Sylvan Lake South Dakota
My XO Adventures Sightseeing Tours of the Black Hills Includes a Visit to Sylvan Lake!
Sylvan Lake, located in the Black Hills of South Dakota, is an idyllic mountain lake that offers a breathtaking experience to anyone who visits. Nestled within the rolling hills of this region, the lake is surrounded by towering ponderosa pines and towering granite peaks that reach nearly 7,000 feet above sea level.
The lake itself is incredibly serene and peaceful. Its crystal blue water sparkles in the sunlight and reflects off the surrounding forest creating a stunning image. Wildlife abounds around Sylvan Lake, including bald eagles, beavers, deer, mountain goats, marmots, and more. Visitors often spot these animals along the Sylvan Lake Trail.
In addition to being a great fishing destination, Sylvan Lake kayak rentals are available from the general store. You can also rent canoes for paddling beginning at Sylvan Lake boat launch. For those looking for more strenuous activities, there are plenty of rugged trails suitable for mountain biking or horseback riding.
Swimming at Sylvan Lake is very popular during the summer months. In addition to these activities, there are numerous picnic areas where visitors can enjoy a meal while enjoying the stunning views.
Sylvan Lake Photos
Custer State Park Sylvan Lake Reflection
Sylvan Lake Boat Launch
Sylvan Lake Sunset from Wedding Area
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Sylvan Lake with My XO Adventures Guests
Sylvan Lake Sunset at the Reeds
Sylvan Lake Fishing in Summer
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Winter at Sylvan Lake
Sylvan Lake Frozen in Winter
Having Fun on the Ice at Sylvan Lake
Making Snow Angels on Sylvan Lake
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Snowball Fight at Sylvan Lake
Beautiful Granite Formations on Sylvan Lake
Loving Sylvan Lake
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Wintertime at Sylvan Lake is outstanding! It's one of my favorite times to visit. Very few visitors are present during the winter, with the exception of ice fisherman.
The ice at Sylvan Lake reaches 18 inches in thickness, making it safe for walking. Wear grippy shoes and have a wonderful time!
The area surrounding Sylvan Lake also has plenty to offer visitors as well. Sylvan Lake Lodge is nearby and provides cozy accommodations and access to nearby attractions such as the Needles Highway, Custer State Park, Crazy Horse Memorial, and Mount Rushmore.
Sylvan Lake Lodge Restaurant also provides great meals with beautiful views. The restaurant serves delicious meals made with locally sourced ingredients like wild berries and trout caught right from Sylvan Lake's waters.
Improvements have been made to Sylvan Lake General Store, accessibility to local trails, and eventually to the Sylvan Lake parking lot.
Nearby, there is Sylvan Lake Campground for a more primitive experience. From summertime swimming and boating to wintertime snowshoeing and skiing - there's truly something here for everyone!
So whether you're looking for a quiet retreat or an adventure-filled getaway with your family - you won't be disappointed when visiting the majestic Sylvan Lake of South Dakota!
Sylvan Lake Activities
- Sylvan Lake Hiking - Sylvan Lake is the center of many hiking trails. From the parking lot at Sylvan Lake you can reach Black Elk Peak, Little Devils Tower, Sunday Gulch, the Cathedral Spires and more.
- Fishing - Sylvan Lake has an abundance of Brown Trout and Rainbow Trout
- Kayak Rentals - Book a kayak or canoe reservation on Sylvan Lake.
- Hiking - Hiking Trails around Sylvan Lake range from mild to wild. Download and print the Custer State Park Trail Guide
- Picnics - There are quite a few picnic tables at Sylvan Lake. Come early and enjoy the scenery.
- Photography - Sylvan Lake is one of the most photographed lakes in the Black Hills. Bring your camera!
7 Fun Facts About Sylvan Lake
1.) Sylvan Lake is manmade. On the far end of the lake, there is a dam built in 1891. The trail around the lake takes you right behind it.
2.) Sylvan Lake is 30 feet deep, with an average depth of 17 feet.
3.) Rock climbing is one of the most popular activities around Sylvan Lake. Keep your eyes out for climbers.
4.) The first Sylvan Lake Lodge was built on the far side of the lake. It burned down on June 30, 1935.
5.) Frank Lloyd Wright was set to build a new lodge at Sylvan Lake, but his delays forced the board to choose a new architect.
6.) The Dam at Sylvan Lake has a giant spigot at the bottom, which used to provide water for hydraulic mining operations.
7.) The begging' burros in Custer State Park are the decedents of burros used to take visitors to Black Elk Peak
2.) Sylvan Lake is 30 feet deep, with an average depth of 17 feet.
3.) Rock climbing is one of the most popular activities around Sylvan Lake. Keep your eyes out for climbers.
4.) The first Sylvan Lake Lodge was built on the far side of the lake. It burned down on June 30, 1935.
5.) Frank Lloyd Wright was set to build a new lodge at Sylvan Lake, but his delays forced the board to choose a new architect.
6.) The Dam at Sylvan Lake has a giant spigot at the bottom, which used to provide water for hydraulic mining operations.
7.) The begging' burros in Custer State Park are the decedents of burros used to take visitors to Black Elk Peak
Directions to Sylvan Lake
Click on the Link
Rapid City to Sylvan Lake - 50 min
Keystone to Sylvan Lake- 34 min
Hill City to Sylvan Lake - 18 min
Custer to Sylvan Lake - 14 min
Deadwood to Sylvan Lake - 1 hr 26 min
Keystone to Sylvan Lake- 34 min
Hill City to Sylvan Lake - 18 min
Custer to Sylvan Lake - 14 min
Deadwood to Sylvan Lake - 1 hr 26 min
