2023-01-23 03:45:43
Life’s great moments happen when we slow down and soak in the beauty of the changing seasons. FIND FEWER CROWDS A visit to Western South Dakota is a thrilling experience any time of year. Planning your trip outside the traditional peak travel months means fewer crowds, reduced prices and more lodging options for you. The region has over 80 attractions open all year long, offering endless possibilities for year-round fun. YEAR-ROUND DISCOVERIES 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 parks and monuments that transform into a winter wonderland. 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. As autumn dissolves into the powdery white of winter, wildlife become less shy and search for food. Spot bison, elk, deer, bighorn sheep, mountain goats and more throughout the region. Come spring, the snow melts, birds fill the air with song and nature blankets the earth with its vibrant blooms. Silvery prairie sage, frolicking baby bison and the delicate purple petals of pasque flowers — South Dakota’s state flower — are sure signs of the new season. Discover more at BlackHillsBadlands.com/Fall. 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 crosscountry 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 See how 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, spring-fed streams continue to run even in the coldest months, allowing fly fishing for cold-water trout year-round. Discover more at BlackHillsBadlands.com/Winter.
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