"One of the world’s most well-known tourist attractions, it’s hard to believe Wall Drug Store got its start with something many wouldn’t even turn their heads at today … the promise of free ice water. But in fact, the Husteads turned free ice water into a million-dollar idea with a little determination, quick thinking and a lot of signs," the official website says.

"Free Ice Water. . . Wall Drug” drew weary travelers into the small-town drug store to enjoy a refreshing break. Today, more than 2 million visitors a year stop at the popular roadside attraction for a meal or activity, 5 cent coffee, and ice water – which is still free.

"Located in Wall, South Dakota, Wall Drug has always been a popular stop on the road to the more populated areas like Mount Rushmore or Rapid City. As a matter of fact, when the United States Air Force operated the Minuteman missile silos east of Wall, the Hustead family offered free coffee and donuts to the service personnel as they traveled to and from Ellsworth Air Force Base near Rapid City. Wall Drug honors the men and women in the armed services by providing them free coffee and donuts to this day."

"Wall Drug Store, often called simply Wall Drug, is a roadside attraction and tourist stop located in the town of Wall, South Dakota, adjacent to Badlands National Park. Wall Drug consists of a collection of cowboy-themed stores, including a drug store, gift shop, several restaurants, and various other stores, as well as an art gallery and an 80-foot (24 m) brontosaurus sculpture.

"Unlike a traditional shopping mall, all the stores at Wall Drug operate under a single entity rather than being run individually. The New York Times has described Wall Drug as "a sprawling tourist attraction of international renown [that] draws some two million annual visitors to a remote town".

"Wall Drug earns much of its fame from its self-promotion. Billboards advertising the establishment can be seen for hundreds of miles throughout South Dakota and the neighboring states. In addition, many visitors of Wall Drug have erected signs throughout the world announcing the miles to Wall Drug from famous locations. By 1981, Wall Drug was claiming it was giving away 20,000 cups of water per day during the peak tourist season, lasting from Memorial Day until Labor Day, and during the hottest days of the summer."  (Wikipedia)

"Wall Drug Store is one of America's Biggest Retail Shops and, located 50 miles east of Rapid City, it's also a popular destination for Interstate 90 travelers passing through South Dakota. Wall Drug is the World's Largest Drug Store and this Big Thing To See in the USA is one of the coolest places to check out whenever you're in the Pacific Northwest," the VroomVroomVroom.com says.

"Purchased by the late Mr. and Mrs. Ted Hustead back in 1931, the small Wall Drug Store soon grew into a "one-store shopping mall" with a cowboy theme. Mrs. Hustead was the one who advised her husband to advertise with a highway sign, and to give away free ice water to weary drivers. Today, it's a 75,000-square-foot Big Example of American small business success!

"This Big Drug Store also includes a 400-seat restaurant, a museum of western art, a chapel, and an 80-foot tall Apatosaurus statue designed by Emmet Sullivan! Wall Drug is located in the tiny town of Wall, South Dakota, population 843. "Wall" is named after the Badlands Wall in the adjacent Badlands National Park."

"Wall Drug has become an emblem of American perseverance and innovation. From its modest inception in 1931, this once little-known drugstore has transformed into an enthralling destination for over 2 million visitors each year. At Wall Drug, you're not just a customer; you're part of a rich history that spans over eight decades, offering a blend of dining, activities, gifts, souvenirs, and the hallmark free ice water that has refreshed countless road-worn travelers." the Black Hills & Badlands Tourism Association says.



"Wall Drug's journey from a struggling drugstore to a thriving oasis is a testament to the power of a simple yet revolutionary idea: offering free ice water to travelers. Pioneered by Ted and Dorothy Hustead in the challenging times of the Great Depression, this initiative catapulted Wall Drug into the hearts and itineraries of travelers worldwide. Today, Wall Drug still serves up that same hospitable spirit with free ice water, 5 cent coffee, and delicious home-style meals, reflecting the endearing charm that has made it a must-visit landmark.

"Beyond the free refreshments, Wall Drug has emerged as a beacon of community and tradition, offering a special nod to the men and women in armed services with complimentary coffee and donuts—a practice that honors its longstanding commitment to service and hospitality. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a lover of quirky roadside attractions, or someone seeking a slice of Americana, Wall Drug's enchanting story and offerings promise an unforgettable experience."

"America's favorite roadside attraction! Since 1931, Wall Drug has evolved into a 76,000-square-foot wonderland of free attractions, including the Western Art Gallery Restaurant, which seats 520," the Travel South Dakota says.

