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The Black Hills offers a dazzling winter scenery with snow-covered mountains, frozen waterfalls, iced-over lakes, and breathtaking parks that are a magical sight to see and play in. Get out and enjoy some of the many winter activities the region has to offer.

Pro Snocross Races

The 11^th annual ISOC Deadwood Snocross showdown returns on January 27th & 28th, 2023. 150 of the top professional Snocross racers will descend down the historic Days of ’76 Event Complex, providing a weekend of high-flying, high-speed, high-octane snowmobile racing.

Grab your tickets here: https://www.deadwood.com/event/pro-snocross-races/

Hiking

The scenery in the Black Hills is stunning year-round and has over 450 miles of great hikes to enjoy. From stunning trails to stroll, to more strenuous uphill marches, you’re sure to find something that meets your skill or pushes you out of your comfort zone. Here are a few to get you started.

• Black Elk Peak– 6.4-mile hike ending at 7,242 feet in elevation, the highest elevation east of the Rocky Mountains. There are 8 trail paths you can follow to hike to the top. The most common is Trail No. 9, which takes roughly 3 hours and 25 minutes and starts at Sylvan Lake in Custer State Park
• Mount Roosevelt Trail Winter Route– 2.9-mile loop near Deadwood, SD. This trail is considered moderately challenging and takes an average of 1 hour and 19 minutes to complete.
• Spearfish Community Caves- 0.6-mile hike, taking an average of 22 minutes to complete. Don’t let the length fool you, this is a strenuous hike with a steep ascent over loose rocks. It’s worth the frozen waterfalls as you arrive to the caves.

Snowshoeing

Snowshoeing is designed for all ages and offers a unique way to see the area without falling through the snow or balancing on skis. Plenty of places offer guided tours or the ability to rent snowshoes to explore the 60 miles of trails on your own. Three places to check out with your snowshoes;

• Mickelson Trail- 109-mile trail with 15 trailheads and gentle enough for the entire family.
• Centennial Trail- 111 miles from Bear Butte Lake to Wind Cave National Park, full of wildlife and spectacular scenery.
• Flume Trail- 11 miles with a 3-mile attached loop.

Ice Fishing

As soon as the lakes freeze over, they are open for ice fishing. Ice conditions can fluctuate throughout the season, so use caution when you venture out onto the ice. You can check current ice conditions at most local fishing and bait shops. If you are a beginner, find an area with shallow water, where fish are close to the surface. Make sure you have your annual fishing license or purchase a 1 or 3-day license.   

• Sheridan Lake- holds trout, yellow perch and some northern pike
• Deerfield Reservoir- holds rainbows, brookies and splake fish.
• Pactola Reservoir- holds rainbows, a few cutthroat trout, and some wild brown trout stock
• Roubaix Lake- holds brook trout
• Stockade Lake- holds largemouth bass, rainbow trout, smallmouth bass, yellow bullhead, and yellow perch

Learn more about ice fishing and the necessities needed; https://www.blackhillsbadlands.com/outdoor-recreation/fishing-ice-fishing

Skiing & Snowboarding

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced skier or snowboarder, the Black Hills has you covered with exciting trails, jumps, rails, slopes, rentals and additional mountain activities like tubing, sleigh rides and more. Grab a season pass or a day pass.  

• Terry Peak Ski Area- Open late November through early April with over 450 skiable acres and over 30 groomed trails. Terry Peak offers group and private lessons, equipment rentals, a repair shop, dining, and other accommodations. Terry Peak is South Dakota’s largest ski area and with a summit of 7,100 feet, offers the highest ski lift service on this side of the Rocky Mountains. https://terrypeak.com/

Snowmobiling

The Black Hills has over 17 places providing snowmobiling tours and rentals. It’s a popular wintertime activity with over 1.2 million acres of designated trails throughout the Black Hills National Forest. The season is open from December 15^th through March 31^st. Here are a few places to get started.

