17 Spots In South Dakota That Will Drop Your Frozen Jaw This Winter

South Dakota is the home of four stunning seasons. From the rain in spring to the leaves in autumn, we get the joy of experiencing so much beauty throughout the year. But, there is nothing quite like the winter in South Dakota. The delicate beauty of the following frozen spots in the Mount Rushmore is just what you need to appreciate the charm of these colder months each year.

1. Frozen winter trees

A perfectly frosty morning in good ol' South Dakota. It never gets old seeing the trees glistening white.

2. An ice-covered prairie

Thankfully ice storms aren't nearly as common as snow in South Dakota. When the ice hits, it's tragic and beautiful all at once.

3. A bit of green in winter

The only green that makes it through the South Dakota winters are the evergreen trees. Lightly dusted with snow, they provide just enough color to remind us that warm weather will be here again soon.

4. A dusting of snow on Mount Rushmore

These four Presidents must be mighty chilly in this frosty layer of snow. But it sure is pretty!

5. Whiteout in the hills

This photo, taken in a parking lot, gives a perfect view of untouched, freshly-fallen snow on a backdrop of South Dakota hills.

6. A wintry wonderland

These sheep seem unbothered by the chilly weather. They blend in perfectly, creating a stunning winter scene.

7. Between the frozen lines

Ice on these power lines is another beautiful yet dangerous sight during winter. It's always surprising how the ice and snow can pile up and seemingly hang in the sky on these thin lines.

8. Nearly frozen river

This image proves that the Cheyenne River in South Dakota is stunning when nearly frozen over.

9. A frosty bridge

A frost-covered bike bridge in Sioux Falls.

10. Walking on Lake Sylvan

This beloved, frozen lake sets a stunning scene under a stark blue sky. Winter or summer, one thing is for certain: Sylvan Lake is one of the most loved spots in South Dakota.

11. Frozen expanse

Time stands still on this frozen lake in South Dakota.

12. Wearing the weight of winter

This leaning tree seems to carry the weight of winter in its branches.

13. Frozen falls in winter

Both summer and winter, this tourist attraction and Sioux Falls' namesake draws people from near and far.

14. Abandoned cabin in the snow

This abandoned cabin still somehow looks cozy in the hills dusted in winter snow.

15. Keeping the snow at bay

We think of snow plows as the saviors that allow us to get around in the winter but we usually don't stop to appreciate their beauty as they are moving snow off the roads. This photo is absolutely stunning.

16. Frozen falls

Sioux Falls is still quite a sight when frozen. Do you enjoy chasing frozen falls in South Dakota?

17. A snow-covered town

The town of Kadoka, in Jackson County, sits under a thin blanket of snow.

Even when it is snowy and frozen, South Dakota is a beautiful place to live. These stunning winter in South Dakota photos are further proof that natural beauty is alive and well in our state. Do you have any stunning winter photos to share? What are your favorite winter activities in South Dakota? Let us know in the comments.

If you do plan to explore the winter in South Dakota, make sure you are properly prepared. Check out our winter gear list for everything you need to stay warm and safe when outdoors during this chilly time of the year.