South Dakota in February

South Dakota is most famous for the badlands and the Black Hills National Forest.  The state tends to be chilly in February and don’t be surprised if there is a nice layer of snow across the ground on your visit.  Nevertheless there are several interesting sites to see and things to do while you are in South Dakota.

No matter what the weather is like you can’t come to South Dakota without seeing Mount Rushmore.  Granted the weather might be chilly but this is an epic sculpture that shouldn’t be missed.  The sculpture on the mountain features the faces of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln.  The mountain is located in the Black Hills and is the world’s largest mountain carving.  The faces are 60 foot high and 500 feet up.  They look out over a setting the forest of the Black Hills.

Dress warm for the South Dakota State Parks weekend “Walk in the Park” program.  These are held every weekend throughout the month and feature a wide variety of educational programs.  These are guided hikes that give you the opportunity to learn about the parks and the wildlife that reside there.  In the winter months enjoy snowshoe stomps, hikes, the Bald Eagles and other animal events.  Events are held on the weekends and at various times and at different parks.  Be sure to check the South Dakota State Parks site for more information for planning.

The Annual Artists of the Plains Art Show and Sale is held in Sioux Falls every February.  The event is the longest running regional art show that promotes artists from the area.  The public has the opportunity to view art by twenty-five invited artists.  Themes range from Western and Native American to wildlife.  There is also a silent auction that is held to give you the opportunity to purchase some of the art yourself.  Awards are also handed out to the best of the show for paintings as well as three-dimensional artwork. 

The National Music Museum is located on the campus of The University of South Dakota in Vermillion.  The museum is filled with more than 10,000 instruments from various cultures and eras.  They also offer audio tours that will lead you through the massive collection of musical instruments and artifacts.

In South Dakota you have many options of things to do in February.  Whether you want to stay warm and browse the many museums or enjoy the snow and learn to snowshoe, the options are endless.