This
is one of the world's most unique structures. It is
an auditorium covered with real ears of corn intended
to prove to the world that no matter what those people
in Nebraska say, South Dakota is the best place in
America to grow corn. The ears are arranged in different
patterns each year, and inside there is a gallery
showing the various designs over the years. Originally
the corn played a larger role in the building's stability,
but after a fire, the palace was rebuilt using steel
and the corn is now applied to the inside and outside.
Entry is free, but most people stay outside. If you
venture inside to see the grand hall, you will be
greeted by a site that is surreal. It takes quite
a bit of willpower to convince yourself that the faint
patterns dozens of feet in the air are really corn.
It's only when you get close to a wall and can examine
the ears individually that you realize the enormity
of the task. A close-up photo is on this page, and
you can see how different hues of corn are laid end-to-end
to create the desired effect. In this case, a cowboy
riding on the prairie. There aren't a lot of reasons
to visit South Dakota, but this is one of the best.