"Located in the city of Wall, just north of Badlands National Park, Wall Drug offers free attractions, entertainment, food, 5-cent coffee, shopping, the Big Back Yard, a unique mining experience, a Traveler's Chapel, and free ice water, of course.

"It’s fun for the whole family. Open daily, 7 a.m.-9 p.m."

"Located just outside of Badlands National Park, and an easy drive from the road trip mecca that is the Black Hills, the once-dusty town of Wall has come a long way from its origins as a drug store way back in 1931. Nowadays, the town teems with tourists — 2 million of them annually — stopping to cash in on that free ice water, pray in the chapel, straddle a giant jackalope and chow down on hot beef sandwiches slathered in gravy," the InsideHook.com says.

"Much like caves and glaciers, Wall Drug was formed by water. Well, basically. As the name implies, the business began as a drug store owned by Ted and Dorothy Hustead in 1931, in a tiny town that served as an afterthought stopover along the Chicago/Northwestern rail line in the early 1900s, mainly for passengers en route to explore the Badlands up the road.

"At whit’s end in 1936, Dorothy began hand-painting signs with the cheery — if not grammatically confusing — phrase: “Get a soda/get a beer/turn next corner/just as near/to Highway 16 and 14/free ice water/ Wall Drug.” Placing the sign on a prominent stretch of Route 16, the jingle proved an instant success, with passersby pulling over for free ice water in the scorching Badlands heat. Over time, the business focus shifted further away from drugs and more towards other vices, like doughnuts and beer. To this day, as signs disperse and Wall Drug has grown from a modest pharmacy into a bustling tourist attraction, all signs and billboards are still hand-painted — and ice water is still free."

"The year was 2008. Adam and I had set off from Virginia toward our destination of Portland, Oregon, by way of Adam’s trusty yet road weary sedan. The car, while reliable and comfortable, was getting up there in years," the Road Unraveled says.

"We knew it wouldn’t be long before its dashboard would start to light up like a Christmas tree, with bright lights to indicate what kind of gift the car might want. Some gifts, like a new engine or transmission, just weren’t going to come off the wish list; that money would be better invested in a newer car with even more potential.

"Adam’s father had graciously offered to give us some pointers to sell the car ourselves, and somehow the conversation devolved into our decision to celebrate the vehicle with a cross-country excursion—one last hurrah before a new owner could welcome it home. The decision also provided us with an excuse to drive across the country together, a lengthy vacation with the promise of being a memorable adventure."

"If you head to Mt. Rushmore, the Black Hills, or Badlands National Park in South Dakota, you’re bound to see tons of signs for Wall Drug, which bills itself as the world’s largest drug store. It has become a tourist attraction in its own right. Especially after its “Where the heck is Wall Drug?” bumper stickers started becoming popular. Yet many people say it’s overrated. Is Wall Drug worth visiting? Your intrepid quirky travel guy hit up Wall Drug in the town of Wall, South Dakota to find out the truth," the Quirky Travel Guy says.



"Apparently, business for Ted was slow until his wife had a brilliant idea. She suggested they start offering free ice water to travelers. This was a big luxury back in the day for those visiting Rushmore in the summer. Wouldn’t you know it… business took off!

"Even now, they still offer free water, as well as 5 cent coffee! The coffee is still 5 cents per mug for this who drink it in the store. It’s about a dollar for a to-go cup. These cheap deals keep thousands of tourists streaming in through the door every summer."

"Wall had always been a small outpost in the middle of nowhere, but by the time Wall Drug opened the town had just become somewhere – or near somewhere at least. Sixty miles west of Wall, Mount Rushmore had just opened. So in an attempt to attract business, Dorothy Hustead put up a sign advertising free ice water to parched tourists on their way to the attraction. It was a big hit," the Atlas Obscura says.

"From then on Wall Drug grew under its own strange power, adding a bizarre assortment of fiberglass animals, including the iconic Wall Drug jackalope, giant dinosaurs, and more tchotchkes then you can shake a stick at, including an array of taxidermied jackalopes. (It is unclear when or why jackalopes attained such iconic status for Wall Drug).

"Wall Drug now has billboards some 500 hundred miles away–and many thousands of miles further, if you count those put up by fans–announcing the impending tourist trap all the way in Minnesota to the East and Billings, Montana to the West. If you are a honeymooner, veteran, priest, hunter, or truck driver, you can also get free coffee and donuts. They still give out ice water too. Some 20,000 cups of it a day."

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