One of the first things I thought about (other than Mount Rushmore) when we decided to visit the Black Hills for two weeks, was finding the rock used in National Treasure 2. It was in the scene where Nicholas Cage plays a joke on the rest of the cast by making them believe something has grabbed ahold of his hand.
In National Treasure 2, the rock (and scene) appears to be behind Mount Rushmore on a lake. In reality, while there is a lake behind Mount Rushmore slightly down the road, it was filmed at Sylvan Lake within Custer State Park.
Before we headed out on our 2-week adventure, I searched online to find the exact location. While I found several pictures, no one ever mentioned where the rock was located; other than the fact that you could get to it by taking the Sylvan Lake Trail that goes around the lake. That wasn’t really any help as the entire lake is surrounded by rocks!
After doing the entire trail we re-checked an area that I had previously told my youngest daughter, there was no way it was there. Turns out, I was wrong!
The exact location of the rock used in National Treasure 2
For those that like the adventure of a search, I deliberately did not post it here so as to not spoil it for you, so happy hunting.
If you would rather just know the exact location, you can watch the video below that I made, while you are there I’d also love if you wouldn’t mind subscribing to my channel:
While you are there searching for the rock, I would suggest also walking the trail that surrounds the lake as it is absolutely beautiful!
Word of Caution!
Turns out there are two rocks that look very similar to the one used in National Treasure 2, but after rewatching the scene in the movie, we are 100% sure the rock used in National Treasure 2 is the location I have given above.
Of course, we had to take some cheesy pictures while we were there!
Have you found the location? Comment below and let us know!
Check out my other post on things to do in the Black Hills and start checking things off the Black Hills Bucket List.
Found it! Our 4 yr old son is obsessed, so we took a ton of pics! Thanks for your directions! Looks like more trees & water in the movie on the shoreline!
Where are the directions to the exact location of the rock?
They are under the lock if you don’t want to search for it yourself. If you are unable to unlock the answer, just use the contact form here and I will reply with the directions. Or you can reach out to me on Facebook.
Trying to find the directions. I followed you on Facebook but still can’t find them. TIA
It should have automatically shown you the answer. If not, just use the contact form here on my site to reach out and I will email them to you.
Thank you!
We are going tomorrow can you provide us the location please. We are coming from Canada
The location is in the video above.