8 Best Winter Things to Do in the Black Hills
- J&J Hospitality Traveler Tips
- By: J&J Hospitality
Winter months offer its visitors a number of fun and entertaining Winter activities in the Black Hills.
Do you think that the warm summer months are the greatest time to visit the Black Hills?
After taking part in some of the area’s various off season outdoor activities, you might end yourself changing your mind. Enjoy exploring big attractions without big crowds. It could be a slow, cozy getaway filled with warm beverages and toasty fires, or it can be filled with outdoor discoveries as you trek across snowcapped mountains.
In fact – it can be both things and more if you plan it right. Experience our list destination to the fullest this winter by enjoying these popular activities and check our luxurious vacation rentals as we have the best places to stay to capture everything the Black Hills has to offer.
custer city
Hiking
….winter is the BEST time to hike!
Most people think it would be dreadful to go hiking in the cold. It’s freezing outside, the roads are slick, and it typically calls for additional clothes and/or equipment. Others think that hiking is best done in the winter. There is snow, no traffic or lineups, plenty of parking, no one else using the trails.
Favorite spot include Black Elk Peak. For a challenging winter hiking journey, climb Black Elk Peak. The Black Hills can be seen over to the best extent anywhere in the area from this summit, which is the highest east of the Rockies. No matter how you choose to explore, you will be in awe of the soaring granite, rambling mountains, and pine-covered forest.
Custer State Park offers organized snowshoe hikes in January-March. Hikers are equipped with the necessary gear and led on a two-mile hike down Grace Coolidge Creek. Although there is no cost for these climbs, there is still an entrance fee for the park.
Wildlife Viewing
Undoubtedly the third-most popular attraction in the Black Hills area is Custer State Park!
Custer State Park is a premier location for wildlife viewing because to its access to approximately 71,000 acres of famous landscapes and lakes in a natural setting that is home to an abundance of animals. This state park is unquestionably a gem in South Dakota. Nearly 700 free-ranging bison, more than 50 miles of hiking paths, and a variety of breathtaking animals will be all to yourself in the winter.
Snowmobiling
….ADRENALINE-fueled winter sport!
Climb aboard a horse-powered sleigh and go dashing over 350 miles of marked, mapped and groomed snowmobile trails. With 350 miles of designated, planned, and groomed snowmobile routes, the Black Hills have become known around the country as a top snowmobiling destination for fans of this adrenaline-pumping winter sport.
Closest parking area and warming shelter to Custer is South Ditch Creek Lot. For the closest snowmobiling trail, start at South Ditch Creek Lot in the Bear Mountain Area and head north.
Snowshoeing
….Don’t have SNOWSHOES? Not a problem!
If snowmobiling just isn’t your speed, take it slow and soak in the area at a leisurely pace, try snowshoeing!!
You can check out our snowshoes rentals here offered at your chosen luxurious vacation rental. Any trail covered with snow is prime for snowshoeing. Abundant winter snowfall and breathtaking scenery make it the perfect excuse to get outside and enjoy the fresh air, not to mention an invigorating cardio workout.
There are tons of trails to explore, and you can get away from crowds to enjoy the silence that snowy winter days offer. Wearing layers, having a backpack with winter clothes, a repair kit, drinking lots of water, and having extra socks on hand are all recommended. When snowshoeing, using poles can be quite beneficial, especially for balance.
You can have this activity to Jewel Cave National Monument Custer State Park (Park, Trails, and Needles Highway) and Black Hills National Forest Land.
Ice Fishing
….don’t FORGET to check the ice thickness!
Ice fishing is a well-liked winter sport, and the Southern Black Hills provide exceptional fishing chances that are unmatched throughout the state.
In the Black Hills Fish Management Area, there are 38 reservoirs and around 800 kilometers of streams. Before fishing, you need to check the ice thickness before going out on the following lakes below:
- Center Lakes
- Sylvan
- Stockcade
- Legion
- Bismarck
All fantastic Lakes to enjoy a lovely day of fishing in the winter! When fishing within Custer State Park a park license is required.
