Legion Lake is a beautiful lake in Custer State Park. We parked there for a picnic; had fun walking a bit around the lake, and taking photos. There is a nice lodge here, boating opportunities, and one can see birds and other wild life. It is one of the more peaceful areas for lodging in the park.
If you are searching for a quick fishing spot or swimming beach, Legion Lake is very close to Highway 16A and is somewhat in the center of Custer State Park. The fishing tends to be good all year, but the area's close proximity to the highway makes it kinda busy with tourists. The nearby Legion Lake Store is convenient, but it adds to the congestion by luring even more visitors off the highway.The rock formations are beautiful, and the one-mile trail around the lake is easy to moderate for families. Yet, as compared to Sylvan Lake or even Stockade Lake, Legion Lake is nothing more than an average site along a busy scenic byway. Explore the park even further and check out the spots that do not see as many visitors ... you will be glad that you did.
I was driving Needles Hwy and stopped to take a view photos of the lake. It was a rare gorgeous day in May on a Sunday and there were many people around and a wedding was being set up on one side. I continued on the road and found a lodge at the top of the lake. I stopped for a late lunch at the lodge and had a buffalo burger. The view was fantastic and the food was really good. I would travel there again. Maybe stay in the lodge too.
We stopped off the road and decided to have dinner. How many places can you get a fried egg sandwich with cheese and ham on sourdough and a side of fruit? The Asian Salad was also delicious and made fresh. The menu does not say it has tomatoes and I am allergic, so the cook made another fresh salad for me when mine came with tomato. But, the best part of the entire meal was the flaky crust and fresh blueberries in a pie a la mode. I will probably eat pie first and then decide if I need vegetables.The server was very good too!
Want to swim in a beautiful clean lake in the Black Hills of South Dakota? Then make your way to Legion Lake. Want to fish for some rainbow trout? Make your way to Legion Lake.
It was difficult to fish with the awesome beauty surrounding Legion Lake! A buffalo popped over the horizon as I was reeling in a Rainbow Trout! That doesn't happen every day!
Loved this little lake, great sunsets, stars, fire pit. Stayed in house keeping cabin with views of lake. While cooking was cramped, it worked. Small cabin for five people, but okay for two. Beds were too soft for our liking, and decor dark. Windows open inward, so worried about bumping into them. While supplied, you may want to bring your own dish towels & rags. A sponge was provided, but I think a clean one for each visitor change, is in order, rather than having to reuse the same sponge. Who knows how long it had been in use. So rating cabin and housekeeping a three, location a four.
We stayed at the legion lake resort. The cabins are small but functional with a microwave and refrigerator. The walk around the lake is very nice. We did not paddle boat but I can imagine that would be fun. Food at the restaurant was average at best.
This lake is breathtaking. It is on the Needles drive. You won't be sorry. I wish we had more time to stay here.
We visited Legion Lake a few times during our stay at Custer State Park. We fished - no bites even though we could see fish swimming! :)The kids enjoyed swimming there - beach was nice. We enjoyed the restaurant also - had dinner on the deck overlooking the lake!