Mesmerizing Waters That Skyline Needles Highway
Living peacefully amidst the granite spires of Custer State Park at elev. 6,145 feet, Sylvan Lake begs for room in your Black Hills itinerary; and for everything that comes with it.
Needles Highway (part of Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway, which has been named as one of the Top 10 Most Outstanding Byways in North America) peaks at Sylvan Lake. But the beauty up top doesn't end; it only evolves. Come hike, explore, fish, swim, rock climb, kayak, picnic, or simply walk the mild one-mile lakeshore trail that takes you behind the massive boulders to discover waterfalls, bridges, and trailheads.
Sylvan Lake consists of seventeen (17) acres of peaceful waters, formed in 1881 when the creek at Sunday Gulch was dammed. Motorized watercraft is not permitted.
At the lake, travelers will not be left without conveniences. Sylvan Store offers retail & fast casual dining, and the Restaurant and front desk is just up the hill. To top it off, resort cabins sprinkle the hillside between the store and the lodge. Sylvan campground can be found on the other side of the lake.
Fun Fact: Part of National Treasure, II was filmed at Sylvan Lake. In the movie, it appears that the lake can be found behind Mount Rushmore; when in fact, the national monument is about a 30 minute drive away.
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In Custer State Park
