Wall Tourist Traps

On one level Wall Drug in the tiny town of Wall, SD, on the edge of Badlands National Park is a tourist trap, what with its Six Foot Rabbit (actually a stuffed burro), the tacky Cowboy Orchestra and Chuck Wagon Quartet (glassed-in tableaux with animated, life-size statues).. But Wall Drug is a first-rate place to buy Western wear (Levi's, authentic cowboy hats, boots, and moccasins) and has the best prices for that sort of thing in the region. And for the locals, pharmaceuticals are cheaper there than anywhere else -- the fact that people drive over 100km to take advantage of them testifies to that. I've known the Hustead family that runs it since I was quite literally a baby, so I know what I'm talking about here.

Unique Suggestions: Steer clear of the Back Yard with the Six-Foot Rabbit and Giant Mailbox, and head for the Art Gallery dining room in the cafeteria. Console yourself with an excellent buffalo burger and maybe an iced tea. Skip the gummy blueberry pie, however!

Fun Alternatives: Head across the street to the Cactus Lounge for something to eat and maybe a drink. It's much less a "scene" and you're apt to run into a lot more locals. Otherwise, pile back into the car and head south to Badlands National Park.