A New Year means new adventures! With a winter landscape and region meant for exploration, we know the Black Hills and Badlands is a must-add to your resolution list. Join us for the best of winter sports, monumental views, and community events showcasing some of the best entertainment of the season.
Winter Wandering
Snowmobiling trails are open through March 31 and are ready for high-octane action! More than 400 miles of designated trails and 1.2 million acres of off-trail riding are available in the Black Hills National Forest. To learn more about trail permits, find riding maps, and other licensing and regulations for your own sled, visit gfp.sd.gov/snowmobiling.
Additional trails throughout the region are groomed for and tailored to snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and fat biking, winding through the forested landscape and adding to winter fun.
Parks & Monuments
There is something special about viewing our iconic monuments and exploring our state and national parks in the serenity of winter. Explore the snow dusted Mount Rushmore National Monument and Crazy Horse National Memorial®. Gaze across the expansive lookouts at Badlands National Park and find the stoic bison, wandering freely at Custer State Park and Wind Cave National Park.
Events
Get a front row seat of pure adrenaline at the Black Hills Stock Show & Rodeo® Jan. 30-Feb. 7 in Rapid City. An annual rodeo and vendor fair, there are more than 100 rodeo events held throughout the week. The trade show includes more than 400 vendors, food, clothing, art, and jewelry. Live music and entertainment for kids are also part of this event
Thrills your thing? Check out the annual Deadwood Snocross Showdown, Jan. 23-24, 2026, at the Days of ’76 outdoor event complex in Deadwood. SnoCross showcases more than 200 professional Snocross racers flying high, in high-speed racing.
For a one-of-a-kind Wild West event, check out skijoring—where a person on skis is pulled across an obstacle course by a horse—at the Sundance Winter Festival in February. Other events like Chinook Days in Spearfish and the Burning Beetle in Custer celebrate history and community.
Lodging
Winter lodging is abundant in the area, with quieter, intimate stays for Valentine’s getaways at quaint bed-and-breakfasts or cabins with private hot tubs surrounded by the pines and star-filled skies.
Resort hotels provide convenience and full amenities that allow you to be close to downtown districts and area attractions, as well as providing a comfortable atmosphere.
Plan Today
View our Winter Itinerary and download vacation guides, maps, and other resources to check off that New Year’s resolution to visit the Black Hills and Badlands.
