These 12 Scenes Will Remind You Why South Dakota's Winters Aren't So Bad
Catherine Armstrong
Author
South Dakota winters can be pretty brutal, with freezing cold temperatures and howling, icy winds. When we’re in the depths of this coldest season, we can sometimes forget just how amazing South Dakota winters can really be. In fact, it’s the perfect time to remember the good things about a South Dakota winter. Here are 12 scenes to remind you why winter in South Dakota really isn’t so bad.
1. Winter in South Dakota means seeing the frozen falls in a completely new way
2. Zipping along a snowy trail on a snowmobile
While you're planning your South Dakota winter trip, you might be curious about the average snowfall in South Dakota, it's going to depend on the area you visit, but generally speaking, the state sees average annual snowfall totals of between 30 to 70 inches.
3. Winter visits to Badlands National Park
4. Saying hello to the presidents
5. Swimming in the warm, heated waters of Evans Plunge Mineral Springs
Did you know that Evans Plunge Mineral Springs is the oldest tourist attraction in the Black Hills?
6. Enjoying South Dakota's most beautiful places in quiet solitude
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7. Winter in South Dakota is great for hiking
8. Riding the lift and flying down the runs is one of the best things to do during Winter in South Dakota
9. Hopping on a tube and cruising down the hills, then doing it all over again
10. Hanging out on a frozen lake
11. Sleigh rides in the Black Hills
12. Watching your favorite team battle it out on the ice
C’mon, admit it. South Dakota winters aren’t so bad, are they? What do you love most about winter in South Dakota? Let us know in the comments! And here’s a fun fact you may not know: in the winter of 1943, South Dakota set a record for the fastest temperature change.
For a more in-depth look into winter living in South Dakota, watch the video below:
Lastly, if you find yourself asking, “How much does it snow in South Dakota?”, you’ll be surprised to learn that the snowiest town in South Dakota receives nearly 200 inches of snow per year! That’s pretty impressive, wouldn’t you say?
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Winter In South Dakota
What are some fun things to do in South Dakota in winter?
Some fun things to do in South Dakota include the following winter activities.
- Go hiking on one of South Dakota’s trails.
- Climb aboard a sleigh ride in South Dakota.
- Visit Sylvan Lake.
- Spend a day or a weekend in this charming South Dakota town.
- Marvel at these frozen South Dakota waterfalls.
Winter in South Dakota is absolutely gorgeous, although it’s not without its challenges. But if you're visiting South Dakota this winter, you'll want to check out our list of 9 amazing activities and places to visit in South Dakota in the winter.
What are the best winter hikes in South Dakota?
The best winter hikes in South Dakota include the following trails:
- Sheridan Lake Flume Trail
- Roughlock Falls Trail
- Black Elk Peak Loop
- Sylvan Lake Loop Trail
- Sunday Gulch Trail
- Door Trail in Badlands National Park
For more winter hiking inspiration and information, peruse our list of the 5 best winter hiking trails in South Dakota. Additionally, we suggest you read our Ultimate Winter Packing List to fully prepare yourself with all the essentials for your winter adventure.