Illustration
State guide
When to catch South Dakotathrough the year
We follow 3 places in South Dakota for spring migration, fall foliage and winter wildlife: fall at Spearfish Canyon, winter at Wind Cave and spring at Lacreek Refuge. Each timing below is the place's own source, in its words; none is a forecast.
When are you going?
Fall in South Dakota
Good in fall
- Lacreek RefugeAmerican bitterns commonly seen, April through September
- Lacreek RefugeTrumpeter swans: typically 100 to 300 present, October through March
- Spearfish CanyonSpearfish Canyon campgrounds' peak season
- Spearfish CanyonAspens change in Spearfish Canyon
- Wind CaveThe elk rut can begin as early as late August and continue into early November
- Wind CaveRanger-led elk bugling programs may be offered on select evenings, September and October
Open places and seasons from each place's sources; no peak claimed.
Winter in South Dakota
Good in winter
- Lacreek RefugeFirst drake northern pintails arrive, late February
- Lacreek RefugeTrumpeter swans: typically 100 to 300 present, October through March
- Lacreek RefugeUp to 100 bald eagles when waterfowl gather or winter-killed fish are present, December through March
Open places and seasons from each place's sources; no peak claimed.
Spring in South Dakota
Good in spring
- Lacreek RefugeSpring migratory birds stopping to feed and rest, March to May
- Lacreek RefugeThousands of American white pelicans on the Pelican Island nesting islands, late April and early May
- Lacreek RefugeAmerican bitterns commonly seen, April through September
- Lacreek RefugeTrumpeter swans: typically 100 to 300 present, October through March
- Lacreek RefugeUp to 100 bald eagles when waterfowl gather or winter-killed fish are present, December through March
- Spearfish CanyonSpearfish Canyon campgrounds' peak season
Open places and seasons from each place's sources; no peak claimed.
Summer in South Dakota
Good in summer
- Lacreek RefugeAmerican bitterns commonly seen, April through September
- Spearfish CanyonSpearfish Canyon campgrounds' peak season
- Spearfish CanyonWildflowers at White Spring and Crow Peak
- Wind CaveThe elk rut can begin as early as late August and continue into early November
- Wind CaveElk Mountain Campground: flush toilets and drinking water, late May through September (the campground is open all year)
Open places and seasons from each place's sources; no peak claimed.
Places in South Dakota
Pin color: each place's season now or next
- Spring
- Fall
- Winter
Places on this map, as a list
Planning a South Dakota trip
Towns to stay in
Sources: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service · US Forest Service · National Park Service · checked Sep 29 · How we know