Sylvan Lake Tours

Photo by Jayne Hope
Photo by Amy Graham
Photo by Ronald Wilson
Photo by Hobo Ahle
Photo by Lynn Glashauser


Enjoy some time out from busy concrete cities at Sylvan Lake. This is an ideal place to fill your lungs with fresh air, unwind and simply delight in the scenery.

When you've spent a bit of time at this body of water in Custer, why not make your way to Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Memorial, and Presidential Trail? They're close to Sylvan Lake and also a favorite with travelers.

Plan a trip to see Sylvan Lake

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Roosevelt Inn Mount Rushmore
The Hotel By Gold Dust
The Bank Hotel - Deadwood

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Sylvan Lake

Spring Creek Splendor. The Perfect Location. Private Lower Level Apartment. Fun!

Spring Creek Splendor. The Perfect Location. Private Lower Level Apartment. Fun!

Hill City
Spring Creek Splendor. The Perfect Location. Private Lower Level Apartment. Fun!
Grandpa’s Place. Exclusive, Stunning, Private Log Home. Firepit & Pond.

Grandpa’s Place. Exclusive, Stunning, Private Log Home. Firepit & Pond.

Custer
Grandpa’s Place. Exclusive, Stunning, Private Log Home. Firepit & Pond.
Barrel Springs ★ Secluded Stay in a Wonderful Creekside Getaway ★

Barrel Springs ★ Secluded Stay in a Wonderful Creekside Getaway ★

Custer
Barrel Springs ★ Secluded Stay in a Wonderful Creekside Getaway ★
Tenderfoot Creek Cabin | 2 Bed, 1 Bath

Tenderfoot Creek Cabin | 2 Bed, 1 Bath

Custer
Tenderfoot Creek Cabin | 2 Bed, 1 Bath
Rustic Rock Haven - Horses Welcome

Rustic Rock Haven - Horses Welcome

Custer
Rustic Rock Haven - Horses Welcome
Cozy cabin near all the attractions in the Heart of the Hills! Pet friendly!

Cozy cabin near all the attractions in the Heart of the Hills! Pet friendly!

Custer
Cozy cabin near all the attractions in the Heart of the Hills! Pet friendly!
Lodge at Palmer Gulch

Lodge at Palmer Gulch

2 out of 5
12620 HWY 244, Hill City, SD
Lodge at Palmer Gulch
Papa’s Place on Willow Creek

Papa’s Place on Willow Creek

Custer
Papa’s Place on Willow Creek
EverSpring Inn & Suites

EverSpring Inn & Suites

3.5 out of 5
616 Main Street, Hill City, SD
EverSpring Inn & Suites
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Sylvan Lake

Near Sylvan Lake in Custer, South Dakota, visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking on scenic trails that showcase the area's natural beauty. The surrounding landscape offers breathtaking views, making it perfect for day hikes and leisurely scenic drives. Whether you're an experienced hiker or just looking for a relaxing stroll, Sylvan Lake provides a stunning backdrop for outdoor adventures.

Shopping

For shopping in Sylvan Lake, visit Teddy Bear Town and Things That Rock, both located 6 miles away, offering unique gifts and souvenirs. If you're up for a drive, check out Rushmore Mall, 25 miles away, featuring a variety of shops and family-friendly entertainment.

Recreation

At Rocky Knolls Golf Course, enjoy a serene golf experience surrounded by nature, just 7 miles from Sylvan Lake. For family fun, Holy Terror Mini Golf offers adventurous mini-golf challenges, also 7 miles away. Experience a unique twist at Putz n Glo, a black light mini-golf venue located 14 miles from Sylvan Lake.

Adventure

The Presidential Trail offers a scenic hiking experience, located 5 miles from Sylvan Lake, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. For family-friendly camping, visit the Sheridan Lake South Shore Campground, situated 10 miles away. For thrill-seekers, Sylvan Rocks Climbing School, also 10 miles away, provides exhilarating climbing adventures.

Nightlife

In Sylvan Lake, Rushmore Tramway Adventures offers thrilling arcade fun just 7 miles away, perfect for family vibes. The Black Hills Playhouse, also 7 miles away, presents captivating theatrical performances, while the Grand Magic Show, located 6 miles away, enchants visitors with its magical entertainment.

Find the best attractions near Sylvan Lake

Explore the stunning Sylvan Lake in Custer, South Dakota, where you can enjoy scenic views, iconic landmarks, and unique rock formations. This area is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking cultural experiences. Take advantage of picnic areas and discover the beauty of the lake and its surrounding peaks. With various accommodations available, Sylvan Lake offers a memorable getaway filled with nature and adventure.

  • Mount Rushmore: Experience the grandeur of this iconic landmark, featuring the carved faces of four U.S. presidents. Just 6 miles from Sylvan Lake, it's a celebration of American history and culture, with scenic views and educational exhibits that enhance your visit.
  • Mount Rushmore National Memorial: Located 6 miles from Sylvan Lake, this memorial honors the nation's history through its impressive granite sculptures. Enjoy cultural insights and engage with the surrounding beauty, making it a perfect spot for reflection and appreciation.
  • Crazy Horse Memorial: Situated 3 miles away, this ongoing project honors Native American heritage. The massive rock sculpture offers stunning outdoor scenery and a chance to learn about indigenous culture, providing a unique and enriching experience.

Best time to go to Sylvan Lake

The best time to visit Sylvan Lake can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Sylvan Lake falls in July, when visitor numbers are high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Sylvan Lake falls in February, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with no rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January23.9°F (-4.5°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageModerately Low
February22.5°F (-5.3°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
March33.6°F (0.9°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
April39.7°F (4.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageModerately Low
May50.4°F (10.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyHighAverage
June62.6°F (17.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyHighModerately High
July69.6°F (20.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyHighModerately High
August68.0°F (20.0°C)Light RainSunnyAverageModerately High
September60.6°F (15.9°C)Light RainSunnyAverageAverage
October44.4°F (6.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyLowAverage
November34.0°F (1.1°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyLowModerately Low
December24.3°F (-4.3°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyLowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Sylvan Lake

To save money on your trip to Sylvan Lake, consider visiting during the cheaper months of January, April, or November, and aim to book your stay on a Wednesday, as Saturday rates are typically highest. Use Expedia to find the best deals by filtering prices from low to high and consider package deals that combine flights, hotels, and activities. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can provide exclusive discounts and allow you to earn cash for future bookings. Additionally, explore free activities in the area and consider camping for more budget-friendly accommodations.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The hotel pricing around Sylvan Lake is moderately seasonal. The cheapest months to stay around Sylvan Lake are January, April and November, where the prices are moderately lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are moderately higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Sylvan Lake is Wednesday. The most expensive day to stay around Sylvan Lake is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. To find the best prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Sylvan Lake with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.