Now that we’ve crossed the threshold into warmer weather, let’s start planning those weekend excursions we dreamed about all winter and spring. Listed below are eight swimming holes in South Dakota to get you started. You’ll want to visit each one of them. Enjoy!

1. Cascade Falls - Hot Springs
Hot Springs, SD 57747, USA
Flickr/Sipris
This secret swimming hole near Hot Springs can't be seen from the road. But the good news is that since it's adjacent to the Cascade Falls Picnic Area, there's parking and a restroom. It's located approximately eight miles south of Hot Springs on South Dakota Highway 71. Be sure to look for signs to the picnic area.
2. Legion Lake - Custer
Legion Lake, East Custer, SD 57730, USA
flickr/blucolt




Head on over to Custer State Park for a dip in Legion Lake, one of four lakes in America's second largest national park. After all, nothing beats a day of Custer State Park swimming!
3. Evan's Plunge Mineral Springs - Hot Springs
Evans Plunge Mineral Springs, 1145 N River St, Hot Springs, SD 57747, USA
Facebook/Evan's Plunge Mineral Springs
Evans Plunge Mineral Springs has been a favorite swimming hole in this part of the world for hundreds of years. It was developed into a recreational pool in 1890. Five thousand gallons of spring water pump into the pool every single minute, changing the water in the pool 16 times each day. Note: There is a fee to visit this popular swimming spot.
4. Angostura Reservoir - Hot Springs
Hot Springs, SD 57747, USA
Facebook/Angostura and Sheps Canyon Recreation Areas




Angostura Reservoir offers nearly 40 miles of breathtaking shoreline, including this great beach for swimming and rest and relaxation. You'll certainly want to include this swimming hole on your South Dakota bucket list.

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5. Horsethief Lake - Pennington County
Flickr/Erin G.
From Keystone, South Dakota, you'll want to take Route 244 West for about five miles to find this amazing spot that's not far from Mount Rushmore. Cliff jumping is not recommended. However, you can still watch others.
6. Sheridan Lake - Rapid City
Rapid City, SD, USA
flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM
Another great recreational lake in the Black Hills is Sheridan Lake. With 7.5 miles of shoreline, there's plenty of space to spread out and have loads of fun.
7. Pactola Reservoir - Silver City
Silver City, SD 57702, USA
Flickr/jpellgen




In addition to a beautiful little beach, this great lake also has a marina and campgrounds. It even has some of the bluest water around.
8. Stockade Lake - Custer
Stockade Lake, West Custer Township, SD 57730, USA
Flickr/MortAuPat
Custer State Park's 71,000 acres offer more than one outstanding swimming hole. You'll definitely want to add this one to your list. While here, you'll enjoy the sandy beach and maybe a picnic. Of course, it all depends on if you can take your attention away from the view. And nothing beats a day of Custer State Park swimming!

Have you been to any of these eight secret swimming holes in South Dakota? If so, please share your experience(s) with us in the comments. Also, let us know what other swimming lakes in Michigan you’d add to the list.

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swimming holes in south dakota

Jennifer Young | May 14, 2022

What two South Dakota swimming holes are great for a family day trip?

If you love swimming holes and enjoy spending time with family, you're in luck because South Dakota boasts many swimming holes that are great for a family day trip. Listed below are two of our favorite South Dakota swimming holes that are perfect for a day in the sun. Don't forget to add them both to your bucket list:

  • Cascade Falls is located near Hot Springs, South Dakota. It constantly contains clear and warm water, which makes it one of the most unique South Dakota swimming holes.
  • Hippie Hole which features a waterfall, is located near Keystone in the Black Hills and is a great swimming hole for a family day trip. To reach it, you can hike along Battle Creek. Once there, you can jump from the waterfall, float in the water, and even sunbathe atop the rocks. The Hippie Hole is one of South Dakota's best-kept secrets and you'll love spending the day there.

 

What's one of the most picturesque parks in South Dakota?

 

Several parks are located in South Dakota. One of the state's most picturesque parks is Badlands National Park, which covers 244,000 acres and is located about 75 miles from Rapid City. Numerous people from all around the world visit this national park each year. Its massive geologic formations are what attract so many people. These formations also contain one of the richest fossil beds in the entire world. The main priority of Badlands National Park is to protect its mixed-grass prairie where bison, bighorn sheep, and more wildlife are currently living today. A visit to this national park will certainly be an unforgettable experience for everyone.

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