Aug 1, 2025
You can’t miss Wall Drug if you’re driving through South Dakota, literally! You will see billboards lining the interstate for hundreds of miles, each one teasing the promise of free water, homemade donuts, and quirky roadside fun.
But does it live up to the hype? We stopped to see for ourselves, and here’s our honest take.
What is Wall Drug?
Why is it so famous? It all started with free water. You can read up on the history of the Wall Drug store here: https://www.walldrug.com/about-us/
Our Experience at Wall Drug
To be honest, I personally feel that the hundreds of road signs we saw all across the state hyped it up a little too much. It is neat to visit a place so many deem as famous, however, it was a little underwhelming (in an overwhelming way). It didn’t quite live up to the hype for our family.
What We Enjoyed
Free water and splash area. This is a great way for the kids to cool off on a hot day.
Quirky photo ops. From the giant jackalope to a piano-playing bear, there were many photo-worthy moments.
Arcade area. This was a small area for the kids to burn off energy during our long drive.
What We Didn’t Love
Crowded and noisy. It’s extremely busy, especially in peak summer.
Lots of souvenir shops. Most shop sell similar items, so it starts to blend together.
Tourist prices. This is going to be a bit expected for a major roadside attraction.
Tips for Visiting Wall Drug
Arrive early or late to avoid the biggest crowds.
Grab a donut or coffee if you need a quick snack, they’re local favorites.
Budget 1–2 hours max, it’s easy to see everything in a short visit.
Use it as a pit stop rather than a main destination on your South Dakota road trip.
Final Thoughts: Is Wall Drug Worth the Stop?
If you’re already passing through South Dakota, Wall Drug is worth stopping once for the novelty and nostalgia. Kids will enjoy the splash pad and silly photo ops, and adults will appreciate checking a famous spot off their travel list.
But if you’re expecting a world-class attraction, you may find it a bit overrated and overly commercialized. Still, it’s a classic stop that’s part of the full South Dakota road trip experience. We’re glad we saw it once, but it’s not a stop we’d go out of our way for again.
🚙 Planning a South Dakota road trip? Don’t miss an opportunity to explore the Badlands National Park!