Winter Vacation to the Glacial Lakes and Prairies Region in South Dakota

Feb 12, 2025

Looking for an exciting new destination for winter vacation getaways? Look no further than the stunning Glacial Lakes and Prairies region of South Dakota! The winter weather transforms the beautiful landscape into glistening snow-covered prairies and sparkling glacial-covered lakes. Located in northeastern South Dakota, this area is prime real estate for winter sports such as snowmobiling, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and even ice fishing! So grab your winter gear and buckle up, because we’re hitting the road to fun and adventure on today’s blog.

Aberdeen

While there’s no options here for downhill skiing, there’s still plenty of thrills and chills to be had. Ice Skating is available at two outdoor rinks and 1 indoor rink: Lincoln Elementary School and Manor Park, and Odde Ice Arena (indoors). Cross-Country Skiing is available on the groomed trails at Manor Park and Lee Park Golf Course. The Curling League meets every Wednesday and plays at the Holum Expo Building. Downhill sledding is free at Baird Park and Richmond Lake areas.

Snowshoeing is allowed in all parks across Aberdeen except on groomed cross-country trails; it is also allowed in select areas such as Richmond Lake and Mina Lake recreation areas. Snowmobiling is available on the 72-mile groomed trails circling round the Richmond Lake Recreation Area. Forest Drive unit offers a scenic drive, multi-use trails, and a warming shelter that starts the local snowmobile trail; cross-country ski trails are groomed seasonally

The area is also a top destination for waterfowl hunters, and in select months you can join in on a guided buffalo hunt tour (Dec-Feb) at the Royal Flush Hunting Lodge.

Pierre

Fort Sisseton Historic State Park features original historic structures and military fort historic exhibits and relics, but it’s also a perfect destination to visit for some wintertime hiking and snowshoeing. Take the Fort Sisseton Trail through the frozen wetlands and keep your eyes peeled for wildlife!

Farm Island Recreation Area offers 3 loops along the Exploration Nature Trail for snowshoeing and cross country skiing and has a warming shelter if you need a break.

You can also do some river fishing for walleye, northern pike, crappie, bluegill, perch and more; be sure to check out Lake Oahe to do some Atlantic Salmon ice fishing from a boat or on shore.

Watertown and Webster

Ice Fishing is a big pastime in the area at the multiple lakes in this region. The Kampeska Lodge and Store and Doug’s Marina are hotspots for bait and tackle, so be sure to stop by and grab all your gear before heading out to the ice. Sandy Shore Recreation Area and Pelican Lake Recreation Areas offer a wide amount of walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, perch and more. Bitter Lake and Waubay Lake are just a few miles apart and both offer some of the best walleye and perch in the country with a great catch rate; the Waubay National Wildlife Refuge offers 15,000 acres of land to explore including ice fishing on the Lake.

Coteau Des Prairies offers more than 340 miles of trails through woodlands, lakes, and connects several communities together. Visitors recommend Four Lakes Trail, Sioux Trail, and Heartland Trail.