Skiing
With incredible powder, epic downhill terrain and sunshine-filled days, Wyoming is a destination unlike any other. Professional and novice skiers and riders from all over the world visit Wyoming for some of the best snow in the country. You will find your perfect spot in at least one of Wyoming’s 10 ski areas.
Skijoring
Rodeo may be Wyoming’s official sport, but skijoring is the state’s unofficial winter sport. It is a uniquely Western athletic and cultural phenomenon. The sport combines two of Wyoming’s favorite pastimes: skiing and horseback riding. Join us during the winter to see for yourself!
Hot Springs
Wyoming’s natural hot springs have been revered and used by Native Americans, mountain men and early pioneers who found a welcoming oasis in the healing waters. Today, you can visit the various hot springs around the state to enjoy and relax.
Outdoor Trails
The best way to experience the winter stillness of Wyoming is to strap on a pair of snowshoes or cross-country skis, or, to explore faster, rent a snowmobile and hit the trails. A range of experiences, from guided tours to open trails, are available around the state to suit your expertise level.
Soak away the chill of winter at one of Wyoming’s natural hot springs. Photo courtesy of the Wyoming Office of Tourism
For more information on Wyoming, visit TravelWyoming.com.
Treefort Music Festival
Over 400 bands and 30+ venues, all packed into five high-energy, creativity-inducing days. Since 2012, Treefort Music Festival has taken over the streets of downtown Boise with a five-day celebration of music, art, culture and community. The festival has become a hotspot for up-and-coming bands in the Pacific Northwest and an emerging stop along the nationwide festival circuit. Treefort is so much more than a typical music festival. Additional “forts” – Alefort, Artfort, Comedyfort, Dragfort, Filmfort, Foodfort, Hackfort, Kidfort, Skatefort, Storyfort and Yogafort – encourage festivalgoers to bounce from venue to venue to experience something new.
The Spa at Tamarack
Tamarack is located north of Boise in Donnelly, Idaho. The Spa at Tamarack pampers guests with natural and luxurious treatments found only in the heart of the majestic Idaho Tamarack forests. Based on Native and holistic traditions, their healing oils, lotions and aromatherapies transform you with healing wildflowers and herbs that abundantly thrive in these high mountain meadows and forests. This is Idaho. This is where you rediscover yourself. This is the Spa at Tamarack.
Over 400 bands and 30-plus venues combine into Treefort Music Festival, a high-energy, creativity-inducing five-day celebration. Photo courtesy of Visit Southwest Idaho
For more information on Southwest Idaho, visit VisitSouthwestIdaho.org.
Cozy Indoor Attractions
- Museums: Redlin Art Center, South Dakota Art Museum and Days of 76 Museum are all worth spending hours enjoying.
- Breweries & Distilleries: Grab a brew, enjoy a tour and chat with a local in a cozy taproom at Lost Cabin Beer Company (Rapid City), Ben’s Brewing Co. (Yankton) or One-Legged Pheasant Brewery (Aberdeen).
- TV Famous Dining: CH Patisserie, located in Sioux Falls, features Chef Chris Hamner Winner of Bravo’s “Top Chef Just Desserts.” Food Network star Justin Warner recently opened Bokujo Ramen in Rapid City.
Winter Outdoor Activities
South Dakota’s parks remain open, along with incredible opportunities for outdoor activities.
- Skiing, Tubing and Snowboarding: Terry Peak Ski Area, Great Bear Ski Valley
- Snowmobile Trail Season
- Hiking & Snowshoeing: Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway and frozen waterfalls, Mount Roosevelt/The Friendship Tower
Winter Events & Festivals
- Annual Black Hills Stock Show & Rodeo (Rapid City): January 26- February 4, 2023
- Forks, Corks & Kegs Food, Wine & Beer Festival (Deadwood): April 14-15, 2023
- PBR (Professional Bull Riding) Invitational (Sioux Falls): March 31-April 2, 2023
Did you know South Dakota is home to restaurants owned by Food Network and Bravo chefs? Delicacies from ramen to French-inspired patisserie. Photo courtesy of Travel South Dakota
For more information on South Dakota, visit TravelSouthDakota.com.
