9 Best South Dakota Towns For A Winter Getaway

Although South Dakota is one of the nation’s least populous states, "the Mount Rushmore State" has some incredible communities that come alive in winter. Many of these communities are spread out, but are excellent places to enjoy during a winter getaway. Though not what you may think of when thinking about South Dakota, you will find skiing and snowboarding havens in the Black Hills Region. Look no further than South Dakota for an incredible winter wonderland, full of surprises and a rare treat to experience.

Pierre

Pierre, the state's capital, is located in the heart of the state. The city is a sight to see in the winter, especially when visiting the State Capitol Building, an architectural marvel that offers tours for both residents and visitors. During the holidays, over 100 Christmas trees are displayed throughout the building's halls and rotunda. Museums to visit in the city during the winter include the South Dakota State Historical Society, the South Dakota National Guard Museum, and the South Dakota Discovery Center.

Another man-made wonder to explore just north of the city is the Oahe Dam, which is open to the public from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. It holds a massive amount of history for the region and creates Oahe Lake, which is abundant with recreational activities and attracts approximately 2 million visitors annually. Visitors and residents can go fishing, play disc golf in the Oahe Downstream Recreation Area, and go hiking near the Dam. Visitors and residents can also go ice fishing and view wildlife from the LaFramboise Island Nature Area further downstream on the Missouri River.

Hill City

Just west of Mount Rushmore, hidden in the mountainous region of the Black Hills, is Hill City. The city is nicknamed the "Heart of the Hills," and is an ideal destination in the winter. The 1880 Train is an attraction open all year round. It hosts various events, including a Holiday Express train that tours the city, serving passengers hot cocoa, sugar cookies, and candy canes. Along the way, people can meet Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus.

Traveling around the 350 miles of trails on snowmobiles is a thrilling thing to accomplish near the city. However, snowmobiles must be licensed appropriately before being explored. In town, visitors and residents can visit the Black Hills Institute of Geological Research and learn more about fossilized species from the prehistoric era. The McGregor and Main is a luxurious hotel to spend the night or the weekend in the city during the winter, offering excellent amenities such as private balconies, ambient fireplaces, and views overlooking Main Street.

Deadwood

On the northern end of the Black Hills region is the city of Deadwood. The town is a magical place to explore during the winter, offering visitors a variety of outdoor and indoor activities. Just outside of town is the Mount Rushmore Friendship Tower, a landmark created by Seth Bullock in honor of his friendship with Theodore Roosevelt. The Tower is accessible via trailheads (such as the JT Fuller Memorial Trail) and features picnic areas for visitors to enjoy.

Further in town, visitors can visit casinos like the Midnight Star, the Gold Dust Casino and Hotel, or the Wooden Nickel Casino. Please gamble responsibly. The Historic Bullock Hotel is a wonderful place for a weekend in Deadwood, and is within walking distance from the casinos and local restaurants like Mustang Sally's and Saloon 10, to name a few.

Custer

Just 20 miles south of Mount Rushmore is the city of Custer. The city invites visitors to explore, surrounded by peace and solitude during the winter months, and is a perfect place for hiking through the snow, with abundant opportunities for wildlife watching. Just south of downtown is the Custer Skywalk Trail Overlook, offering visitors and residents breathtaking views of the city and its surrounding landscape. The trail is 0.5 miles long, and Big Rock Park is at the top of the trail. Just outside of town is the Custer State Park, which offers visitors and residents a place to walk with snowshoes and drive on the Wildlife Loop Road, for viewing the area’s native wildlife.

Further downtown is the Black Hills Enclave, where visitors will be delighted by the charm of a boutique hotel that welcomes travelers to the city for the winter, offering charming amenities such as hot tubs, pool tables, and comfortable rooms. When you are feeling a little peckish, do not fret, there are excellent restaurants to visit in town during the winter getaway, including Buglin' Bull Restaurant and Sports Bar, which serves incredible wild west-inspired meals in a comforting setting, and the Black Hills Burger and Pizza, which serves tasty burgers, pizza, and ice cream shakes.

Spearfish

On the very northern tip of the Black Hills region lies the city of Spearfish, renowned for its scenic beauty and as the home of Black Hills State University. The Spearfish Canyon Nature Area is a great starting point for a winter adventure for visitors from out of town. People can go birdwatching, ride snowmobiles, go hiking on five scenic trails, and snowshoe the trails in the snow. Lookout Mountain is another great spot for hiking, horseback riding, and snowshoeing, but hunting is prohibited.

