A Tradition Continues: Cedar Pass Lodge is Open for 2004 Season in Badlands National Park

Every summer since 1928, visitors to Badlands National Park have received a welcome at Cedar Pass Lodge. Built before the area was even set aside by the National Park Service in 1939, the cabins, gift shop, and restaurant have provided travelers with a place to sleep, eat, or purchase a souvenir. Ben Millard, a close friend of Senator Peter Norbeck, built The House By The Side of The Road as both his residence and a place to enthrall visitors with tales – some tall, some true – about life in the Badlands. When Millard passed away, he left his property, land and lodge, to the National Park Service as a headquarters area.

Cedar Pass Lodge is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and will have extended summer hours. Located just 100 meters west of the Ben Reifel Visitor Center, the Lodge has cabins available, as well as breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Forever Resorts, LLC serves as the concessioner under a contract with the National Park Service to provide these hospitality services. Forever Resorts operates several National Park Service concessions across the country and has managed Cedar Pass Lodge for three years. To make reservations, contact (605) 433 – 5460.

The Ben Reifel Visitor Center is open to visitors from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily and includes a bookstore operated by Badlands Natural History Association, the park’s non-profit education partner. A copy of the 2004 Prairie Preamble is available electronically at http://www.nps.gov/badl/