Sylvan Lake

Sylvan Lake, known as the "crown jewel" of Custer State Park, is located in the Black Hills of South Dakota. Created in 1881 when Theodore Reder built a dam across Sunday Gulch, it offers picnic areas, rock climbing, small rental boats, swimming, and hiking trails. It is also popular as a starting point for excursions to Harney Peak and The Needles. A hotel was operated on the shore of the lake in the early 20th century.

The lake was featured in Disney's 2007 film National Treasure: Book of Secrets. The film made the lake appear to be located directly behind Mount Rushmore when in reality it is actually five miles southwest of Mount Rushmore.

This is my favorite spot in the Black Hills. Beautiful lake and hiking trails.

Visit Sylvan Lake

Activities

Custer travel guide

Popular places to visit

Black Elk Peak

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Black Elk Peak during your travels in Hill City. Discover the area's mountain views and seek out the horse riding.

Panoramic view of The Needles on Needles Highway, Black Hills, near Mount Rushmore National Memorial, South Dakota

The Black Hills

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at The Black Hills during your travels in Hill City. Discover the area's mountain views and shops.

Will it ever be completed? It’s quite an endeavour. I enjoyed walking around the visitors centre.

Crazy Horse Memorial

Find out about the history of Custer with a stop at Crazy Horse Memorial. Discover the area's notable monuments or seek out its horse riding.

Needles Highway

Enjoy an outing to Needles Highway during your stay in Custer. Amble around the area's scenic parks or seek out the horse riding.

Horse Thief Lake

Explore the lovely green spaces of Horse Thief Lake and enjoy the horse riding in Hill City. While in this family-friendly area, find time to visit its notable monuments.

Mount Rushmore

Explore the great outdoors at Mount Rushmore, a popular spot to commune with nature in Keystone. Discover the area's notable monuments or seek out its horse riding.

Top Sylvan Lake Hotel Deals

Check availability on hotels close to Sylvan Lake

Lodge at Palmer Gulch

12620 HWY 244 Hill City SD

Timber Haven Cabins

24063 US-385 Hill City SD

EverSpring Inn & Suites

616 Main Street Hill City SD

Bavarian Inn Black Hills

855 N 5th St Custer SD

Chalet Motel

933 Mt Rushmore Rd Custer SD

Comfort Inn And Suites Custer

339 W. Mt. Rushmore Road Custer SD

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Custer by IHG

433 W Mount Rushmore Road Custer SD

See all 586 properties in Sylvan Lake

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