While many travelers visit the Black Hills during summer, many miss seeing how the area transforms itself into a true, winter wonderland every year. Winter in the Black Hills is truly an unforgettable experience that has made weekend getaways more popular for couples, families, and solo travelers.
If Deadwood, SD is near the top of your vacation list, the winter season is the perfect time to visit. The colder season brings us crackling fires, endless hot chocolate, cozy sweaters, a variety of dining, and plenty of winter sports. Between the natural stunning scenery, spectacular Christmas decorations, and abundance of winter-filled activities, Deadwood is the perfect destination for a winter vacation. Dare to be intrigued and see why Deadwood is a place worth exploring.
After a full day in the snow, consider staying at Tin Lizzie Gaming Resort, which offers luxurious accommodations, an exhilarating gaming floor, and on-site dining options. Dare to be comfortable at our newly renovated Hampton by Hilton or Four Points by Sheraton, and savor a truly unique experience with one of our many dining options. Need a pick-me-up? Enjoy a nice, warm cup of joe at our on-site Starbucks. Your stay will be nothing short of unforgettable.
Need a break from the slopes? Treat yourself to some shopping on Main Street in one of the many gift shops, while you enjoy the beautiful light displays. Deadwood features just about everything you can imagine including antiques, trendy clothing, fine pottery, Black Hills Gold jewelry, and much more.
Make it a full day after shopping downtown by lacing up your ice skates at Outlaw Square. The family-friendly ice-skating rink is located at the top of Main Street and is open to the public every day during the winter season (except for Holidays). Feel free to bring your own skates or rent a pair for a small fee. After your time on the ice, be sure to warm up with hot chocolate from our on-site Starbucks.
If you thought Mount Rushmore National Memorial was only open during the summer months, think again. The Memorial is open year-round with almost all facilities available and far less crowds. As the snow falls on the ponderosa pines, it creates a stunning, picturesque view of the monument. As for the weather and road conditions, Highway 16 from Keystone to Mount Rushmore is well maintained during the winter months.
Custer State Park is open year-round and offers one of the best winter wildlife experiences in the region. With most of the park traffic coming during the summer, the winter season provides the best viewing of the abundant wildlife. The park is famous for its 1,300 head of buffalo, antelope, prairie dogs, welcoming burros (who expect food from your car window!), and so much more. Most activities are still available along with special seasonal offerings including snowmobiling, snowshoe hiking, and ice fishing.
Winter sports enthusiasts of all ages can hit the slopes at Terry Peak Ski Area located only a few miles from town. The park offers 29 snow-packed, marked trails for downhill skiing and snowboarding. With elevations over 7,000 feet, Terry Peak sees more snow than anywhere else in the region during the winter months.
Mountain biking is not just a summertime sport in the Black Hills. Fat tire biking, or snow biking, has become increasingly popular for enthusiasts looking to pedal all year round. For those unfamiliar, fat tire bikes have super-wide tires that allow riders to ride uphill and easily glide over snow. Many trails are available for riders including the Mount Roosevelt Trail in Deadwood, Snow Dog Trail near Spearfish, or Lower Deadman Trail near Sturgis. Fat tire biking is the perfect way to play in the snow and experience winter the Black Hills.
Many people opt to visit the Badlands National Park during the summer months. Despite the freezing temperatures, there are plenty of advantages when visiting during the winter season. Because of the decreased park traffic, you can experience the scenic overlooks all to yourself and for as long as you want. This also provides optimal wildlife viewing as the animals come out from hiding. Photographers can enjoy the sunrises and sunsets that perfectly align with the formations during winter as compared to summer. Be sure to pack accordingly if you plan to venture out and take pictures – temperatures tend to dip between the low teens to the high 30’s!