South Dakota
Nature|Beaches, Lakes & Rivers

This South Dakota Lake Was Just Named One Of The Most Beautiful In America

Sylvan Lake in Custer State Park, South Dakota, is recognized as one of the most beautiful lakes in America.

Updated May 5, 2023

Written by 

Annie

As South Dakotans, we are used to hearing rave reviews about our state but still enjoy it whenever we are acknowledged for having something that is one of the best. One of our more recent accolades? Having one of our stunning South Dakota lakes recognized as being one of the most beautiful in America! Can you guess which attraction is being called one of the most beautiful lakes near Rapid City South Dakota? Read on to see if you're correct:

Tucked away in the Black Hills is gorgeous Custer State Park and its equally gorgeous Sylvan Lake - the result of a man-made dam that is now one of the most photographed places in the state.

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Wikimedia Commons

Created in 1881 via a dam built across Sunday Gulch Creek, Sylvan Lake in South Dakota is quite possibly the most easy-to-recognize body of water, thanks to the dramatic rock walls that surround it every which way.

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Wikimedia Commons

Is it just me or does this picture look like it was taken in Acapulco and not in Custer County?

In addition to the beauty of the lake itself, Sylvan has become a popular place to visit during warmer months, thanks to its 17.3 acres of water sports opportunities...

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Flickr/Filter Coffee

...the lake's surrounding trails...

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Flickr/Tim & Stacy Fisher

...and, of course, the iconic swim beach!

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Wikimedia Commons

As per Architectural Digest, "Within Custer State Park, which is part of the Black Hills, the natural rock formations surrounding Sylvan Lake are mesmerizing."

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Flickr/Randy Watson

These beautiful blue waters make Sylvan the prettiest lake in South Dakota!

We couldn't agree more, AD!

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Flickr/bruce_fulton

Sylvan Lake - arguably the most photographed place in South Dakota - is open year-round and costs $20 per day for a short-term license.

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Flickr/Ben Piven

Are you ready to visit one of the best lakes in South Dakota? Are there other lakes near Rapid City South Dakota that you think we should cover?

Take a look at this stunning drone footage of Sylvan Lake:

Check out even more of our state's gorgeous lakes by looking at our list of the best South Dakota lakes.

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Nature|Beaches, Lakes & Rivers

Explore One of South Dakota’s Deepest Natural Lakes at Pickerel Lake Recreation Area

Nature lovers rejoice! Pickerel Lake is the deepest natural lake in South Dakota, and it's absolutely awe-inspiring.

Published Sep 2, 2024

Written by 

Tori Jane

Hidden away, up in northeastern South Dakota, is a special place that holds a very interesting distinction. Regarded as one of the deepest natural lakes in South Dakota, Pickerel Lake has 955 amazing acres of wonder and beauty just waiting to be explored - and best of all, it's open year-round.

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Did you know that there are more than 800 lakes in South Dakota? Yep - I know, it can get a little overwhelming at times, but for today let's focus on this one particular little slice of paradise featuring some of the coolest, clearest water you'll ever find.

The lake's value as a vibrant fishing area has at times been underestimated; up until 1979, there was a fish hatchery on-site, which has since been replaced with another facility at Blue Dog Lake.

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Kevin Kruse/Google Local 

There are dozens of awesome activities you can partake in while you're here: play a riveting game of basketball, horseshoes, or volleyball if you so desire. Alternatively, you can hike around the park (or simply around the lake!) and enjoy wildlife watching, geocaching, and LOTS more delightful things to do.

Pickerel Lake Recreation Area is open all year round, though between October 1 and April 30, showers and flush toilets might be closed - so if you need those, be certain to check before you go. There's an entry fee of just $8 per vehicle, which makes it delightfully affordable. Should you show up and fall madly in love with the park (don't worry, most folks do), you don't have to leave - you can always camp at one of the amazing designated campsites.

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Kelli Lardy/Google Local

If camping isn't quite your thing, worry not - there are also several wonderful, affordable cabins that are sure to please. Make sure to reserve yours in advance - these fill up quickly!

As for the lake itself, prepare for amazingness: this gorgeous, brilliant blue body of water reaches depths of up to 41 feet, with clean water that perfectly reflects the sky above on sunny days. The lake is fed by cool, calm spring waters, ensuring an amazing experience from start to finish with anyone who has even a passing interest in the great outdoors. Are you planning to visit and need an amazing place to stay while you're here? Check out all the coolest offerings from our friends at Expedia Travel.

For more information about this amazing little respite from real life in northeastern South Dakota, be sure to visit the official Pickerel Lake Recreation Area website.

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Nature|Beaches, Lakes & Rivers

5 Lazy River Summer Tubing Trips In South Dakota To Start Planning Now

Discover five top spots for river and lake tubing in South Dakota that should be on your summer bucket list.

Updated Jun 28, 2024

Written by 

Annie

Whether you need something to look forward to this summer or just want to try something new and exciting, there is nothing quite like tubing. If you are new to this lazy, and sometimes thrilling, activity and are not sure where to go, we recommend checking out these five lazy rivers for river tubing in South Dakota. They most certainly belong on your summer bucket list.

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1. Spearfish Creek - Lead

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Wickiup Village

When it comes to river floating, there is no better place to begin than Spearfish Creek, the best portion of which is managed by Wickiup Village. Reserved for their guests, Wickiup Village provides both tube rentals and fun for all ages, thanks to both fast and slow-moving streams.

2. Pactola Lake - West Pennington

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Google/Rocio Ferrer

It may not be a river, but you will always find people floating around the waters of Pactola Lake. Whether you hitch your tube to the back of a boat or float near the shore while awaiting the waves from the said boat, you are guaranteed a memorable day of rafting in South Dakota at Pactola Lake.

Take a look at this video by @HighSightDronePOV:

3. Rapid Creek - Rapid City

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wikipedia/Jeffrey Beall

The next time you visit Rapid City, South Dakota, make sure to carve out some time for not only its many landmarks and attractions but also for some tubing fun along Rapid Creek. Tucked away in the heart of the Black Hills, Rapid Creek is surrounded by the same pristine mountain beauty that you have come to expect from western South Dakota.

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Take a look at this aerial tour of Rapid City by @hunterfergen7039:

4. Missouri National Recreational River - Yankton

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Missouri River Rafting and Campground/Facebook

We couldn't have a list of the best river floats in South Dakota without mentioning the Missouri National Recreational River. Spanning a whopping 60 miles, there is no shortage of places to hop on and off in the recreation area. This is one of the best places for rafting in South Dakota.

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5. Big Sioux River - Sioux Falls

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Google/Miranda Burfeind

Last but certainly not least on our list of places to tube down a river in South Dakota is the Big Sioux River, which is a 419-mile-long tributary of the Missouri River. In addition to tubing, the Big Sioux River is also a favorite destination for fishing, kayaking, and rafting in South Dakota. You'll want to plan a weekend to try it all.

So, grab your tubes or rafts, and head for the water - and remember the sun protection! Do you have a favorite place for river tubing in South Dakota? If so, please share it with us in the comments. Also, if you've ever visited any of the tubing destinations above, please share your experience(s) with us. For even more summertime fun, be sure to check out this list of outdoorsy things in South Dakota that anyone can do.

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/south-dakota/things-to-do-in-summer-south-dakota/

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