• Mad Mountain Adventures- Offers snowmobile rentals, tours, all the snow gear, full-face helmets, and more. Find out more; https://www.madmountainadventure.com/
• Spearfish Canyon Rentals- Offering half-day or full-day rentals and the option to have a single or double-seated snowmobile. For more info; https://spfcanyon.com/rentals/snowmobile-rentals
• Trailshead Lodge- Offers single and double rentals, and the option to add in clothing rentals. For more info; https://trailsheadlodge.com/snow-mobile-rentals/
• Recreational Springs- Book as a solo or group and enjoy a full or half day. Learn more here; https://www.recreationalspringsresort.com/snowmobile-rentals

The Black Hills offers so many other exciting things to do during the winter. Be sure to plan your trip properly as some places are closed for the season. Keep in mind winter in the Black Hills means there is a chance for snow storms and freezing cold temps. As you plan your activities watch the weather and stash extra items in your car in case of any winter emergencies. Make sure you check out our resort for your next vacation!

We all know someone who decorates for the holidays as soon as it gets cold. Even businesses have begun to stock their shelves with shiny ornaments and stuffed Santa’s in hopes of making up for lost sales earlier in the year. Local businesses are feeling the squeeze major retailers have over them this holiday season.

We all know Christmas is a very fun time of the year with all the activities that follow with it: Christmas parades, hot chocolate, hallmark movies, and the food that comes with it. But it can also be a stressful holiday for individuals and families when it comes to shopping for gifts for the special people in your life. When you’re thinking about what to buy and where to buy your gifts try thinking about shopping at small businesses in the Black Hills during the holiday season.

Keystone, SD

Join them for a Victorian Christmas in Keystone on November 18th-19that the Keystone Community Center & Library. The parade is going to be held on the evening of the 18th at 6pm. The lineup starts on the west end of Swanzey St. at 5pm. The parade will end at 1101 Madill St at the Town of Keystone Community Center.

Rapid City, SD

O & A Farmhouse is a tribute to owner Sue McCormick’s parents Olaf and Alfa and her family’s cattle brand. Down at the Farmhouse in the historic RC Fruit Building you will find the latest fresh finds in women’s clothing, antique furniture, and home décor.

Found by Weathervane, A local family-owned business established in 1999. Specializing in Gifts, Home Décor, Gourmet, and women’s Apparel & Accessories.

Christmas Village located on Hwy 16 outside of Rapid City on the way to Mt Rushmore. Just past Old MacDonald’s Farm and before Putz N Glo. Christmas Village has everything you need and more! From Christmas décor such as ornaments, garland, trees and even gifts to buy for your family members.

Spearfish, SD

Freckled Fox, A cute boutique located behind Papa Murphy’s, Freckled Fox is the personality that starts with thrifting for vintage suitcases to rummaging at the family farm for corrugated metal, and every fixture has a story. They have a 500 sq. ft. garage turned storefront in Spearfish, South Dakota, has been enhanced by these pieces creating a cozy, eclectic aesthetic.

2 Broke Girls Boutique, located in Spearfish, South Dakota in the Black Hills. Women’s fashion, timeless pieces, online boutique and boutique fashion.

Real Deals for home decor & fashion for every style & season!

 

Deadwood, SD

Black Hills Gold is a style, a trademark, a tradition of jewelry incorporating a basic design of wild grape clusters with vines and leaves of pink, green and yellow. These three colors of gold are created by mixing copper or silver with gold bullion. The design is still used today and has worldwide recognition and popularity. Owners of Black Hills Gold jewelry usually have a collection of several pieces and often think of it as a keepsake. Thousands of items from all four brands. They carry brands such as Landstrom’s, Mt. Rushmore Gold, Stamper and Gold Diggers. We have a wide selection of Black Hills Gold Jewelry and Diamonds.

Happy Days Gift Shop; Great memorabilia, collectibles, and souvenirs such Wild Bill, Elvis, Marilyn, Betty Boop, Dean, Coca Cola, John Deere, and more! Such as collectible figurines, cards, Monopoly, games, shirts, cans, cups, original posters and so much more. Betty Boop and Betty Page, James Dean and James Cagney. Just about anyone in movies of that romantic era. And don’t forget the western favorites — John Wayne, Hopalong Cassidy, Roy Rogers and Dale Evans, Gunsmoke. This place is worth seeing!

Hill City, SD

Jewel of the West Boutique is a fascinating place where you are bound to find something you love every time you visit. This locally-owned clothing boutique stocks women’s clothing with jewelry, shoes, and handbags to match. So, finally, here is a place where you can create a complete look from head to toe in one store.

Although there is so much more, we can suggest to you, definitely make sure to check out these stores for your holiday shopping needs! If you’re looking to purchase an experience for a loved one, Holy Smoke Resort is always taking reservations and is the perfect present! Contact us to reserve a spot for the upcoming season!