Sylvan Lake at Custer State Park

Custer State Park, South Dakota's first and largest state park. 

(71,000 acres) 

I knew it was a must go place that we had to visit and explore while we were in South Dakota because while researching for our vacay, it always popped up for a #1 place to visit. 

We started the morning going to the air and space museum which started as a chilly, cloudy start to the day. But thankfully, the afternoon turned out amazing. Little clouds and the temperature was perfect!

The number one spot that people say to visit within Custer State Park is Sylvan Lake, so we headed towards the lake, not really knowing what we were getting ourselves into. 

Driving up to the lake, we were driving on what they call the pigtail roads. We literally were winding up through the mountain side, which was a pretty awesome sight, but kind of scary at the same time because you are so close to the edge, all the while we are passing other cars on the other side. You definitely have to take it slow and easy.

Once we got to the lake, the kids got amped up just seeing the water. They were more then ready to jump right in, but we weren't prepared for that to happen. 

Walking to the lake, we noticed some trails, so we went for a hike and I am so glad we did. It was the most beautiful hike that we have ever taken. There was water falling down the rocks and I mean the rock formations themselves were beautiful to look at. Every formation was so different and beautiful in their own way. 

1 of the 3 dams located in Custer State Park

We ended up having a great hike and the kids never even complained, even when there were some harder areas to climb. We will for sure be a place we return to and maybe we will do some camping up in the state park too!