Corn Palace–Yes, murals are made of corn– in Mitchell, South Dakota
The stretch between Billings, Montana and SpringHill Suites in Sioux Falls, South Dakota is long. With stops at two tourist spots: Wall Drug in Wall, South Dakota, and the Corn Palace in Mitchell, one is guaranteed a late night arrival. We pulled into the SpringHill Suites off I-29 in Sioux Falls about midnight. Thankfully, check-in was a breeze. Within moments we opened the door to our studio suite of two queen beds and sofa bed.
A double queen, one sofa bed studio suite at the Corn Palace Inn
The room was perfect for this mixed family grouping. My husband’s younger brother and our teenage son were along for this journey. SpringHill Suites’ rooms have a layout suitable for this type of family arrangement. When I booked our stay, I remembered another family gathering years ago where SpringhHill Suites served as the lodging for a weekend spent with several relatives. The set-up in South Dakota was similar.
The sofa bed was the teen’s domain. With two TVs, the person in the “living room” space can watch a show while those in the bedroom sleep. The coffee maker, mini-fridge and microwave alcove set up is aesthetically pleasing and handy. I used the desk to set up my laptop to check email. WiFi is free.
The bathroom set up was as well thought out as the rest of the suite. The spaciousness and lighting was also tastefully done. After being in a car for more than 12 hours, the room to spread out without the need to jockey around each other is a must.
The lounge breakfast area
In the morning, the included complimentary hot item breakfast was just right for getting a quick, but tasty bite before hitting the road for the long stretch home. The teen son’s sausage, eggs, fresh fruit, waffles, OJ and yoghurt was served breakfast-in-bed style since getting him up before the breakfast goods were taken away was a push.
I also saw, a very cheerful breakfast attendant help a man fix up a plate to take to his room since his family members were also lollygaggers. Although breakfast ended at 9:30 several folks lingered in the dining area visiting over cups of coffee. The breakfast area that doubles as a lounge is a bright and cheery place set up for watching TV and relaxing.
This SpringHill Suites’ pool, exercise room and business center are well appointed and designed to help a traveler’s road trip stay feel comfortable and pleasant.
For those with more time than we had, the SpringHill Suites in Sioux Falls is right next to the Empire Mall and just a few miles from Sioux Falls’ sight-seeing offerings like the Great Plains Zoo, the Old Courthouse Museum and the U.S.S. South Dakota Battleship Memorial. There are several places to eat within a mile or a few.
Other available room options are king bed studio suites and a king bed studio suite with a Jacuzzi tub. We booked our room at Hotels.com or you can also book directly from the hotel’s website. Room rates range from $156 to $173. You can compare rates and book through or Hotels.com
There is a free hotel shuttle between the hotel and the Sioux Falls Regional Airport.
Post and photos courtesy of Jamie Rhein, member of Midwest Travel Journalists Association.
