5 fun reasons to head west this winter

This paid piece is sponsored by Travel South Dakota.

There might not be anywhere more beautiful during the winter than the Black Hills of South Dakota.

If you love outdoor recreation, you already know that – with miles of trails for everything from snowmobiling to skiing and snowshoeing. And there’s a ton of fine dining, coffee shops and retail.

There’s also a bustling arts scene with galleries, music, theater and more. Planning a trip? Here are a few places to visit this winter. Get your State of Create passport stamped at these creative spaces.

The Custer Beacon

351 Washington St., Custer

The Custer Beacon started in 2018 as an old Morton building warehouse that was tin and rafters in a gravel yard, said Louis Umbarger, owner and general manager.

“We started hosting some shed parties, then we built a little food truck that would serve food while we hosted entertainment. It started pretty raw, and we’ve just been growing ever since.”

Now, it’s a restaurant with a craft beer and wine bar and a stage known for its live music and entertainment.

Umbarger, who studied music and is a musician, said the setting is “built by artists, for artists,” with a thoughtful approach. It’s the latest venture for his family, which has deep roots in the Black Hills. His grandfather bought Pacer Mining in the 1970s, and the site where The Beacon is was a storehouse for the mining company. His mother was the president of the company in the late ’90s, and in 2015, they decided to sell the company but keep the building.

“It was in disrepair, and we decided to keep it and do this urban renewal project and turn it from storage into a de facto community center for Custer,” said Umbarger, who moved back to South Dakota from the West Coast. “I grew up coming out here camping as a kid and running around living in tents and climbing on the rocks. Custer has been a home away from home for many years for me. As I got through school and was more of a lucid adult, I was able to come back here with new experience and creativity.”

The business helped bring his family together, he said. His brother had been living in France. “My mother was the flag-bearer and called us to rally back to Custer.”

Umbarger said not only is The Beacon a place to visit but also Custer in general. “It’s one of the last frontiers of really cool, natural places that most people have never been to or isn’t on the circuit of mega American destinations. But it’s stunningly beautiful in this area. It’s worth the visit to see the Cathedral Spires or jump in Sylvan Lake or see the buffalo herd.”

At The Custer Beacon, they’ve tried to build a sense of community and ownership for locals while also providing the kind of experience that attracts tourists.

That means good food, people you enjoy and great music, he said.

“When we were building it, we saw it as a third space – home, then work, then a third space where community happens, and The Custer Beacon is absolutely one of those spaces where community comes together and shares art and shares a beer and enjoys each other,” he said. “We have uniquely good vibes.”

Guests can have a beer, play pool, throw some bags or dance. And, when you’re hungry, there’s a ton of great food.

“We’re always whipping up tasty new things and a lot of creative things in our kitchen,” Umbarger said. “We do the Dakota Dip – it’s a French dip with thin-sliced beef and homemade au jus. We do great sandwiches. Our Cubano is second to none.”

He’s also proud of the live music. “I’ve heard it time and again that it is a favorite stage to play for bands in the area. We bring in a lot of national and touring talent, as well as local artists.”

It also hosts open mic nights and karaoke. Umbarger has been known to get up and sing the theme from “Rawhide.”

The room also is used for other events, including fundraisers. “We are heavily involved with a bunch of local charity organizations,” he said. “We raise hundreds of thousands of dollars in our room each year for local charity events.”

Dahl Arts Center

713 Seventh St., Rapid City

The Dahl Arts Center in Rapid City is a gallery known for contemporary visual arts, performing art and arts education. It opened in 1974. The public facility, gifted to Rapid City by Mr. & Mrs. A.E. Dahl, is owned by the city of Rapid City and is managed by the Rapid City Arts Council.

Maggie Wince, marketing director, said the center allows visitors to immerse themselves in a world of creativity. And, if they see something on exhibit they love, they can purchase it – it’s a gallery, not a museum. The permanent collection will be on display beginning next year – the 50th anniversary of the center.

“The Dahl Arts Center promises a memorable and enriching stop for those looking to explore the arts community of Rapid City,” Wince said. It includes five visual arts galleries, an interactive children’s gallery, a mural of American history, gift shops and classrooms.

The center offers regular events, which you can find on the Rapid City Arts Council page. Events include songwriting workshops, noon holiday concerts, upcoming exhibit openings and the Black Hills Indian Art Market.

“The Dahl Arts Center is not just an art gallery,” Wince said. “It’s a dynamic hub where creativity meets community. Beyond the curated exhibits, the Dahl is a host for arts education. From classes for all ages to open studios where people can explore their inner artist, the Dahl is a catalyst for cultural enrichment.”

Wince recommends visitors enjoy the Art Start Studio.

“It’s a great spot within the galleries to explore your personal creative side,” she said. “While the scene may be set for youth, if inspiration dawns, anyone is free to grab some supplies and get to work.”

Suzie Cappa Art Center

722 St. Joseph St., Rapid City

The Suzie Cappa Art Center is a studio and gallery that supports artists of all abilities, said Haley Friedt, studio manager.

It is part of the Black Hills Works family and was founded in 2001 in memory of artist Suzie Cappa, who received services from Black Hills Works.

“It began with a vision to provide a supportive environment that fostered creative expression for all abilities and has now developed into an incredibly inspiring space for all who enter,” Friedt said.

The gallery features work from more than 25 artists, and guests can learn more about the studio and watch artists at work. Artists use multiple mediums, including painting, fabric art and sculpture.

“All artistic materials are provided, and professional artists, volunteers and Black Hills Works team members regularly offer mentoring. Artists receive proceeds from sales of their work displayed in our gallery and are directly contributing to the cultural and economic life of our community,” she said.

“If visitors stop by during an event, they can often expect to participate in a workshop of sorts, listen to live music and mingle with the artist,” Friedt said.

She said that’s a highlight of the gallery. “Everyone has their own way of doing things, and it’s always so incredible to watch the creative process in real time.”

Tusweca Gallery

631 Main St., Rapid City

The Tusweca Gallery in Rapid City is an indigenous-owned fine art gallery that features art and graphic design that “inspires and nurtures the spirit of Oglala tradition and local history,” according to the state Department of Tourism.

Tusweca – which is dragonfly in Lakota – represents positive changes and growth.

The gallery is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame 

999 Main St., Sturgis

No trip to the Black Hills would be complete without something with motorcycles. A visit to the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame offers immersive educational experiences, exhibits and, of course, bikes.

The Hall of Fame features people who have made a positive impact on the motorcycle community.

During the winter, the museum is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children age 14-17 and free for those 13 and younger.