Cold weather, warm hearts. See what's amazing about a winter adventure in South Dakota.
Less Crowds
Summertime is obviously the busiest time in South Dakota, but people that skip the state in the winter don’t know what they’re missing. That’s good news for you, as the amazing food, views, and experiences are all here waiting for you as the snow drops. Same fun, no lines. Sounds perfect.
Photo ops for days
Millions have seen Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse in the summer, but to see them dusted with snow is a whole new world. Whether you’re hitting iconic attractions, watching animals explore a white oasis, or capturing the perfect snowball impact, winter offers a majestic backdrop and experience.
Skiing, Snowboarding and Sledding
Average annual snowfall in South Dakota ranges from 30 inches in the east to nearly 200 inches in the west! That makes for some pretty wicked opportunities to ski, snowboard, sled and inner tube down a variety of hills, from local favorites to slopes like Terry Peak Ski Area in the west to Great Bear Recreation Park in the east. Bundle up and prepare for fun. Click here for our sledding guide.
Build a snowman
It’s the simple pleasures that truly count in life. That includes flexing artistic muscle by creating a snowman. Whether you go the traditional route or channel your inner Calvin & Hobbes, the South Dakota snow is a canvas waiting for your creativity.
Soup tastes better
Again, simple pleasures. Warm yourself after a day of winter fun with a bowl of savory soup. Local favorites include pho from places like Pho Quynh (Sioux Falls) and Pacific Rim Cafe (Rapid City), the New-York-meets-South-Dakota flavor sensations of Bokujō Ramen (Rapid City), the rotating deliciousness from Don’t Spill The Beans (Huron), Sanaa’s 8th Street Gourmet (Sioux Falls), La Minestra (Pierre), and Upper Crust Bakery & Cafe (Hot Springs), and the delicious staples at Look's Marketplace (Sioux Falls), Café Brulé (Vermillion), Nonna's Kitchen (Spearfish) and Tally's Silver Spoon (Rapid City).
Snowmobile adventures
Enjoy packed snow without packed crowds on South Dakota's snowmobile trails. Whether you have your own ride or want to easily rent one, more than 1,500 miles of exciting trails await your horsepowered exploration.
Monumental events
Bask in the glow -- and amazing pine smell -- of nearly 100 trees in Pierre's Christmas at the Capitol. Release your inner twinkle with the outdoor light displays of Garden Glow (Brookings), Christmas Nights of Light (Rapid City), or Winter Wonderland at Falls Park (Sioux Falls). No matter where you are in South Dakota, you're likely to find an event to fill you with holiday spirit.
ICE SKATING
There's a certain sense of freedom that comes from sailing across the ice. Popular spots include Main Street Square (Rapid City), McKennan Park Ice Skating Rink (Sioux Falls) or Outlaw Square (Deadwood), There's even water across the state that -- when properly frozen -- makes for some very scenic skating.
SANTA LOVES TO SHOW UP
Santa loves appearing at parades and events across the state. Join him for a ride on the 1880 Train Holiday Express (Black Hills), a meal & picture at Breakfast With Santa at the Bramble Park Zoo (Watertown), or meet him after a sleigh ride at Frontier Christmas at Fort Sisseton. If Krampus and drinks are more your style, don't miss the Annual Krampus Pub Crawl once a year in Rapid City.
SNOWBALL FIGHTS!
Is it truly winter until you launch the first snowball? We don't think so. With snow across the state, you have plenty of options to make a perfect snowball you brag about for an entire year.
