Things to do in The Black Hills, The Black Hills: The Best Bodies of Water

January 10, 2022 Concepcion Newsome

Discover the best top things to do in The Black Hills, United States including Sylvan Lake, Center Lake, Grace Coolidge Creek, French Creek, Stockade Lake, Legion Lake, Horse Thief Lake, Spearfish City Park, Iron Creek Lake, Long Valley Picnic Area.
Restaurants in The Black Hills

1. Sylvan Lake

Custer, SD +1 970-328-2021 http://gfp.sd.gov/state-parks/directory/custer
Excellent
80%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,902 reviews

Sylvan Lake

Popular lake in Custer State Park.

Reviewed By spookie5150 - Jefferson City, United States

Sylvan lake is one of several lakes in Custer State Park and probably the prettiest. There is lots to do in this area, several great hiking trailheads accessible from the parking lot, a nice easy trail around the lake, a general store, picnic areas, etc. The rocks on the far side of the lake are a scrambling/climbing paradise for kids (or adults) who may not be up for the longer trails nearby. If you're passing through and don't have a ton of time, I think this is probably the best "bang for your buck" quick stop in the park. Get there early for some solitude. Not to be missed!

2. Center Lake

Custer, SD
Excellent
56%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 41 reviews

Center Lake

Located at Custer State Park, this lake offers fishing, swimming and a nearby campground.

3. Grace Coolidge Creek

Custer, SD +1 605-255-4515
Excellent
65%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 40 reviews

Grace Coolidge Creek

This waterway, which passes through Custer State Park, is popular with fishermen and hikers.

Reviewed By eggersty - Eden Prairie, United States

Crack Coolidge creek is a lovely creek. You can camp by the creek, and also go fishing in the creek too.

4. French Creek

Custer, SD http://www.frenchcreekranch.com/
Excellent
55%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
18%
Poor
5%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 22 reviews

French Creek

Accessible only by hiking.

5. Stockade Lake

Custer, SD
Excellent
55%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 133 reviews

Stockade Lake

This South Dakota lake offers fishermen a variety of fish.

Reviewed By Nyormirror - Bay City, United States

We saw this lake right when we entered the park through the west on 16A and could not believe how peaceful it was. This is the largest of the 5 lakes in Custer but appears to be the quietest. Our stop had a few picnic benches. They allow fishing, boating and swimming. You can also camp and hike by the lake. This stop will let you get unplugged and get away from the masks, the virus and enjoy nature’s way of social distancing.

6. Legion Lake

Custer, SD http://custerresorts.com/lodges-and-cabins/legion-lake-lodge
Excellent
61%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 165 reviews

Legion Lake

A recreational and beach area.

Reviewed By Chris_From_Mich - Commerce Township, United States

we rented a cabin here. the lake is beautiful, perfect, and calm for kids. boat and padfleboard rental onsite. some simple food (fast food counter type) is available here. no nice dinner is served here, as in other locations, but there lake is pristine. i say "yes"

7. Horse Thief Lake

Black Hills National Forest Hwy 385 South, Keystone, SD +1 605-574-4402 http://recreation.gov
Excellent
59%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 99 reviews

Horse Thief Lake

Reviewed By MPrize10 - Topeka, United States

Stopped by after a trip to Mount Rushmore and witnessed the most gorgeous views of this beautiful lake!

8. Spearfish City Park

119 S Canyon St, Spearfish, Spearfish, SD 57783 +1 605-642-1340
Excellent
20%
Good
40%
Satisfactory
20%
Poor
20%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

3.5 based on 5 reviews

Spearfish City Park

Reviewed By gingersnaps527 - Spearfish, United States

What is not to love about this park? I stop by at least weekly during non-winter months. The grounds are kept cleaned and mowed. The public bathrooms are clean. There is a large playground area for young children and plenty of benches and picnic tables. Several picnic tables are under awnings. It is located near the D.C Booth National Fish Hatchery which is also fun to spend time. I like to sit on a bench near Spearfish Creek and read. This is a perfect place to spend time.

9. Iron Creek Lake

Iron Creek Lake Road, Spearfish, SD https://visitspearfish.com/things-to-do/iron-creek-lake
Excellent
33%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
34%
Overall Ratings

3.5 based on 3 reviews

10. Long Valley Picnic Area

Long Valley Ln, Lead, SD 57754 +1 605-673-9200
Excellent
0%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
100%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

3.0 based on 1 reviews

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