Where to stay
Barrel Springs · ★ Secluded Stay in a Wonderful Creekside Getaway ★
24268 Barrel Springs Road- 5 Bedrooms
- 3 Baths
- 10 Guests
- Cabin
Reno Gulch · ★Nature Stay with Views Like No Where Else★
12273 Reno Gulch Road- 3 Bedrooms
- 2 Baths
- 6 Guests
- Cabin
Hilltop Cottage
25167 Little Italy Road- 3 Bedrooms
- 1 Baths
- 8 Guests
- Cabin, House
Twin Sisters Court · ★Tatanka Hideaway★Hot Tub★Pool-Table★Massive Space
25347 Twin Sisters Court- 4 Bedrooms
- 3 Baths
- 10 Guests
- Cabin
Caledonia Trail · Elk Ridge-Fire Place-Custer
11730 Caledonia Trail- 5 Bedrooms
- 3 Baths
- 12 Guests
- Cabin
Papa’s Place on Willow Creek
12490 Willow Creek Road- 4 Bedrooms
- 3 Baths
- 14 Guests
- Barn
Hot Shot Hideaway
25260 Lower French Creek Road- 3 Bedrooms
- 2 Baths
- 6 Guests
- Cabin
The Haven-Rustic Secluded Cabin
24292 Barrel Springs Road- 4 Bedrooms
- 3 Baths
- 8 Guests
- Cabin
Aviators Haven
12349 Moss Rock Lane- 4 Bedrooms
- 2 Baths
- 12 Guests
- Cabin
Camp Bluebird
12210 Bluebird Lane- 2 Bedrooms
- 2 Baths
- 4 Guests
- House
lead city
Snowboarding & Downhill Skiing
….what’s the best part of Winter?
Spending an entire day cutting the mountain and isolating yourself from society in the natural outdoors is simple when there are few people around and short lift lines. Terry Peak Ski Resort is one of the best-kept secrets
The highest lift service between the Rockies and the Alps is available at Terry Peak, which is 7,100 feet high. A comfortable ride up the slope is provided by the snow carpet, one fixed-grip triple, and three high-speed detachable quad chairlifts. Terry Peak has snowmaking equipment to guarantee ideal weather all season.
Andy Trails Ride
….a sleigh ride that takes you through a WINTER Wonderland
Nothing is more lovely this time of year than a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the South Dakota countryside.
You won’t experience the conventional head-to-tail trail ride; instead, you’ll be guided up secret elk tracks that zigzag around forested mountain terrain.
The horses travel through wooded areas, across creeks, and over fallen logs as they make their way to the mountain peak for an amazing 85-mile vista.
Where to stay
Reflection Ridge
20664 Toboggan Hill Rd- 1 Bedrooms
- 1 Baths
- 4 Guests
- Cabin
Whiskey Ridge
21310 Cabin Road- 5 Bedrooms
- 4 Baths
- 16 Guests
- Cabin
Hillside Haven
20820 Bellefish Road- 4 Bedrooms
- 2 Baths
- 11 Guests
- Cabin
On Mountain Time
11047 Whitetail Trail- 1 Bedrooms
- 1 Baths
- 5 Guests
- Cabin
JoLee Pines
11 West High Street- 2 Bedrooms
- 1 Baths
- 6 Guests
- House
Steel Pines Cabin
20658 Toboggan Hill Rd- 1 Bedrooms
- 1 Baths
- 4 Guests
- Cabin
Bellefish 2.0- Rustic Peaks Cabin w/ Hot tub
20816 Bellefish Road- 4 Bedrooms
- 2 Baths
- 8 Guests
- Cabin
Sunnybrook Retreat
21281 Englewood Road- 2 Bedrooms
- 1 Baths
- 6 Guests
- Cabin
Blue Pine Retreat
11351 Toboggan Street- 3 Bedrooms
- 2 Baths
- 8 Guests
- Cabin
rapid city
Main Street Square
There are several places to skate around the Black Hills, making it easy to enjoy the outdoors in the winter. In the center of Downtown Rapid City. A lot of entertainment can be found in this lively public area, which hosts concerts, ice skating, special events, arts & culture, and interactive fountains.
The season begins in late November for skaters of all ages. The atmosphere created by the downtown’s development is what makes skating at the Square so special.
Your senses will be stimulated while skating: your eyes will focus on the brightly lit Christmas tree, your ears will balance the competing sounds of Christmas music with the carving of each stride of your skate
Where to Stay
