Running through the heart of South Dakota, the central region is home to the Missouri River — the longest river in North America —bringing with it endless opportunities for winter water adventures. Along the river, you’ll also find small and mid-sized cities as well as the state capital, which illuminates with dazzling light displays and festive winter sights during the holiday season. Experience the wonder of this breathtaking region in its quiet off-season.
CHAMBERLAIN
Holiday Cheer
Take in the snowy winter scene as you stroll along charming Main Street for some holiday shopping in locally owned boutiques. You’ll find everything from specialty fabrics and quilting supplies to vintage collectibles and antiques. Once the lights go down, hop in the car and marvel at glittering holiday lights in the drive-through Winter Wonderland experience at American Creek Campground’s day-use area.
FORT THOMPSON
Ice Fishing
About an hour north upriver from Chamberlain, discover Lake Sharpe, a 56,000-acre reservoir that begins at Oahe Dam and flows for about 80 miles south to the Big Bend Dam in Fort Thompson. This body of water is filled with a wide variety of fish, including crappie, yellow perch and channel catfish. Get out on the ice and see what you can reel in.
PIERRE
Christmas at the Capitol
In Pierre, the most magical time of year brings the South Dakota State Capitol building to life with the annual Christmas at the Capitol celebration, which kicks off with a lighting ceremony the week of Thanksgiving. Bring the whole family to this enchanted winter wonderland where numerous decorated trees, holiday lights and choral performances dazzle guests throughout December inside this grand historic building.
Snowshoeing & Cross-Country Skiing
Escape to blissful solitude when you snowshoe or cross-country ski along powder-coated trails. At LaFramboise Island Nature Area —perched in the Missouri River between Pierre and its sister city, Fort Pierre — take in views of the river, woods and sandy beaches as you trek along three trail segments. Nearby Farm Island Recreation Center offers three loops along its Exploration Nature Trail, where you can snowshoe and cross-country ski as well as take a break in the warming shelter.
Ice Fishing
Dreaming of a trophy catch? Venture an hour north of Pierre to Lake Oahe, known for its massive walleyes and northern pike. If you’re new to ice fishing, hire one of the numerous guides in the area that can set you up with everything you’ll need, including a portable ice shack and fish cleaning services. Meanwhile, seasoned ice anglers won’t want to miss the annual Mobridge Ice Fishing Tournament held every January.
