Though many travelers visit the Black Hills of South Dakota during the summer, many miss seeing how the area transforms into a 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 the Black Hills are near the top of your vacation list, the winter season is the perfect time to visit. The colder season brings us crackling fires, endless cups of hot chocolate, snow-covered landscapes, a variety of dining options and plenty of fun winter sports. Between the natural stunning scenery and abundance of winter activities, the Black Hills is the perfect destination for your next winter vacation. Here are ten reasons why the Black Hills makes for the perfect winter getaway.
After a full day in the snow, consider staying at one of Liv Hospitality’s exceptional properties in Rapid City and Deadwood, South Dakota, offering unprecedented comfort, one-of-a-kind amenities and locations convenient to the area’s winter events and activities.
The historic Hotel Alex Johnson in Rapid City offers some of the finest hotel suites in the Black Hills. The hotel features luxurious accommodations, on-site dining options, an expansive rooftop bar and a premier downtown location.
Cadillac Jack’s Gaming Resort offers three luxurious hotels, Deadwood’s best casino gaming floor and several on-site dining options. Located on Historic Main Street, the resort is home to three hotels: DoubleTree by Hilton, SpringHill Suites by Marriott and Tru by Hilton.
Tin Lizzie Gaming Resort in Deadwood offers luxurious accommodations, an exhilarating gaming floor and on-site dining options. Dare to be comfortable at the newly renovated Hampton by Hilton or Four Points by Sheraton located on historic Main Street.
WaTiki Indoor Waterpark Resort in Rapid City is part of a large resort complex featuring several on-site dining options, a large arcade and five hotels: La Quinta by Wyndham, Fairfield by Marriott, Home2 Suites by Hilton, Residence Inn by Marriott and Courtyard by Marriott. Each hotel is brimming with extra special family-friendly amenities to make your stay comfortable and convenient.
Need a break from the slopes? Whether you are staying in Rapid City or Deadwood, treat yourself to some shopping on Main Street in one of the many gift shops while you enjoy the beautiful light displays. Both locations feature just about everything you can imagine, including antiques, trendy clothing, fine pottery, Black Hills Gold jewelry and so much more.
Braaaap! The Deadwood Snocross Pro Races return to Deadwood on Jan. 27 and 28, 2023. More than 150 of the top professional snocross racers will descend on the historic town’s Days of ’76 Event Complex for a weekend of high-flying, high-speed, high-octane snowmobile racing. Stay close to the arena by booking your Deadwood Snocross Room Package at either Cadillac Jack’s Gaming Resort or Tin Lizzie Gaming Resort.
Make it a full day after shopping downtown by lacing up your ice skates at Main Street Square in Rapid City or at Outlaw Square in Deadwood. Both ice-skating rinks are family-friendly and are 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, warm up with hot chocolate while enjoying the city’s beautiful lights.
Dust off your hat and boots for a week full of rodeo fun during the 2023 Black Hills Stock Show & Rodeo from Jan. 27 to Feb. 4, 2023. All of Liv’s Rapid City hotels offer affordable hotel packages and are minutes from all the rodeo action. Create memories during rodeo week by staying at the Hotel Alex Johnson, located in the heart of downtown Rapid City. Enjoy both on-site dining and restaurants that are walking distance to the arena when you book a room at this luxurious hotel. At WaTiki Indoor Waterpark Resort, trade your boots for a swimsuit and make a splash at one of the five hotels. Plus, there is ample parking for pickups, trailers and more.
Winter sports enthusiasts of all ages can hit the slopes at Terry Peak Ski Area, located only a few miles from Deadwood. 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.
If you thought Mount Rushmore National Memorial and Custer State Park were only open during the summer months, think again. Both parks are open to the public year-round and offer some of the best winter experiences in the region with far less crowds. As the snow falls on the ponderosa pines at Mount Rushmore, 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. The winter season at Custer State Park provides the best viewing of the abundant wildlife. Most activities are still available, along with special seasonal offerings including snowmobiling, snowshoeing and ice fishing.
Some of the Midwest’s best snowmobiling can be found right here in the Black Hills. With over 350 miles of marked trails for snowmobiling, enthusiasts can enjoy stunning scenic views, canyons and unlimited adventure. Trails throughout the Black Hills are open each season from Dec. 15 to March 31.
Tin Lizzie Gaming Resort
There’s no place like historic Deadwood for the big game in 2023! Bet on a winning combination of fun and action at Deadwood’s BetMGM Sportsbooks. The BetMGM Sportsbook at Tin Lizzie Gaming Resort is offering a Big Game Experience for football fans, which includes game day packages, pre-game events, a featured menu, specialty drinks and much more. Cadillac Jack’s Gaming Resort’s BetMGM Sportsbook Bar is the perfect mix of energy and atmosphere for game days. Enjoy the big game and watch professional football history unfold with massive screens, table-sized charcuterie boards served buffet style and a Build-Your-Own Bloody Mary/Maria Bar.
Go off the beaten track this winter with a “once in a lifetime” buffalo safari tour at Custer State Park. With milder winters in the park, bison and other wildlife stand out more than at other times of the year. Open year-round, the park offers stunning backdrops and a wildlife experience unlike any other — all from an off-road vehicle. Throughout the tour, the guides will share educational facts about Custer State Park and its abundant wildlife. Come experience the wildlife as they become more active in their natural habitat. Warm blankets are provided.
