While known for the “World’s Only Corn Palace,” Mitchell is also a place of entrepreneurship, outdoor activities, and other attractions that make for the perfect day trip or vacation. 605 stopped by four hot spots for unique dining, exploring, and ended the day with something sweet.
Established 1879
For Lunch
Bread and Batter
417 N Main St.
The last two tourist seasons, you could find Bread and Batter owners Kalie and Jim Corrigin in the courtyard across from the Corn Palace. Finding they were in demand, the couple recently opened their first brick-and-mortar on Main Street, and they’re already running low on seating.
Why? They specialize in creating savory sandwiches with waffles as the breading. Stay in or get items to-go like the Harvest Chicken, The Mad Mac, or the Palace City Pesto. “Most of what we have is homemade and is sourced as locally as possible,” Jim explained, “like our in-house pulled pork.”
And guests are in good hands, as Kalie and Jim are the only employees. “Everything is done just by us, and a lot of love and effort goes into it,” Kalie said.
Not only does love go into the sandwiches, but it also is throughout the café. Chairs are a mix of the antique shop across the street and Kalie’s grandpa’s, and Jim built the tables and counter.
Still hungry? Try their weekly-featured soup or sandwich, like the Italian Loaded Potato Soup. “We make a fresh batch of soup and serve it until it runs out,” Kalie continued, “but we have to make a new soup almost every day because we keep selling out.”
Art from local artists transition on the walls and are for sale. Check out their latest features and watch entertaining videos by the owners on Facebook.
Open Tuesday – Saturday 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Facebook
(605) 990-3990
733 Students are enrolled at Dakota Wesleyan University
For an Attraction
Dakota Discovery Museum
1300 McGovern Ave.
The Dakota Discovery Museum was originally founded in 1939 by Leland Case, who was inspired by a museum he visited in Sweden.
“He wanted to duplicate that example here; that’s why [the museum] was founded,” manager Roderick “Rod” Brown said. “It was originally called Friends of the Middle Boarder Museum of Pioneer Life.”
The “Middle Boarder” refers to the Missouri River, where, according to Brown, farmers, shopkeepers, miners, and cattlemen were moving west to east and met in what is now “Dakota Territory.”
There are five galleries in the building that walk you through different discoveries. The Dakotas History Gallery is immersed with history of the Middle Border Region (North Dakota, South Dakota, and parts of adjoining states). Visitors learn more about lives on the Plains Indians, the Fur Trade, Dakota Territory, Railroading, Farming and Ranching, and the 1930’s Great Depression.
Artists galleries kick off with the Leland and Josephine Case Art Gallery, which specializes in various artists from the Great Plains. The Hargen’s Gallery has one of America’s premiere illustrators of Western storytelling, Charles Hargens Jr., and has an authentic recreation of his studio. This leads to the Howe Gallery, which explores the life and creative genius of one of South Dakota’s greatest artists, Oscar Howe, who also is the original Corn Palace mural designer.
Journey outside of the museum to the Historic Village that features an expanded railroad history of local rail operations of the Milwaukee Railroad in the Dimock Depot. The Farewell Church is an early 20th century example of country worship. Walk inside the Sheldon School, which illustrates education during the homesteading era of the Great Plains. Last, but not least in the village, is the Beckwith House, which is home to co-founder of the Corn Palace, Louis Beckwith. While the interiors of these outdoor spaces are closed during winter, they are open during tourist season.
Open winter hours Monday-Friday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
dakotadiscovery.com
(605) 996-2122
It was named for Milwaukee banker Alexander Mitchell, President of the Chicago, Milwaukee, and St. Paul Railroad
For a Drink or Dinner
The Depot Pub & Grill
210 S. Main St.
Grab a drink or dine at the “oldest depot of the Chicago Milwaukee and St. Paul Railroad.” The Depot’s building was built in 1908, and was used for over 40 years for passengers and freight. After sitting empty for many years, it was renovated in 1990, and is now registered as a historical site.
The American cuisine menu doesn’t hesitate to play into their theme with items like the Depot Dinner Steak, the Train Wreck Basket (onion rings, mozzarella sticks, southwest bites, cheese balls, chicken strips, and french fries), and the Caboose Burger.
Other items include pub fare, like wings, quesadillas, burgers, and sandwiches. Unique highlights are the South Dakota Ground Buffalo Steak and the Raspberry Popper Burger.
“All of our food is homemade,” owner and general manager John Foster said.
Foster also explained that their website and Facebook are constantly updated with daily and weekly specials, which are a can’t-miss. Happy hour is daily 4:30-7:30 p.m., and is 4:30 p.m. to close Wednesday and Thursday.
Scroll their selection of 30 beers, which include local options like Fernson Brewing Company and Firehouse Brewing Company on the app Untappd.
Saved room for dessert? Try delicious options like the Snicker Cake.
With their large space that expands into several rooms, The Depot is perfect for parties, larger groups, and tour bus visitors.
Open Monday-Sunday 11:30 a.m. – 2 a.m.
mitchelldepot.com
(605) 996-9417
George McGovern grew up in Mitchell
For a Treat
Jesse’s Candy Clouds
603 N. Main St.
What started as a gag gift is now a business – Jesse’s Candy Clouds.
“I always loved cotton candy, and my parents bought me a cotton candy machine one Christmas to be funny,” Jesse Taylor said.
After graduating from Dakota Wesleyan University this past May, Taylor opened the seasonal business with co-owner Edward Clark.
Mitchell’s first cotton candy shop is open during tourist season, but also takes orders off-season via social media. Taylor stresses they respond to messages quickly, and offer specialty items throughout the year, like Sticky Spider Webs this past October and Ready-to-Go Hot Chocolate Kits in December.
What they’re truly known for are their 15 available flavors, including Sassy Apple, Banana, Piña Colada, and Birthday Cake. Try all of them at once with their famous Rainbow Bag.
The best part? Guests can see their treats being made in the cozy space across from the Corn Palace.
“You can come in, choose between flavors, and watch the cotton candy be made right in front of you with our machines,” Taylor said.
Not in the mood for cotton candy? Try their Popcorn Balls and choose from original, caramel, or honey.
Jesse’s Candy Clouds can also be hired for birthday parties, wedding receptions, proms, graduations, fundraisers, and more.
For orders, connect through their Facebook. Open summer hours 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Monday-Sunday.
etcdakota.wixsite.com/candyclouds
(605) 940-1472
Try Their 15 Flavors
- Cherry
- Watermelon
- Pink Vanilla
- Bubblegum
- Cherry
- Strawberry
- Orange
- Banana
- PiÑa Colada
- Mint
- Sassy Apple
- Lime
- Blue Raspberry
- Grape
- Birthday Cake
