Continuing west on Route 90, you will begin to notice the mass amounts of billboards that begin sprouting from the ground like wildflowers. Coming from a place where they are few and far between, billboards really begin to stand out once you reach Indiana. Vineyards, hotels, and restaurants are among the most advertised on billboards, however when you cross into South Dakota, its like entering a a twilight zone of mysterious and odd signs.

Much of Route 90 in South Dakota is extremely boring. It's a straight shot with 70 MPH speed limits. The only saving graces are the unfamiliar wind farms that tower like skyscrapers over the long stretch of highway, and the magnificent sunsets painting a bounty of colors across the horizon. Other than that, you will need to find something to keep your tired eyes from closing as you drive toward the same point in the distance for hours at a time. I recommend some audio books to pass the time. Check out my Amazon Store or the recommendations at the bottom of this page!

As I was saying...crossing into South Dakota you begin to see what appear to be random and pointless billboards. Long stretches of signs maybe 100 yards apart boasting one cent coffee, free ice water, and a T-Rex line the road. With so many obscure slogans and pictures, you will have no idea what to make of them, and if you have never heard of Wall Drug before, you will likely become annoyed at the curious nature of these signs. Yet, the curiosity is what will get you. You will begin laughing at each sign, questioning their point, until you finally reach the ones that tell you you're getting close. It is at that point that you will, without a doubt, decide to make the unplanned pit stop just to see what its all about.

As you pull off exit 110, you will be guided by...yep, you guessed it, more signs! They bring you right to the center of a classic, western, cowboy town. Swinging doors, saloons, and horse troughs put you in the middle of a John Wayne flick...until you see all of the tourists that is. In the summer, there are people abound and activities going on all of the time. But, in the winter, pulling into Wall is like pulling into a ghost town. Sure, there are cars, but the owners of those cars are well hidden and scattered throughout the many shops and restaurants in town.

The main shop contains everything you could possibly need in a convenient mini-mall type atmosphere. Souvenirs, art, and travel information are just a few of the many findings at the Wall Drug Store. Opened in 1931, Wall Drug Store struggled for business until the owner, Ted Hustead began putting out those pesky signs. He started with the "Free Water" signs, and before he knew it, he had a stream of steady customers, and it has been that way ever since. The original Wall Drug Store grew into a major tourist attraction in South Dakota, and is one that should be checked out should you ever head that way. It is free to go to town, they have free water, and you can easily make a day out of it!