April 12, 2023

This paid piece is sponsored by The Ramkota Companies.

Two years after an accidental fire damaged a popular area at Custer State Park, Sylvan Lake Lodge is ready to return.

“The lodge rooms that were damaged have been entirely updated, so it’s exciting to have them back online, and reservations are looking really strong there this summer,” said Gina Konechne, director of sales and marketing for Custer State Park Resort.

The resort is managed by Sioux Falls-based The Ramkota Companies, which late last year was honored for its work in the state park with the Organization Award for 2022 from the South Dakota Parks & Recreation Association. 

“This is a really exciting year throughout the resort, and while reservations are looking strong heading into summer, there is still availability, so we’re glad that more people are going to be able to experience it once they learn all that’s new here,” Konechne said.

“By the end of this season, all resort cabins will have been renovated within the last three years – and we’re talking windows, doors, flooring, furniture and fixtures, so that makes for a more comfortable experience for everyone.”

In addition to the updated Sylvan Lake Lodge guest rooms, which include new walk-in showers, the Sylvan Lake General Store has been rebuilt from the ground up and is scheduled to reopen this summer. The store will offer quick, casual comfort food, ice cream, coffee, general store merchandise and gift items. Lakeside seating will be first-come, first-served.

“The Sylvan Lake General Store has really been modernized and is better going to meet the needs and expectations of today’s guest,” Konechne said. “Sylvan Lake has its own brand and following, but it also still feels relatively unknown among some travelers. So it still feels a little undiscovered, and that’s an exciting part.”

Elsewhere around the park, there are “dramatic” renovations to Blue Bell Lodge, she added.

“People can’t believe it’s the same cabin,” she said. “Our goal is to keep a balance between that authentic, solid, log cabin feel with real stone fireplaces and a spacious feel that’s open and updated and refreshed. There’s a lot of personality to these cabins, and we think people will love them.”

This season also will bring a new, easier way for guests to reserve space at the many attractions offered by Custer State Park Resort.

Its popular Buffalo Safari Tours now can be booked privately and reserved online. Named among the top 10 U.S. safaris, “booking a private tour makes it unforgettable,” Konechne said.

“Our custom-stretched Jeep Wranglers are only large enough to accommodate about seven guests, so it’s very achievable for a small group to book a private tour and make it their own experience.”

Other popular experiences including hayrides, chuck wagon cookouts and horseback riding.

The 18-mile Wildlife Loop in Custer State Park offers an ideal scenic drive. Along the way, the Bison Center also will be new to many visitors at Custer State Park. Opening in 2022, it includes a store offering bison-inspired gifts and souvenirs to remember your time along the Wildlife Loop, along with a selection of snacks, drinks and ice cream.

“There’s also a shaded picnic patio, so it’s a great place to take a break and do some shopping and have a snack,” Konechne said.

Dining throughout Custer State Park Resort is “looking really strong,” she added.

“Our hiring looks very good this year, and we’re feeling very positive about our restaurants going back to operating with normal hours and full menus. Seven days a week, breakfast, lunch and dinner, so we’re excited to get back to normal, and everything is looking set up for success.”

Full-time employees of The Ramkota Companies also are eligible to be part of the employee stock ownership plan.

“That’s a rare benefit in the hotel industry that encourages long-tenured senior management and is especially key when managing the inevitable turnover of a seasonal resort,” Konechne said. “Plus, our senior leadership team has decades of experience at Custer State Park Resort. So summer teams are more easily able to step into their rhythm and more likely to return the next year if they know they’re coming back to a team they enjoy and trust. That consistency carries through to the guest experience, which is always the top priority.”

Ramkota CEO Josh Schmaltz also has a long history at Custer and is based there, “which is a huge asset,” Konechne added. “Josh has been here since Ramkota became the concessionaire in 2007 and still spearheads major projects while staying actively involved in operations. His knowledge and expertise in the park can only be built over time and strengthens our decisions as we move forward together.”

Whether the year ahead brings leisure travel, the need for a corporate event or even a wedding, she encourages guests to reach out and prepare to enjoy the park.

“We’re seeing so many people excited about getting together again, so our group bookings are very strong. But even with a shorter booking window, including for weddings, we encourage people to call and inquire about dates because there may be options,” Konechne said. “A stay in the park has just never been better.”

To connect with Custer State Park Resort online, click here.

Park partnership honored as Custer State Park Resort continues building for the future