As the curtain falls on a significant 20-year chapter, The Ramkota Companies, a South Dakota-based, employee-owned hospitality giant, prepares to bid farewell to Custer State Park Resort. Since 2007, Ramkota’s stewardship has transformed this iconic South Dakota gem into a top-tier destination, showcasing the state’s rich heritage and its potential as a tourist hotspot.
Custer State Park, sprawling over 71,000 acres in the Black Hills, has long been celebrated as one of America’s premier state parks. It hosts historic lodges, cabins, restaurants, and offers diverse wildlife activities. Under Ramkota’s guidance, the park has undergone a remarkable metamorphosis, combining its rustic charm with modern conveniences.
Josh Schmaltz, the President and CEO of Ramkota, reflects, “We hit the ground running on day one. From renovations to new construction, we never slowed down. We kept investing. We kept making things better.” This dedication is visible in every corner of the park, from the refreshed cabins to the historic State Game Lodge, which has hosted Presidents Calvin Coolidge and Dwight Eisenhower.
The significant $11 million upgrade, greenlit by a 2014 amendment to the concession agreement, led to enhanced cabins, lodge improvements, and infrastructure upgrades, preserving the park’s history while enhancing the guest experience. Echoing this sentiment, longtime South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks commissioner Dick Brown praised, “They’ve done a wonderful job. I have nothing but good things to say about their management.”
The transformation of Legion Lake Lodge in 2016, featuring updated amenities and a renewed life, stands testament to Ramkota’s commitment. Sylvan Lake Lodge also saw renovations after a 2021 fire, further positioning it as the Black Hills’ lodge experience of choice.
Dick Brown
Moreover, the restoration of Mickelson Chapel and the creation of a new accessible amphitheater near the Custer State Park Visitor Center have expanded the park’s functionality for weddings and educational programs. Ramkota’s strategy, which included voluntary guest contributions to the Custer State Park Foundation, underscores its commitment to sustainable growth and community engagement.
Throughout Ramkota’s tenure, the resort experienced an average growth of 9% year-over-year, outperforming statewide tourism trends. Schmaltz proudly highlights, “During our tenure, we overspent our personal property obligation by $3.8 million to make the park better. We believed in making investments for the long-term prosperity of the park.”
Custer State Park
As the handing over approaches, Schmaltz acknowledges, “For 20 years, we were given the opportunity to serve Custer State Park. We will always be grateful for that. We gave it everything we had.” The next chapter for Custer State Park begins on the firm foundation laid by The Ramkota Companies, promising continued excellence and innovation.
Looking forward, the hope is for the new guardians of this South Dakota treasure to carry on the legacy Ramkota has left behind. As Brown said, “If it can do as well in the future as it has in the past, South Dakota will be even brighter.”
This transition symbolizes a continued partnership between public and private sectors, emphasizing how initiatives like Ramkota’s can elevate local destinations to global recognition, harnessing South Dakota’s historical charm coupled with modern-day tourist allure.