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.

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Activities

Custer travel guide

Popular places to visit

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

4.5/5(6 reviews)

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.

Mount Rushmore

4.5/5(14 reviews)

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.

Mount Rushmore which includes outdoor art and art

Mount Rushmore National Memorial

Visit this popular landmark in South Dakota to see firsthand the enormous sculptures of four U.S. presidents carved into a mountain.

Needles Eye

5/5(1 review)

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Needles Eye during your travels in Custer. Discover the area's notable monuments or seek out its horse riding.

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.

Top Hotel Deals

Lodge at Palmer Gulch

12620 HWY 244 Hill City SD

EverSpring Inn & Suites

616 Main Street Hill City SD

Timber Haven Cabins

24063 US-385 Hill City SD

Bavarian Inn Black Hills

855 N 5th St Custer SD

Best Western Buffalo Ridge Inn

310 W Mount Rushmore Rd Custer SD

See all 587 properties in Sylvan Lake

Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.