A charming place to spend the weekend in town is the Secret Garden Bed and Breakfast, where its guests are treated to a relaxing hot tub and a luscious garden, perfect whether they're having an intimate wedding or a winter romantic getaway. Downtown is incredibly charming, especially during the winter, with the Matthews Opera House located right on Main Street. Local restaurants, such as the Original Spearfish Breakfast House, are perfect for starting the morning, and Nonna's Kitchen offers fine Italian cuisine.

Aberdeen

In the northeast corner of the state is the city of Aberdeen, nicknamed the "Hub of the Dakotas," due to its role in the railroad boom of the 19th and 20th centuries. Aberdeen is a great place to explore during the winter months, with ice skating and recreational hockey at the Odde Ice Arena. Visitors to the community can also go rollerskating at Skateaway, which offers public rollerskating sessions for families to enjoy.

The Dacotah Prairie Museum is a must-see landmark in the city, showcasing the region's evolution through prehistoric exhibits, art galleries, permanent galleries, and temporary exhibits in a historic building that once housed the Northwestern Bank Building. Further down Main Street is the Eagle Event Co., which hosts marquee events such as weddings, corporate gatherings, and more in a charming downtown setting, especially during the winter months.

Chamberlain

Right on the eastern banks of the Missouri River is Chamberlain, a city renowned for scenic trails and water recreation. The South Dakota Hall of Fame calls the city home, where visitors can explore exhibits honoring the most iconic South Dakotans who have shaped the state's history. On the northern end of town is the Atká Lakota Museum and Cultural Center, which preserves and honors Native American culture.

When it comes to exploring the community during the winter, the outdoor scenery is at its most beautiful during a snowfall, making the landscape truly stunning. Visitors and residents can go ice fishing on the Missouri River, but safety precautions must be observed. Further afield, visitors can explore local boutiques, restaurants, and bars, such as the Silver Dollar Bar for local bites and food, or the Old West Trading Post, where they can purchase authentic antiques as gifts for friends and loved ones during the holidays.

Hot Springs

On the southern end of the Black Hills is the city of Hot Springs, known for its healing mineral springs and a great small city to explore during winter. The mineral springs to visit in town are Moccasin Springs and Evans Plunge Mineral Springs. Both are excellent spots to relax and unwind during a winter trip. Still, Evans Plunge is more public, offering large indoor and outdoor pools, water slides, and activities such as water basketball and water volleyball. Moccasin, on the other hand, is more luxurious, offering amenities such as massages, saunas, and yoga.

Just south of town is the Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary, which is open year-round and allows visitors to gaze upon wild horses grazing on over 11,000 acres of land, providing them a safe home. Back in town, the FlatIron Historic Sandstone is one of the best places to take in the winter weekend, plus each room has its own kitchen. The FlatIron is within an easy driving distance of the historic downtown, where visitors can explore the charming local restaurants and shops that make Hot Springs come to life.

Lead

Just south of Deadwood lies Lead, a city renowned for its rich mining history and an incredible place to explore during the winter. The Terry Peak Ski Area is one of the few places in the state where people can ski and snowboard in the Black Hills. The summit of Terry Peak stands at 7,100 feet in elevation and features a vertical rise of 1,100 feet. There are plenty of trails to explore for the winter, like the Lead Trailhead George S. Mickelson Trail, which goes through town, and the Sugarloaf Trailhead, which is about two miles long. Both trails allow visitors and residents to enjoy the vast natural landscape and pine forests.

In the heart of downtown, visitors and residents can venture to the excellent restaurants, shops, businesses, and hotels, and also visit the Historic Homestake Opera House and catch a festive winter play for the evening. A local winter event to experience in town is Winterfest, which takes place every February, rather than December or January. It honors and celebrates everything snow-related, featuring activities such as sledding, fat tire biking, fireworks, a bonfire, and more during the heart of the winter season.

Each of these wonderful towns welcomes winter with open arms and effortlessly embraces the snow and cold weather, allowing visitors and residents to experience the beauty of the Black Hills, the plains near the Missouri River, and making them potential vacation destinations for years to come. "The Mount Rushmore State" is a breathtaking winter gem, with smaller crowds, more peaceful landscapes, and a variety of winter activities, including snowshoeing, hiking, exploring trails by snowmobile, ice fishing, and wildlife watching, that bring these amazing communities to life.