Mitchell (pop. 15,000), in the valley of the James River, is the chief place in a predominantly agricultural area. A sight of international renown is its Moorish-style Corn Palace, which is decorated every year with corncobs, mosaics made with different colors of corn (maize) and other fruits of the earth and grasses - a tradition that has been
maintained since 1892. In mid September there is a large Corn Festival. A permanent exhibition is devoted to South Dakotan agriculture. Opposite in the Enchanted World Doll Museum, about 4000 dolls can be seen. The Balloon and Airship Museum has hot air and captive balloons. To the north of the town is the site of a 10th C Indian village that was excavated some years ago.
Mitchell was was named for Milwaukee banker and railroad magnate Alexander Mitchell.