had already visited the ladies room inside the main building and thought it was okay.

And as you can see the sign here had also indicated bigger - better restrooms out back so I was very excited to see the deluxe restroom.  After some searching we realized that those restrooms were in the building that was closed for the season.  :(

I felt a little better once I realized there were more photo ops for me!  Again, thanks to Hans, Nick and ~M~ for being such good sports.

We did see a petrified log. 

Here is Nick trying to lift it.

I found a water tower.

And we found another mailbox.

A couple of more silly pics.

And that was.....

.....the end of our fun time at Wall Drug.

We said our goodbyes and took one last look at Wall Drug.

On the way back to Ellsworth AFB we took a quick side trip to New Underwood, SD to see the World's Smallest Biker Bar and we weren't disappointed.  It needs to be noted that I don't recall ever seeing a true biker bar so the size of this one is relative.  It does look small to me but whether or not it's the smallest is still in question.  I'll let y'all be the judge of that.

And that was the end of another fun day!

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