Explore the stunning Bighorn Mountains under a canopy of electric color each fall when you drive the Bighorn Scenic Byway to Burgess Junction, where aspen groves set a spectacular stage for the breathtaking Cloud Peak Wilderness. In the foothills, the Welch Ranch Recreation Area includes 1,700 acres of woodland along the Tongue River, where towering cottonwoods shimmer late into the fall. At the Brinton Museum, marvel at the beautiful canopy that lines the path to the historic ranch house.
Plan your visit to coincide with the annual events at the Koltiska’s Pumpkin Patch, a great opportunity for the entire family to visit a historic ranch in beautiful Sheridan County. The 2023 WYO Winter Rodeo and epic skijoring festivities are planned for February 18-19; don’t miss your chance to experience Sheridan’s incredible winter wonderland and the wildest ride in the West.
Fall colors at Scott Centennial Park in Dayton, along the Bighorn Scenic Byway, provide a postcard-perfect scene. Photo courtesy of Sheridan County Travel & Tourism
For more information on Sheridan, visit SheridanWyoming.org.
Stratobowl Historic Hot Air Balloon Launch
Right outside Rapid City, South Dakota, lies the birthplace of the space-age Stratobowl. It was from this location in 1935 that the Army Air Corps and National Geographic Society launched a world-record-breaking manned hot air balloon. Each year in September, experienced balloonists gather to celebrate the flight.
Black Hills Powwow
Premier American Indian cultural event Black Hills Powwow-He Sapa Wacipi brings together Native American singers, dancers and drummers from all over the nation. All are welcome to come celebrate and learn more about why this event is so important to the Lakota culture.
Scenic Cruising
At any given time of year, the open roads in western South Dakota live up to their glory. Fall scenic cruising adds colorful spice to the rolling hills of pines. Winter brings a beautiful, snow-dusted landscape, and spring brings the opportunity to spot baby wildlife amid the fresh scenery.
Black Hills Stock Show & Rodeo
The largest agriculture event in western South Dakota wraps up our Western roots into one celebration. For a stretch of two weeks every January, spectators can enjoy entertainment from saddle bronc riders to roping events to livestock showings.
Visitors can enjoy scenic cruises near Rapid City year-round, like the stunning Needles Highway in Custer State Park. Photo courtesy of Jacob Moon
For more information on Rapid City, visit VisitRapidCity.com.
As the air begins to cool and acres of colorful leaves blanket the valleys, rivers and lakes, autumn is a magical time to visit North Dakota. In addition to the picturesque colors, visitors are invited to explore the scenic landscapes, breathtaking outdoor adventures and enchanting fall festivals.
With thousands of miles of trails to explore, you can stroll or pedal along the recreational paced routes or turn it up a notch and climb the steep grades in the Badlands on the Maah Daah Hey Trail. There are also 63 national wildlife refuges, each with unique opportunities for wildlife observation on interpretive foot trails.
Open roads, pristine backdrops, wildlife and waterways in their most natural environments, and one-of-a-kind cultural and historic attractions are all found along North Dakota’s scenic byways and backways. Step out and explore the wonders that beckon from each route.
Attend lively fall festivals and events such as Norsk Høstfest, the largest celebration of Scandinavian culture in the United States, or experience the many pumpkin patches, corn mazes and haunted good times.
There are endless opportunities to explore and experience the extraordinary. See for yourself why North Dakota is a destination where you can truly Be Legendary!
Fall brings festivals, corn mazes, pumpkin patches and good times to North Dakota. Photo courtesy of North Dakota Tourism
For more information on North Dakota, visit NDTourism.com.
