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News • South Dakota • United States • 2012-06-12

South Dakota’s Winter Playground

As fall turns to winter, the state of South Dakota undergoes a remarkable transformation – blankets of white, powdery snow eventually cover the state’s legendary landscapes, unveiling a winter playground for all to enjoy. The entire state features over 1,500 miles of snowmobile trails, 350 of which course their way through the pristine Black Hills. The 109-mile Mickelson Trail also offers winter activities such as snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling (allowed only on a portion of the Deadwood to Dumont section). Located near Deadwood, the Black Hills are also home to two ski resorts, Terry Peak and Mystic Miner Ski Resort at Deer Mountain. Visitors to the eastern side of the state also have an opportunity to hit the slopes at the Great Bear Recreation Park, located near Sioux Falls.

South Dakota also offers a wide range of activities for those looking to relax during the holiday season. Take a trip to Hill City, a small mountain town home to a variety of shops and wineries. Hill City is also home to the 1880 Train, a historic, scenic, relaxing vintage steam train ride through the heart of the Black Hills. South Dakota’s world-famous attractions like Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Crazy Horse Memorial, Custer State Park and Badlands National Park are also open year-round for visitors to enjoy. Spearfish Canyon offers breathtaking views of the Black Hills with its frozen waterfalls and limestone palisades.

South Dakota is also home to a number of events celebrating the holiday season. Walk among the Christmas trees at the South Dakota State Capitol in Pierre during the annual Christmas at the Capitol. Falls Park in Sioux Falls proudly hosts Winter Wonderland at Falls Park, a dazzling display of lights and holiday festivities for all ages.

From the rolling prairies in the east to the pine-covered hills in the west, South Dakota’s vast open spaces make the state an ideal destination for your clients to experience the state’s Great Faces and Great Places!

Travel Professionals Tip

South Dakota wants to provide its visitors with as much information as possible to ensure a well-planned vacation that includes all of the state’s premier attractions. In addition to TravelSD.com, we also offer informative websites and brochures in a variety of languages. If you are unable to find the information you are looking for, please contact our office for further assistance.

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Featured Itinerary: South Dakota Winter

Begin your journey in Rapid City and drive south on Highway 16 to Mount Rushmore National Memorial. View America’s most famous faces covered with a dusting of snow.

The next stop is Crazy Horse Memorial, the largest sculptural undertaking of its kind, where you can also visit the Indian Museum of North America and the sculptor’s studio. Not far from the memorial you will find Custer State Park. Keep your eyes open for buffalo, elk, deer, antelope and burros as you wind your way through the park. From there, travel south on Highway 385 through Wind Cave National Park to Hot Springs. Overnight in Hot Springs.

Depart north on Highway 79 for Rapid City and tour a Black Hills gold manufacturing plant. Then it’s off to Deadwood to try your luck at gaming or learn about the history of this gold rush town. Overnight in Deadwood.

Snowmobile through the northern Black Hills, where you can tour scenic Spearfish Canyon and Roughlock Falls Nature Area. Or, visit one of the \"Dances With Wolves\" filming sites. Another option is a ski trip to one of the ski areas for downhill and/or cross-country skiing. Overnight in Deadwood.

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Featured Attractions [more attractions]

Laura Ingalls Wilder Memorial Society – De Smet

Pettigrew Home & Museum – Sioux Falls

South Dakota Tractor Museum – Kimball

Jewel Cave National Monument – Custer

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Featured Events [more events]

December 1, 2012 – Breakfast with Santa – Sioux Falls

December 1-2, 2012 – Aberdeen Community Living Christmas Tree – Aberdeen

December 10, 2012 – Deadwood’s Cowboy Christmas Ball – Deadwood

December 20, 2012 – Heritage of the West Performance Series – Spearfish

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