Grand Reopening to be held at Custer State Park's State Game Lodge
CUSTER, S.D. - The Department of Game, Fish and Park is celebrating its centennial in 2009, and what better time to showcase the state park system's oldest building. The State Game Lodge in Custer State Park underwent extensive renovations over the winter, and South Dakota State Parks' Open House Weekend, May 15-17, marks the grand reopening of the lodge.
Open House Weekend waives entrance fees for all visitors to South Dakota's state parks and recreation areas. "This is a great time for visitors to view the improvements at the State Game Lodge," said Richard Miller, Custer State Park superintendent. "Guests will notice a new accessible public entrance on the backside of the lodge, as well as a new gift shop, expanded dining area, and exterior site improvements among other renovations."
Grand reopening events include:
• Special grand opening menu in the Dining Room. See the Historic White House Dining room, the new lounge, and gift shop.
• Coffee and lemonade in the Game Lodge Lobby, Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
• Ice Cream social on the front lawn of Game Lodge, Saturday, 2 to 3 p.m.
• Tours of Creekside Lodge, State Game Lodge, and cabins.
Register to win one of the following prizes:
• Register at the Creekside Lodge to win a two-night stay at the Game Lodge.
• Register at the Game Lodge to win a dinner for two at the Game Lodge.
• Register at the Coolidge Store to win a Jeep Safari for two.
• Register at the Norbeck Visitor Center to win a free park entrance license.
In honor of Open House Weekend, Custer State Park will also be hosting a number of family activities both Saturday and Sunday, including cookouts, nature hikes, free hayrack rides, a fishing derby, nature programs and demonstrations. A full schedule of events can be found online.
Custer State Park is located five miles east of Custer off US 16A. For more information about the lodge grand opening or other open house weekend events, call Custer State Park at (605) 255-4515.
