When it comes to swimming and other warm-weather fun, there is no better place to be in the Mount Rushmore State than Sylvan Lake, thanks to its stunning surroundings and namesake swimming hole. Despite the area’s beauty, however, it is often overlooked during these chilly and downright cold months, which should not be the case:

Nestled inside the equally gorgeous Custer Park, Sylvan Lake manages to be a stunner year-round, thanks to its pristine water, dramatic cliffs, and surrounding Black Hills landscape. 
TripAdvisor/cathyd
Created in 1881 after a dam was built across Sunday Gulch Creek, Sylvan Lake is one of the most photographed bodies of water during the summer but doesn't seem to get the recognition it deserves during the snowy winter months. 
TripAdvisor/WIBYRIC
Despite the lack of swimming and other splish-splashing warm-weather fun, there is still plenty to see and do during wintertime at Sylvan Lake, beginning with incredible hikes like the aptly named Sylvan Lake Loop Trail, Sunday Gulch Trail, and the nearby Black Elk Peak Trail. 
TripAdvisor/Stacey D

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Too cold to get out of your car? No problem, as you can simply hop on the famous Wildlife Loop State Scenic Byway, which boasts ample wildlife sightings as well as jaw-dropping landscapes. 
TripAdvisor/Eric M
Do you want to make an entire weekend out of your trip to Sylvan Lake? There are even nearby cabins and lodges available for rent!
TripAdvisor/BugTrvl
For more information on lodging, please visit Sylvan Lake Lodge's website or call (888) 875-0001. 
As if you needed another reason to visit (and love) Sylvan Lake, it is also conveniently located near such attractions as Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse. 
Google/Chris Prescott
To learn more about Sylvan Lake and Custer State Park, please visit the South Dakota Department of Tourism's website.
Google/Geoff Hodges

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Sylvan Lake, East Custer, SD 57730, USA