Wander into Winter — A Getaway Guide

What is more peaceful than a blanket of fresh fallen snow covering the Black Hills and Badlands landscape. As the winter season transitions into later dawns and early dusks, there is magic to be found throughout the region with fresh fallen snow, holidays with loved ones, and outdoor adventures at a new level.

Plan your trip to the Black Hills and Badlands using our Winter Itinerary with family friendly activities, winter powder adventures, and signature events.

Things To See

 

For stunning winter imagery, we recommend checking out frozen waterfalls through Spearfish Canyon or view lakes like Sheridan or Sylvan and take in the winter beauty and serene silence.

Iconic monuments including Mount Rushmore National Memorial and Crazy Horse Memorial® are open and the light dusting of snow on the granite masterpieces offer a picturesque view. Take scenic drives through Badlands National Park and Wind Cave National Park and photograph stunning buttes, pinnacles, and Western prairies and view bison as they graze across the winter landscape.

Winter Badlands

Things To Do

 

Indoor Adventures

As the air cools, find family fun with indoor adventures like Sprockets Fun Foundry or Putz ‘n Glo.

Regional museums allow you to interact with educational exhibits and take a look at the region’s prehistoric past. Check out the Mammoth Site of Hot Springs and learn about archeological digs, travel through time at The Journey Museum, or meet a dinosaur at the Museum @ Black Hills Institute.

 

Outdoor Recreation

Outdoor adventures don’t stop when flurries fly. They ramp up! Winter activities like skiing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and fat biking give opportunity to hit the trails and explore! Bring your own gear or check out rental companies throughout the Black Hills that will get you equipped.

Hit the slopes at Terry Peak Ski Resort in Lead or Big Hill in Spearfish. Trails are designated for cross country skiing, snowshoeing and fat biking, as well, offering opportunity to explore and wander through peaceful pines.

Skate under the stars at Main Street Square in Rapid City or Outlaw Square in Deadwood. The popular hubs for entertainment are iced over. Deadwood also offers exciting ice bumper cars!

Terry Peak

Events

Winter in the Black Hills and Badlands brings with it holiday and winter community festivals and entertainment that capture the culture and essence of the region. Enjoy seasonal pop-up markets throughout our regional communities to find perfect gifts, winter décor, and seasonal flavors. Or, watch cowboys tough it out on bulls ’n broncs, while steel cowboys speed along courses at Snocross in Deadwood.

 

Snocross Shootout

Burning Beetle

Held in January each year, the Burning Beetle is a festival to raise awareness about the destructive impact of the mountain pine beetle in Black Hills National Forest. The event began in response to a 20-year infestation of the beetle. Participants set fire to a large, wooden beetle, symbolizing efforts to combat the insect.

 

Chinook Days

On January 22, 1943 the temperature changed by 49 degrees in two minutes. From -4 to 45 degrees above zero in the Northern Hills due to the Chinook wind that picked up speed rapidly.

Each January, a community wide winter festival celebrates the weather change with adventure sports like fat biking and snowshoeing, music, arts, and a community bonfire.

 

Snocross

Thrills your thing? Check out the annual Deadwood Snocross Showdown, Jan. 23 and 24, 2026 at the Days of ’76 Event Complex in Deadwood. The event showcases more than 200 professional Snocross racers flying high, in high-speed racing.

First Day Hike in Custer

Kick off a new year with an outdoor hike. Custer State Park hosts a group hike on January 1, where locals and visitors can set new intentions and enjoy a new beginning surrounded by the natural beauty of the Black Hills.

 

Sundance Winter Festival

What do you get when you mix adventure sports with the Old West? Ski-jorning. The Sundance Winter Festival, slated for Feb. 14, 2026, is a community event whose main event is skijoring, a winter sport where one person on skis is pulled by a horse.

Other winter festivals and Christmas themed parades and winter popup markets set the tone for dazzling holiday experiences and festive memory making. See a full list of events here.

 

Black Hills Stock Show & Rodeo®

The Black Hills Stock Show & Rodeo® is an annual rodeo and vendor fair in Rapid City. More than 100 rodeo events are held throughout the week. The trade show includes more than 400 vendors, food, clothing, art and jewelry. Live music and entertainment for kids are part of this event.

 

Christmas on the 1880 Train

All aboard the Holiday Express! The 1880 Train offers a variety of holiday and winter themed train rides. Sip hot cocoa and munch on sugar cookies and candy canes while riding through the Black Hills gazing out at the snow-covered landscapes. And we have on good authority there just might be a special visit from Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus – so you better be good!

 

Christmas Nights of Lights at Storybook Island

Step into your favorite childhood stories while celebrating the magic of the holidays with a stroll through Storybook Island’s sparkling Christmas displays while sipping hot cocoa. The holiday light show runs Friday-Sundays in November and December.

Find a full list of holiday dates and more information, here.

Monthly “What’s Happening” Snapshot

November

Native American Heritage and Veterans Day celebrations offer history and recognition. We begin to shift into holiday events, and indoor concerts and other special entertainment is lined up for perfect weekend get-a-ways.

December

The magic of the holiday season spreads cheer, good will, and festivities in community region wide. Celebrate the magic of the holiday season with Christmas tree lightings and holidazzle parades, visits with Santa, pop-up winter markets, and holiday express train rides throughout the Black Hills.

January

A new year means new adventures! January is filled with high action events from trilling rodeos to high-octane snocross and Western skijoring along Old West main streets. Community celebrations fill the calendar filled with live music, regional tastings, and connection with visitors and locals.

February

A month of love, we celebrate with everything we love about the Black Hills and Badlands from chocolate-themed festivals, cozy cabin stays, and treks across the snowy landscapes.

Places To Stay

 

Cozy up in a rustic cabin, light the fireplace, and sip that morning coffee before a day of exploring. Cabins and bed and breakfasts are located throughout the Black Hills and Badlands, offering scenic views along with comforting accommodations. Hotel resorts offer full amenities and are located near downtown locales and regional attractions for easy accessibility during your stay. And just because its winter doesn’t mean kids can’t splash around in the pools! Indoor waterpark resorts ensure fun for the entire family.

As the busy season starts to wind down, be sure to check for deals during quieter months.

View full lodging accommodations here.

Buffalo Ridge

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Plan

Start planning your visit to the Black Hills and Badlands today so you don’t miss the golden glow of the region. The BH&B website offers a variety of planning materials from downloadable maps and other information.

Stop by the Black Hills Visitor Center to learn more about visiting the region and get your first sticker on the Sticker Trail. Check out regional community visitor centers to learn more about each community, as well as grab a free sticker as part of our Sticker Trail program.

View and download the Black Hills & Badlands Vacation Guide, the perfect “While you’re here” guide for adventure.

The BH&B website also has several downloadable maps to help guide you along popular routes and to various regional attractions, as well as digital coupons to help you do more, while spending less!

 

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Mt Rushmore
Black Hills & Badlands Tourism Association
1851 Discovery Circle Rapid City, SD 57701 (605) 355-3700

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