2021-12-16 06:01:53
Come See For Yourself Life’s great moments happen when we take time to slow down and soak in the beauty of the changing of seasons. FIND FEWER CROWDS A visit to Western South Dakota is a thrilling experience any time of year. Planning your trip outside of the traditional peak travel months means fewer crowds, reduced prices and more lodging options for you. Be sure to take advantage of shorter lines at even the most popular attractions. The region has over 80 attractions that are open all year long, offering endless options for year-round fun. Off-Season Adventures Towering granite peaks. Thousands of trail miles. Millions of acres of national forest and parks. The Black Hills and Badlands hold more space for outdoor escapades than you could imagine. Whether you’re into adrenaline-soaked trail rides, easygoing hikes, fantastic wildlife or calendar-worthy scenery, you’ll leave feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. Winter in the Black Hills and Badlands is a snow-covered oasis. Sun-soaked skies, pristine powder-filled valleys and iconic snowcapped peaks are calling your name. Feel the crunch of snow under your boots and breathe in the crisp air as you venture out to the parks and monuments that transform into a winter wonderland. Experience for yourself how lifelong memories are often forged from nature’s stunning sunsets and the silence of winter. Scenic Drives Take the scenic route to see how windshield time can become the most breathtaking part of your vacation. Discover abundant fall beauty on four major routes bursting with autumn colors. Vivid yellow and shimmering gold leaves on tree-lined hills set the stage for an unforgettable drive on meandering roads in the Black Hills National Forest. As autumn dissolves into the powdery white of winter, local wildlife is easy to find as they become less shy and search for food. Spot bison, elk, deer, bighorn sheep, mountain goats and more on scenic drives and byways throughout the region. Come spring, the snow melts, birds fill the air with song and nature blankets the earth with its vibrant blooms. The delicate purple petals of pasque flowers — South Dakota’s state flower — silvery prairie sage and frolicking baby bison are sure signs of the new season. Special Events Plan your travels around the many events that quickly turn into annual traditions. Celebrate the fall harvest at familyfriendly festivals, sample seasonal libations with friends at local breweries and wineries or feel the rush of a herd of over 1,000 bison thundering past you. When the temperature dips, the region stays warm with charming parades, holiday markets, culinary celebrations and more. Feel the magic at classic events that help usher in the holiday season. Discover more at BlackHillsBadlands.com/Seasons. Fresh Powder Fun Snowshoeing Get outside and explore the beauty of the Black Hills backcountry in the winter by snowshoe. Custer State Park and the Black Hills Trails Office offer free snowshoes to check out for a day or weekend, with youth to adult sizing. Cross-Country Skiing Get off the beaten path and spend a day gliding through snow on a cross-country outing. Nearly 6,000 miles of abandoned railroad grades, logging roads and fire trails are open to cross-country skiing during the winter. Skiing & Snowboarding With a summit clocking in at 7,100 feet, Terry Peak Ski Area has the highest lift service on this side of the Rockies. The resort offers a full slate of services and amenities, including lessons and equipment rental. Snowmobiling The Black Hills has endless sledding possibilities on 416 miles of groomed snowmobile trails in 1.2 million acres of national forest lands. Trail maps and markers make exploring fun and safe for all skill levels. The trail system is open to ride from Dec. 15 through March 31. Ice Fishing Lakes once teeming with boats transform into ice fishing villages where anglers drill holes in the ice and wait for the fish to bite. Fast-flowing, springfed streams continue to run even in the coldest months, allowing flyfishing for cold-water trout year-round.
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