Known as the crown jewel of Custer State Park, Sylvan Lake offers views of the Black Hills that showcase the sweeping pine forest as a backdrop for dramatic rocky outcroppings along the lakeshore. Created in 1881 when Theodore Reder built a dam across Sunday Gulch, the lake offers swimming, paddle boating, fishing, and picnicking, along with access to rock climbing and hiking trails. The lake sits at the base of Harney Peak, the highest point east of the Rocky Mountains; you can use it as a starting point for excursions to the peak and the park's drive along The Needles highway. Film fans may recognize the site, which was featured in the 2007 movie "National Treasure: Book of Secrets." Plan your visit to Sylvan Lake and a wealth of other attractions, well-known and undiscovered, using our Custer vacation planner.
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Sylvan Lake Reviews
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Dear readers, When I was a younger lad and we visited the Black Hills for Boy Scouts, one of the first places we visited was Sylvan Lake. I retained those fond memories of climbing rocks, exploring..... more »
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It was beautiful and so was the weather. Walked the Sunday Gulch Trail and saw some very beautiful vistas. Take drinking water and wear good hiking books/shoes to climb over rocks and through water.... more »
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A beautiful setting. We had a great day climbing and hiking and swimming.
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Great lake for the family! Bathrooms, grills around the lake, great fishing from shore, and a clean beach.
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Plans to Sylvan Lake by other users
15 days in United States
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
August, popular sights
PREFERENCES: August
ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular sights
PACE: Medium
5 days in South Dakota
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July, popular sights
PREFERENCES: July
ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular sights
PACE: Medium
15 days in United States
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
May, slow & easy, popular & hidden gems
PREFERENCES: May
ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular & hidden gems
PACE: Slow & easy
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BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
March, popular sights
PREFERENCES: March
ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular sights
PACE: Medium
6 days in South Dakota
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
July, kids, outdoors, relaxing, beaches, historic sites, wildlife, popular sights
PREFERENCES: July, kids, outdoors, relaxing, beaches, historic sites, wildlife
ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular sights
PACE: Medium
6 days in South Dakota
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
July, kids, culture, outdoors, relaxing, romantic, beaches, historic sites, museums, wildlife, popular sights
PREFERENCES: July, kids, culture, outdoors, relaxing, romantic, beaches, historic sites, museums, wildlife
ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular sights
PACE: Medium
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