WALL KALLIE RULAND | ASSISTANT FINANCE OFFICER /

Economic Development Director

Wall, South Dakota, was established in the summer of 1907 as a railroad station for the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad and officially incorporated as the city of Wall on Jan. 25, 1908. During that same period, a U.S. Post Route was introduced, schools were built, phone lines went in, and the Cheyenne Valley Electric Company, now known as the West River Electric Association, was established. Over 100 years later, the city of Wall is still meeting the needs of year-round residents and those passing through on Interstate 90.

Wall is the year-round home of about 800 residents, but the vibrant Main Street area brings in 2 million visitors each year. Glenn Street, located right off Main Street, provides great experiences for visitors and locals alike. There you will find the World’s Largest Jackalope and a locally owned bar and restaurant. Wall’s Main Street shops offer Black Hills Gold jewelry, authentic turquoise jewelry, unique Badlands souvenirs, great restaurants, and of course the infamous Wall Drug.

A visit to Wall Drug offers something for everyone. Featuring a western art gallery, high-quality leather, authentic western wear, hand-made fudge, five-cent coffee, and one-of-a-kind souvenirs.

You have probably run into a Wall Drug sign once or twice in your travels. Billboards have become a staple of Wall Drug and the signs remain handpainted to this day. Wall Drug not only provides great dining and souvenirs, but it is a free experience. Inside Wall Drug you will find hundreds of paintings, sculptures, and other historical artifacts. In the warmer months, the Wall Drug Backyard provides a splash pad, a free ice water fountain, the notorious jackalope, and various other activities for the entire family.

Wall is the perfect place for nature lovers. With access to the Badlands National Park, the Buffalo Gap National Grasslands, and the Black Hills National Forest, it is a perfect destination for hiking, biking, and hunting. Wall provides the only National Grasslands Visitor Center in the nation. The Wall Community Park and Pool, the Wall Community Golf Course, and the Wall Rodeo Grounds offer space for recreational activities. There are also several campgrounds that accommodate both recreational vehicles and tents. However, if camping isn’t for you, Wall provides exceptional hotel and motel lodging.

Wall is known for its exceptional K-12 education system. The Wall School

District was recently named one of the top ten best schools in South Dakota. The Wall School District has also been named a South Dakota Exemplary School multiple times. The school offers a variety of extra-curricular activities to fit every student’s interests. Some of the Wall School Districts’ accomplishments include:

• 2017 National Title I Distinguished School Award

• 2014-2015, 2015-2016: Wall High School, state “status” ranking, top 10%

• 2014: Newsweek’s list of best schools in the nation

• US News, Best High School, bronze ranking

• 2012, 2018: Wall Elementary School, National Blue Ribbon School

• 2012: Wall Elementary and High School, Exemplary School

• 2011: Wall Elementary Nationally Recognized Title 1 School

• 2006-2011: Distinguished School District

Wall is recognized as an Agri-Tourism Hub. Large farms and ranches surround Wall and many of these operations are owned and managed by families that have worked and raised livestock on the land for many generations. Wall benefits from the production of wheat, hay, and beef. Various businesses, Interstate 90, and the DM&E railroad all work together to support the agricultural industry.

With the establishment of three new housing developments, Wall is ready for growth. There is plenty of space to build your dream home. As an added bonus, our housing prices in Wall are affordable. If you have been looking to build a house on land with gorgeous views and room for your family, then Wall is for you.

Wall offers an 85-acre Certified Light Industrial Park with room for your business. Wall is in the geographic center of the U.S., making Wall’s Industrial Park the ideal spot to reach customers nationwide. This, along with the natural resources and space availability, make Wall a perfect destination for small manufacturing companies. Wall’s low cost of living and low utility costs are also beneficial to tech companies that are ready to escape the big city and serve their customers from a safe, affordable, and family-friendly community.

Wall is a close-knit community that offers a low cost of living, a multitude of job opportunities, and a safe place to raise a family. Whether you are passing through or looking to make Wall your home, Wall welcomes you! We’re easy to find, located right off Interstate 90 at exit 110 - just turn at the 80-foot-long dinosaur! ■