May 19, 2026

This piece is sponsored by The Ramkota Cos.

Step back in time when you stay in historic accommodations unlike any other in South Dakota.

Six rooms at the State Game Lodge within Custer State Park Resort have been meticulously renovated, preserving the rich history and character of the iconic sleeping rooms.

“The first guests stayed in the rooms last season, and we had a phenomenal response,” said Josh Schmaltz, president and CEO of The Ramkota Cos.

“We ran over 90 percent occupancy for the season, and once people stayed in one room, we started seeing them come back if there was an opportunity to try out a different room. It really is a unique experience in each individual room.”

Each blends modern comfort with historic charm.

In partnership with Perspective, now part of EAPC Architects, The Ramkota team identified six figures of historical influence in South Dakota and designed guest rooms to reflect their identities.

They include:

The Coolidge Room

President Calvin Coolidge made Custer State Park his summer White House, and this room captures the essence of his era.

You’ll find a design that evokes a sense of tradition and understated elegance, while Coolidge’s original desk remains in the room.

The Eisenhower Room

President Dwight Eisenhower visited Custer State Park, and this room honors his legacy with warm wood tones, introspective dark-blue hues and a mixture of Victorian and modern aesthetics.

The Expedition Room

Inspired by the era of the Lewis and Clark Expedition and the Victorian revival of the 1800s, the Expedition Room emphasizes a blend of native and European design influences, from a tall native grasses and tribal print to eclectic light fixtures, metalwork and warm wooden elements.

The Norbeck Room

Named for Peter Norbeck, South Dakota’s ninth governor and a three-term U.S. senator, the Norbeck Room reflects a distinctly South Dakotan theme. Retro orthogonal tiling, plaid-style wallpaper and dark, rustic colors — including forest green, tanned brown and black — are contrasted with shades of white.

Wood paneling, tree-line wallpaper and images of the land create a wilderness-inspired atmosphere with cozy sophistication.

The Mary Shields Pyle Suite

The Mary Shields Pyle Suite honors Mary “Mamie” Shields Pyle, known for her leadership and support of women in South Dakota. Reflecting her commitment to women’s empowerment, the suite features a feminine palette of pastels, intricate patterns in the wallpaper, fabrics and tiling, and detailed lighting fixtures and furniture that add to the room’s elegance.

The Grace Coolidge Room

Inspired by Art Deco and first lady Grace Anna Coolidge, the Grace Coolidge Room pairs subtle elegance with bold, ornate design. Hues of green and deep blush, detailed wooden furniture, a large canopy bed and aesthetic wall moldings shape the space, while polished hardwood flooring and rich, dark wood add warmth and timeless character.

The chance to stay in a historically renovated room reflects how travelers increasingly are looking for distinct experiences, said Katlyn Svendsen, global public relations and content services senior director for Travel South Dakota.

“Travelers want accommodations that tell a story and create a sense of emotional connection,” Svendsen said.

​​“Experiential travel today is less about simply ‘checking into a room’ and more about immersing yourself in a destination’s culture, history and atmosphere.”

That balance “is incredibly powerful in today’s tourism market,” she said. “Travelers want memorable stays they can emotionally connect to — experiences that feel unique and rooted in history rather than interchangeable. The State Game Lodge restoration fits directly into that trend.”

While reservations are booking fast, there are still opportunities to stay in the rooms this year.

“You might need to be flexible with your travel or move within the resort during your stay, but there dates available to experience these rooms,” Schmaltz said.

Ramkota marks 20 years this season as operator of Custer State Park Resort, with a consistent record of continual improvements to the property.

“We understand what a gem this is for travel in South Dakota, but reinvestment is critical to ensuring guests have the best experience and are inspired to return,” Schmaltz said. “Nearly every season, we’ve brought something new or improved to this property.”

That ongoing reinvention is extremely important, Svendsen said.

“Today’s travelers want authenticity, but they also expect comfort, quality and thoughtful hospitality,” she said.

The most successful heritage destinations “are the ones that preserve their character while continuing to evolve the guest experience.”

Continual reinvestment signals to consumers that the property is being cared for and thoughtfully maintained, she added.

“What Custer State Park Resort has done especially well is improve the guest experience without losing the sense of place that makes the resort special,” Svendsen said.

“Travelers don’t want historic destinations to feel outdated — they want them to feel timeless. Maintaining and enhancing the lodges, cabins, dining experiences and amenities helps ensure that new generations of travelers continue to discover the property while longtime visitors continue returning.”

Later this season, a new fully ADA-accessible amphitheater donated by The Ramkota Companies will open, centrally located at the Visitor Center and offering an inclusive outdoor gathering space for educational programs, park events and community use.

It’s one element of the “Great Places Don’t Just Happen” campaign to fund 30 projects in state parks across South Dakota, organized by the South Dakota Parks & Wildlife Foundation.

“We’re also implementing a ‘round up’ campaign in all of the resort’s retail gift shops so guests can further support the effort,” Schmaltz said.

The season ahead appears to be off to a solid start.

Advanced reservations for the summer are pacing ahead of last year, Schmaltz said, with especially strong demand from reunions, weddings and group events.

“We’re pacing well ahead of last year with groups, reunions, weddings — we have a lot on the books going into this year,” he said.

“There’s still some availability in the latter part of the season if you wanted to book a corporate retreat or something like that, but you’re going to have to be flexible with your dates.”

The broader travel environment also appears favorable for destinations like Custer State Park Resort, Svendsen said.

“Research across the tourism industry shows that travelers in 2026 are prioritizing experiential travel, wellness-oriented getaways, heritage experiences, slower travel and authentic connections to place,” she said.

“I think the resort is very well positioned for another strong year, particularly among travelers seeking multigenerational vacations, couples’ getaways and experiential outdoor travel.”

The resort’s mix of outdoor recreation, scenery, wildlife and historic hospitality aligns closely with those trends.

“Custer State Park Resort is a cornerstone of South Dakota’s tourism offerings. It’s more than unique lodging within a state park,” Svendsen said.

“The resort delivers multiple experiences travelers are actively seeking right now, including access to nature, authentic Western heritage, immersive outdoor experiences and opportunities to disconnect and recharge. Travelers increasingly want destinations that feel meaningful and memorable rather than overly manufactured, and Custer State Park Resort offers that naturally.”

Even amid economic uncertainty, Schmaltz said, the Black Hills continues to appeal to travelers looking for affordable and memorable vacations closer to home.

“What we’ve seen in the past is with high gas prices we never really saw a dip, but we probably saw more local people within the five-state region,” he said. “They’re maybe not traveling to Florida or taking the long road trip — they’re taking closer road trips or staycations.”

Part of the appeal is that many of the area’s signature experiences remain accessible without added cost.

“You can drive the Wildlife Loop or Iron Mountain Road or Needles Highway, where the activity is driving through and enjoying the scenery and wildlife, and that’s all free,” Schmaltz said. “There’s lakes, you can rent a paddleboard or kayak from us for the afternoon, and that’s affordable entertainment.”

Learn more and book your stay at Custer State Park Resort here.