Hey guys, we have visited the Black Hills quite a few times and have always enjoyed it. We have always said we should visit in the winter.
My worry is that there won't be enough to keep us busy. i Don't think the Mrs. would want to go snowmobiling, I know she won't ski.
I know if we were to go , we would probably spend a day or two in Custer and drive the wildlife loop a couple times (open according to website).
We would also spend a couple days in Deadwood and visit a couple of the casinos and possibly a horse drawn sleigh ride. We did a nice trail ride
up that way and they mentioned that they did sleigh rides in the winter.
Anyone know of other fun activities, that time of year?
I am aware that winter storms can shut things down for a while.Hope for the best,prepare for the worst,and be willing to hole up in a hotel for an extra few days .I can deal with .

We went a couple years ago when the kids were on spring break, middle of March. It was wonderful, no tourists. We were able to go right in to Mt Rushmore no charge and see it in all its glory with only a couple others there, buildings were closed. Very little traffic. Only downside was some things touristy were closed including restaurants in smaller towns. Hotel room in rapid with a pool and breakfast was $35 a night. We would go back at that time again if my kids and wife's spring break lined up again? This was pre covid and your planning a bit earlier, so your mileage may vary.

Josh

Stay in Deadwood if the weather allows rooms are cheap use the Deadwood Chamber website the lower elevations roads should be open around Custer the higher elevations can be risky with no cell service so avoid that mess. Like said many of the motels and shops are closed in the winter months so check on the internet.

You get to Custer the 7th Calvary restaurant between Custer and the Park make a great breakfast the park is fun and Wind cave is to the South then Jewel cave is West of Custer.

We were there in late November of this year and it was still summer! Beautiful area.

If your Bride won't snowmobile or ski, maybe you could get her to tie on some ice skates. There's a rink in Rapid City.

We just head straight to Deadwood and stay 4 or 5 days

Well we just got a small amount ( to me) of winter weather, and I came home to the Mrs. looking at trips to Cozumel instead of Custer. HaHa

I would not be against that ,either, We've been there before ,as well, and it is very nice in February.

However, I am going to continue to work on the Deadwood angle, and I appreciate the tips so far.
If anyone comes up with anymore , please feel free, to let me know.

The next time we go out there, we will definitely be checking out the caves. I don't know how we have not done those. We both enjoy them.
My guess is that when we have gone in the past , there were anywhere from 1 to 3 of the kids along , and it was hundred mile an hour go go go , and we just missed it.
None of the kids enjoyed the caves that we have tried , as much as the wife and I. Now, I guess we can plan trips a little differently.

Again, thank you for the info so far, and if anyone thinks of anything else , please post.
Evenetually, Ill let ya'll know where we are going.

There is so many sights to see in the USA I have no reason to leave it for a good time. We have traveled in around 35 states and seen very little anything they had to offer. Custer park was one of the best areas we have seen so far next to Alaska
But each has there own taste in what they enjoy.

Hopefully you won't have to deal with a lot of other people. That is a huge factor in your favor.

Sometimes things are cheaper in the off season. I can't speak for the black hills, but other tourist areas.

At Deadwood you would just be a hop and a jump from Sturgis or Spearfish. Spearfish has that great historic fish hatchery and the canyon. If you were day tripping you could also make it to Devils tower and the Gore Buffalo jump all the same day.

I dont think the caves are open in the off season..... do the night show at rushmore