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News • South Dakota • United States • 2013-07-22

Explore South Dakota’s Winter Wonderland

When the snow begins to fall in South Dakota, a breadth of fresh recreation activities emerges. In a few short months, blankets of white, powdery snow cover the state’s legendary landscapes, unveiling a winter playground for all to enjoy.

South Dakota proudly boasts more than 1,500 miles of snowmobile trails, 350 of which course their way through the pristine Black Hills. (Request a free snowmobile guide.) The 109-mile Mickelson Trail offers excellent snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling (allowed only on a portion of the Deadwood to Dumont section). The Black Hills are also home to two ski resorts, both located near Deadwood: Terry Peak and Mystic Miner Ski Resort at Deer Mountain.

For a relaxing winter day, take a trip to Hill City – a small mountain town featuring a variety of shops, art galleries and wineries. Western South Dakota’s world-famous attractions like Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Crazy Horse Memorial, Custer State Park and Badlands National Park are open year-round for visitors to enjoy. Spearfish Canyon offers breathtaking views of the Black Hills with its frozen waterfalls and limestone palisades.

Visit the central and eastern regions of the state and walk among more than 100 beautifully decorated Christmas trees in the South Dakota State Capitol in Pierre during the annual Christmas at the Capitol (Thanksgiving through Christmas). Falls Park in Sioux Falls proudly hosts Winter Wonderland at Falls Park (late November through early January), a dazzling display of lights and holiday festivities for all ages. In the northeast, Fort Sisseton Historic State Park features their annual Frontier Christmas (December 14, 2013), where visitors can walk among the nearly 150-year old cavalry post and partake in holiday festivities.

There are a variety of additional opportunities for visitors to take advantage of during the beautiful winter season. Visit our South Dakota winter page for a number of suggestions to offer your clients!

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