Sylvan Lake (South Dakota)

Sylvan Lake
Rock formations near lake
Location of Sylvan Lake in South Dakota, USA.
Location of Sylvan Lake in South Dakota, USA.
Sylvan Lake
Location of Sylvan Lake in South Dakota, USA.
Location of Sylvan Lake in South Dakota, USA.
Sylvan Lake
LocationCuster County, South Dakota, United States
Coordinates43°50′44.52″N 103°33′48.57″W / 43.8457000°N 103.5634917°W / 43.8457000; -103.5634917
Primary outflowsSunday Gulch Creek
Basin countriesUnited States
Surface area17.3 acres (7.0 ha)
Average depth12.8 feet (3.9 m)
Max. depth30 feet (9.1 m)
Shore length11 mile (1.6 km)
Surface elevation6,145 feet (1,873 m)
1 Shore length is not a well-defined measure.

Sylvan Lake is a lake located in Custer State Park, in the Black Hills of South Dakota, United States. It was created in 1891 when Theodore Reder built a dam (the Sylvan Lake Water Dam) across Sunday Gulch Creek.[1] The lake area offers picnic places, rock climbing, small rental boats, swimming, and hiking trails. It is also popular as a starting point for excursions to Black Elk Peak and The Needles. A hotel was operated on the shore of the lake in the early 20th century .[2]

The lake was featured in Disney's 2007 film National Treasure: Book of Secrets. The film made the lake appear to be located directly behind Mount Rushmore when in reality it is actually five miles southwest of Mount Rushmore.

  1. ^ Interactive Hotel Solutions. "Sylvan Lake Lodge". Holiday Junction. Retrieved 2008-01-11.
  2. ^ Postcard, us-roots.com.