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Discover the comprehensive collection of Mitchell historical information and Corn Palace memorabila, from the first year it was built, including signed photos by many of the famous performers at the Corn Palace. Enjoy the mural "Sun and Rain Clouds over Hills" by Oscar Howe, a Yanktonai Sioux artist who designed the murals for the Corn Palace from 1948-1971 and also taught school at Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell.
The original palace was built in 1892 in order to display the fertility of South Dakota's soil. The current building is the third incarnation and was built in 1921. Each year a new mural designed by local artists related to life in South Dakota is created on the exterior of the palace. The murals are created from a lot of corn, grasses, grains, straw, oats, etc. Inside the palace there is a stage and arena for sporting events. Each year there is a Corn Palace Festival that takes place in front of the Corn Palace.
The Boehnen Museum offers exhibits related to the thousand year old village. Included in the museum is a reconstructed lodge. Inside the museum is the "Shoppe Antiquary" which sells a variety of traditional, ceremonial, and contemporary Native American arts and crafts, and more. Outside the museum one can learn how to use and practice the atlatl spear thrower. Then follow the path to the Thomsen Center Archeodome which covers the on-going archeological dig. The dome also provides a teaching and research facility as well as some hands-on activities upstairs.