Wall Drug facts for kids
Wall Drug Store, often called just Wall Drug, is a super popular stop for travelers in Wall, South Dakota. It's right next to Badlands National Park. Imagine a huge collection of cowboy-themed shops all in one place! You can find a drug store, gift shops, restaurants, and even an art gallery. There's also a giant 80-foot (24 m) brontosaurus statue! Unlike a regular shopping mall, all the stores at Wall Drug are run by the same company. The New York Times has called Wall Drug a "sprawling tourist attraction" that brings about two million visitors each year to this small town.
History of Wall Drug
The journey of this small-town drug store to fame began in 1931. That's when Ted Hustead bought it. Ted was a pharmacist from Nebraska. He wanted to start his business in a small town that had a Catholic church. He bought Wall Drug in a town of only 231 people. He called it "the middle of nowhere."
At first, business was very slow. But then, his wife, Dorothy, had a brilliant idea! She suggested advertising free ice water to thirsty travelers. These travelers were driving to the newly opened Mount Rushmore monument, which was about 60 miles (97 km) to the west. From that moment on, business became very busy!
Ted's son, Bill Hustead, also became a pharmacist. He came back to Wall and joined the family business in 1951. Bill helped Wall Drug grow into a huge cowboy-themed shopping area. He also created the Art Gallery Cafe. Its design was inspired by a famous restaurant in New York City. Wall Drug also has a Western art museum. There's even a chapel, which Bill Hustead designed. And don't forget the 80-foot (24 m) brontosaurus! You can see it right off Interstate 90. A sculptor named Emmet Sullivan designed it. He also made dinosaurs for other parks like Dinosaur Park in Rapid City.
Bill Hustead had seven children. His oldest child, Rick Hustead, is now in charge of Wall Drug Store.
How Wall Drug Became Famous
Wall Drug is well-known because it's great at promoting itself. You can see Billboards advertising Wall Drug for hundreds of miles! These signs are all over South Dakota and nearby states. Many visitors have even put up signs around the world. These signs tell you how many miles it is to Wall Drug from famous places. By 1981, Wall Drug was giving away 20,000 cups of water every day during the busiest tourist season. This season lasts from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Most of Wall Drug's billboards are along a 650-mile (1,050 km) stretch of Interstate 90. This highway goes from Minnesota to Billings, Montana. Local South Dakota artists, like Dobby Hansen and Barry Knutson, create these signs.
Wall Drug Today
Today, Wall Drug still offers free ice water. As it has become more popular, it also offers free bumper stickers to help spread the word. You can also get coffee for just 5 cents! Some popular bumper stickers say "Where the heck is Wall Drug?" or "Have You Dug Wall Drug?".
Wall Drug has over 300 original oil paintings in its Western Art Gallery Dining Rooms. This is one of the best private collections of Western and Illustration Art in the country. Famous artists like N. C. Wyeth and Harvey Dunn have their work displayed here.
Years ago, the United States Air Force had missile silos in western South Dakota. Wall Drug used to give free coffee and doughnuts to military personnel. This was for those stopping by on their way to or from Ellsworth Air Force Base, about 50 miles (80 km) west on Interstate 90. Even today, Wall Drug still offers free coffee and doughnuts to active military members. These treats are also very popular with all other tourists.
Ted Hustead, the founder, passed away in 1999. The next day, South Dakota Governor Bill Janklow spoke about him. He said Ted was "a guy that figured out that free ice water could turn you into a phenomenal success."
Gallery
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The Wall Drug Cowboy Orchestra
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A typical Wall Drug billboard
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A Wall Drug sign in Afghanistan
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A Wall Drug sign in Antarctica – Free Ice Water, 9,333 miles away!
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The Wall Drug Jackalope, with a person for size reference
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The Wall, South Dakota Community Library