The Great Northern celebrates Minneapolis’ cold winters through 10 days of diverse programming to invigorate mind and body. With a full lineup of winter events and some serious FOMO (fear of missing out), we make sure to get out and experience the winter wonderland that encapsulates us for a few months out of the year. The three main events are the U.S. Pond Hockey Championships, City of Lakes Loppet/Luminary Loppet and the Saint Paul Winter Carnival.
The U.S. Pond Hockey Championships are played on frozen Lake Nokomis – the way hockey is meant to be played. The just-for-fun tournament brings out the best pond hockey players from all over the country to compete in our state’s favorite sport.
The City of Lakes Loppet is a cross-country ski festival for the whole family that includes ski races for all ages, skill levels and abilities. Be sure to experience other fun events like the Minne-Loppet, skijoring, dog sledding, and the popular Luminary Loppet – the most magical event of the season with a candlelit trail winding across Lake of the Isles.
The Saint Paul Winter Carnival features a Torchlight Parade, Fire and Ice Winter Run, ice-carving competition, ice fishing tournament and more.
Experience the winter wonderland that is Minneapolis through the Great Northern, 10 days of winter events that invigorate the body and mind. Photo courtesy of Meet Minneapolis
For more information on Minneapolis, visit Minneapolis.org.
Red Lodge, Montana, nestled beneath the Beartooth Mountains in pristine forest, is the perfect place to slow down and enjoy local hospitality. With less than 2,500 residents, it’s easy to mingle with locals as you wander along the town’s main street, perusing its shops, galleries and restaurants, or explore the nearby Beartooth wilderness. The spectacular Beartooth Highway typically closes for winter, but there are plenty of other things here to draw your attention.
Take in fall colors on a drive along the “Loop Trip” to Fishtail, Absarokee and Joliet, passing ranches with some of the highest mountains in Montana as their backdrops. Wildlife is abundant in this area, both in the wild and at the Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary, which houses typical native animals like bison, bears and wolves. Discover the talents of local artists at several fine art galleries, sip a local beer, or discover the great variety of restaurants that showcase the area’s commitment to local produce.
As winter approaches, hit the slopes at Red Lodge Mountain or explore groomed cross-country ski trails at Red Lodge Nordic Center. In March, Red Lodge hosts skijoring races, and its Winter Carnival brings wacky costumes and cardboard racing contraptions to the mountain.
Fall is the perfect time to spot wildlife in a spectacular setting in Montana. Photo courtesy of Merv Coleman
For more information on Montana, visit VisitMT.com.
Saying goodbye to summer offers an opportunity to take in cooler temperatures and colorful scenery and explore other facets of the Gem State.
Seasonal Must-Sees
Idaho’s transition to fall brings a flare of vibrant tones to roadside views. For a kaleidoscope of colors, hit the road on one of Idaho’s 31 scenic byways, including the International Selkirk Loop and the City of Rocks Backcountry Byway.
Warm up from winter’s chill with a cozy dip in a rejuvenating Idaho hot spring. Find mineral-rich geothermal pools at Gold Fork Hot Springs, Miracle Hot Springs or Lava Hot Springs.
As the snow begins to melt in spring, waterfalls roar back to life. Chase a few at Shoshone Falls, Upper and Lower Mesa Falls or Jump Creek Falls.
Opt Outside
In search of winter recreation that isn’t on a ski slope? Snowshoeing is one of the easiest ways to explore the outdoors. Try Whoop Um Up, Harriman State Park or Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve.
Inside Information
No matter the season or weather, Idaho’s museums offer a chance to learn about the state’s history or to discover something new. Expand your knowledge at the Museum of Clean, the Idaho Potato Museum or the Old Idaho Penitentiary.
Want to be on the snow but not race down a hill? Idaho has many ways to explore the outdoors, including snowshoeing. Photo courtesy of Visit Idaho
For more information on Idaho, visit VisitIdaho.org.
