Why Winter Is The Best Time to Visit South Dakota

1. Fewer 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.

2. Photo ops for days

Millions have seen Mount Rushmore National Memorial and Crazy Horse Memorial® 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.

See more with our winter photography guide

3. Skiing, snowboarding & sledding

Average annual snowfall in South Dakota ranges from 30" in the east to nearly 200" in the west! That makes for some pretty wicked opportunities to ski, snowboard, sled and tube down a variety of hills. From local favorites to slopes like Terry Peak Ski Area near Lead and Great Bear Ski Valley in Sioux Falls, bundle up and prepare for fun. 

Check out our sledding and snow tubing guide

4. 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.

5. 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 Cafe (Hot Springs); and the soul-warming staples at Look's Marketplace (Sioux Falls), Café Brulé (Vermillion), Nonna's Kitchen (Spearfish) and Tally's Silver Spoon (Rapid City).

6. Epic snowmobile adventures

Enjoy packed snow without packed crowds on South Dakota's snowmobile trails, from Black Hills National Forest in the east to the Coteau des Prairies system in the east. Whether you have your own ride or want to easily rent one, more than 1,500 miles of exciting trails await your horse-powered exploration.

7. 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.

Explore more South Dakota events

8. Ice skating

There's a certain sense of freedom that comes from sailing across the ice. Popular spots include Main Street Square (Rapid City), the skate ribbon at Jacobson Plaza (Sioux Falls) or Outlaw Square (Deadwood). There's even water across the state that — when properly frozen — makes for some very scenic skating.

How to hit the ice in South Dakota

9. 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 and picture at Breakfast With Santa at the Bramble Park Zoo (Watertown), or meet him after a sleigh ride at Frontier Christmas at Fort Sisseton Historic State Park. If Krampus and drinks are more your style, don't miss the Annual Krampus Pub Crawl once a year in Rapid City.

10. 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.