Sylvan Lake
Sylvan Lake is the most popular lake in Custer State Park. Although it is small, the lake has a swimming beach, and is very beautiful. The rocks surrounding the lake are also fun to climb on. The lake has picnic areas and is a center point for those wanting to hike and camp.
One of the starting points to hike to Black Elk Peak.
Nice trail around the lake.
Nice beach, but small.
Neat holes in the rocks to explore.
Osprey flying around catching fish that day.
Sylvan Lake from the top of peaks to the east.
Trail around Sylvan Lake in the winter.
Walkway to the bridge
Summertime is very popular here.
Can kayak along the lake or rent a paddle boat.
Cool rocks to climb in the summer and nice days in the winter.
Osprey with a fish in its mouth. Pretty cool.
Foggy day.
Watching all the osprey birds catch fish.
Dam behind the lake.
Sylvan Lake view from the cabins at Sylvan Lake.
Easy map to follow and understand.
To hike 4 trails from Sylvan Lake, click on the links below for more information.
If you only have 1 day to spend in Custer State Park, what would you do? This itinerary highlights the main attractions you cannot miss. Whether you prefer to stay in the car or take a short hike this itinerary gives you several options to enjoy the park to its fullest and still see all the sights that make Custer State Park famous.