Sylvan Lake, Custer State Park, South Dakota

Foggy day at Sylvan Lake South Dakota
Foggy day at Sylvan Lake South Dakota.

Sylvan Lake, located within Custer State Park in South Dakota's Black Hills, was formed in 1881 by Theodore Reder's construction of a dam on Sunday Gulch Creek. The lake and its surrounding granite formations are a popular destination for activities such as rock climbing, boating, swimming, and hiking. It also serves as a trailhead for excursions to notable natural landmarks like Black Elk Peak and The Needles.

Photo taken in July 2019.

Photo Part Of
South Dakota
Badlands, Black Hills, and Custer State Park across multiple trips
26 photos
Custer State Park
20 photos
Sylvan Lake
2 photos
Map
OpenStreetMap Google Maps
More from South Dakota
Highway 44 Through Badlands National Park, South Dakota
Highway 44 Through Badlands National Park, South Dakota
Highway 44, a key east-west route in South Dakota, traverses the dramatic geological formations of Badlands National Park. This paved…
Indian Creek Drive, Badlands National Park, South Dakota
Indian Creek Drive, Badlands National Park, South Dakota
Indian Creek Drive, a gravel road, traverses the rugged landscape of Badlands National Park in South Dakota. This route, located…
Black Elk Peak Trail Descent at Dusk, Black Hills, South Dakota
Black Elk Peak Trail Descent at Dusk, Black Hills, South Dakota
A hiker descends the trail from Black Elk Peak, the highest point in South Dakota, within Custer State Park. The…
Granite Outcrops Along Highway 87, Black Hills National Forest
Granite Outcrops Along Highway 87, Black Hills National Forest
This landscape along Highway 87 in the Black Hills National Forest showcases the region's characteristic granite highlands, formed by the…
Horseback riders on Black Elk Peak trail, South Dakota
Horseback riders on Black Elk Peak trail, South Dakota
Horseback riders ascend a trail on Black Elk Peak in South Dakota's Black Hills, a landscape often shrouded in mist.…
Black Elk Peak Trail in Fog, South Dakota
Black Elk Peak Trail in Fog, South Dakota
The trail to Black Elk Peak in South Dakota's Black Hills is shrouded in fog, with light rain making the…
Nearby Photos

Built in Minneapolis

Photographs showcasing change over time

Browse by location, move through long-running series, or start with recent work.

© 1996–2026 Chad Davis