Winter Outdoor Activities in the Custer Area
Date Published
Many people who live near the snow dread the winter because it means “you’re stuck inside” all the time. Well, it doesn’t have to be that way! Winter is one of our favorite seasons, not just because the snow makes everything a winter wonderland, but because there is such a plethora of activities to do outdoors. With the proper winter clothing to keep warm and the right equipment to have fun, we promise you’ll not only enjoy your time exploring the outdoors in the winter, you’ll want to do it more!
Below are the 6 best outdoor winter activities in the southern Black Hills
Snowshoeing
This activity is fun for the whole family. The best part is that it is inexpensive and easy to learn. Snowshoeing is a great way to enjoy the quiet and stillness of the wilderness (it’s especially magical in winter) and get a good workout! Snowshoes make a hike in the snow much easier.
One tip we suggest when finding a trail is to plan on taking almost double the time since hiking in the snow takes longer than hiking on dry land. That’s why we suggest picking an easy, short trail and going from there.
Where to Go:
Mickelson Trail
Jewel Cave National Monument
Custer State Park (Park, Trails, and Needles Highway)
Black Hills National Forest Land
Ice Skating on a Lake
Ice skating indoors can be fun, but ice skating outdoors on a lake, canal/river, or pond is even more fun!! There’s nothing more magical than gliding around on a frozen body of water in the middle of winter! There are plenty of lakes and streams throughout the area that offer great skating right here in the Southern Black Hills!
Always check for ice thickness before going out. Ice needs to be 4” thick to hold one person.
Where to Go:
There are many lakes and streams throughout the Hills that offer great skating under the right conditions. One in particular that is a favorite in the Southern Black Hills is Legion Lake in Custer State Park.
Fat Biking
Fat biking is quickly becoming one of the most popular winter sports and for good reason: it’s an absolute BLAST!! Fat bikes are like mountain bikes but with wide, knobby tires to give you good traction on the snow.
Where to Go:
Needles Highway in Custer State Park
Mickelson Trail – we recommend starting at Trailhead #9 and head north
Snowmobiling
The Black Hills has a large network of mapped and marked trails, groomed from December 15 through March 31. This designated network is ranked as one of the top 10 places to ride in the nation and features parking, pit stops, and warming shelters.
Where to Go:
The closest parking area and warming shelter to Custer is the South Ditch Creek Lot.
For the closest snowmobiling trail, start at the South Ditch Creek Lot in the Bear Mountain Area and head north.
Ice Fishing
Fishing on ice might seem like a cold, boring winter activity, but it’s just as enjoyable as summer fishing. Bring your family and friends, good food, and warm drinks, and you’ll have a great time even if you don’t catch anything.
Where to Go:
There are five great lakes within Custer State Park that can be used for Ice Fishing. Sylvan, Stockade, Legion, Bismarck, and Center Lakes are all great places to spend a beautiful winter day fishing!
Cross-Country Skiing
The Black Hills is a paradise for fans of cross-country skiing! Cross-country skiing is one of the quietest sports out there, meaning you’re more likely to encounter winter wildlife than you would be at a traditional downhill ski resort. Because you don’t need steep hills or lift access to cross-country ski, you can do it just about anywhere there is snow cover, and it’s an excellent full-body workout. There are various places in the Black Hills to go cross-country skiing, including on the Mickelson Trail which runs right through the city of Custer.
Where to Go:
Mickelson Trail
Needles Highway in Custer State Park
Beaver Creek Ski Trails (nearest groomed cross-country ski trails to Custer)
